any fellow equestriennes out there?

supersally

Hi all, I am slated for my BMX with immed reconstruction on 1/31.  I ride hunter/jumpers, usually ride 3-4x/wk, jumping usually 2x/wk.  I typically show A/AA shows about once a month on average.  My question is how long realistically before I can get back in the saddle?  Jumping?

My PS says I can have physical activity at 4 wks barring complications.  I was riding (although only at a walk) four weeks after my radical hysterectomy.  Jumping probably at 8 wks.

scouter

Hi Barbara,

I think I was back in the saddle after 4 weeks, but after I started chemo I was a little shaky.  I rode once a week through chemo but just on trails..  You sound much fitter than I!  If you read COTH, there have been threads about this; here is a good one:

http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=232305&highlight=breast+cancer

 Best of luck to you!

supersally

good idea, Scouter, hadn't thought of looking on COTH!

Maya2

I think 4 weeks is about right as well. But, be sure to wear a very supportive bra. You don't want to damage all the good work. You can judge for yourself as you recover and of course get your doctor's okay. At a walk you may be able to ride earlier. I think you'll know. In the meantime, spend as much time as possible at the stable chatting with your buddies.

annapc

I just had a lumpectomy,so rode about a week later (just easy flat work--no sitting trot!)  It was actually good because I was a bit sore, so had to keep my upper body relaxed--and a bad riding habit is getting tense in my arms!  And I concur re the sports bra

I gave up the lease on my horse when I started chemo as I wasn't sure what to expect, but am having serious horsie withdrawls so am going to start back up again.  And there is another woman at my barn who did have a MX and has been riding pretty consistently throughout.

 There is something about horses that is very theraputic so even if you are not back on the show circuuit right away, I would try to get back in the saddle!  Good luck!

Laurie09

Hi,

I was riding about 4 weeks after mastectomy.  I thought I would be itching to ride that whole time, but between the drains and being sore, the first 2 weeks I couldn't even think about riding.  It really flew by.  

Good luck to you.  The ponies are so therapeutic!  

haltsaluteatx

Hello

I am chiming in abit late. I hadn't checked this topic in awhile. I rode about 3 months after BMX. I had some issues with arm weakness and numbess on cancer side. I also developed LE. Mostly balance issues bothered me. However that being said horses are good for the soul. I found brushing really good for my arm stregnth. My horse would get brushed twice as I groomed him fully with left and right arm. I also brushed his pasture mate when I was done too. I am anxiously awaiting better weather for more riding time. It has been a terrible winter for riding here. 

Nicole