10 weeks post-op pain
Is there some one out there who is close to being 10 weeks post -op from bypass surgery or can remember how they felt at this point and can answer this question? Besides pain in the sternum I have pain in all the small bones and collar bone as well as pain in the entire upper chest area and also in the middle of my back. Because I have a lot of shortness of breath (my husband calls me the breathless wonder) I'd like to know if the pain is normal or perhaps related to the breathing problem. I am still waiting to see a lung specialist. Perhaps if some one has time they could outline their recovery since none of the information I have seems to focus much on the pain. I live in Canada and the post-op follow up appears to be different. I saw the cardiologist once and the surgeon once since leaving hospital. The care is left to the family doctor. Thanks for the help.
I seem to remember pain in my collar bones as well as done the center. I thought I would have it forever, but at seven months it is gone. I also experienced pain every time I took a deep breathe. It is gone too. I think it is really important to do your breathing exercises. I know they helped me alot. losing her ribbons as well as her whiskers formerly Countess Talks Too Much
Muscle pain in the upper chest, shoulders, and back is VERY COMMON following any type of Heart Surgery. The reason is that those muscles are S T R E T C H E D way beyond your normal movements. Basically, you are opened up much like a clam shell and some surgeons may open the chest until your shoulder blades touch if they need access to the rear of your heart. Many hospitals provide a booklet with recommended stretching exercises. Cardiac Rehab has special 'arm machines' to help loosen up tight shoulder and chest muscles (BIG HELP). Bottom Line: Learn how to do the recommended stretches and do them every day. If your insurance won't cover Cardiac Rehab, go visit a class to see what they do and ask the nurses if they can give you a copy of the recommended exercises. MASSAGE often gives more relief than pain medications, especially on those long back / shoulder muscles. Bottom Line: Laying Around is the SLOW way to recovery. "Ya gotta MOVE to IMPROVE" 'AL' In a message dated 11/5/03 9:57:27 PM Central Standard Time, donnakaydelaney@... writes: << About your pain in your neck, back shoulders, I have the same thing. My surgery was July 28, 2003, but I had a lot complications, so I feel not quite up par as yet. The pain seems to be there most the time, but I did notice, when I use my arms to much, doing anything, even driving, the pain increases. It hurts just to lay down in bed, left side or right side, I find myself waking up on my back, when I am not a back sleeper. My Drs. said it was probably from the surgery, laying on the table, arms out streched, and opening up the chest area. If I can answer any thing else, let me know. Donna St. Paul, Mn.