@SailingFox
Hi there. Welcome to the Healthy Living Subcommunity.
We are sorry to hear that you are experiencing these issues and concerns. But its great that you are receiving help and medical advice from a professional healthcare provider!
I know how challenging it can not only be going through a physical medical issue but also psychological issues as well (such as anxiety and depression).. It can certainly be both challenging and difficult to deal with all at once.
I am a nurse ,and while we are of course not allowed to give medical advice, I would say that if you are experiencing physical issues such as "Heart Palpitations" that it can be due to various reasons. I'm not sure what your specific reasons are (if they are related to the hole in your heart or for other reasons?).... or if your doctor has discussed this with you at all? I would certainly advice not going against what your physician has stated if they feel its a good reason to not exercise during this time. Especially since you are having or have been having an "ongoing" medical issue and concern. As I'm sure you wouldn't want to make the condition any worse. Which is probably why he is advising "against" it!
Even with Pilates or any type of "physical" activity, I would still get the "Okay" from your physician to do so just to be sure.
Best of luck to you moving forward!