Mended Hearts Open Forum

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  • 1.  Muted klunk like sound in Chest

    Posted 05-12-2020 23:35

    Hello, Surgery patients, I Have weird question, any similar experiences?
    I had 3X CABG 11 weeks ago, most respects doing pretty well,
    chest and breast harvest area still ache BUT:

    Hard to find the exact right word/s but I have a clunking,
    blumping, similar to gas moving sensation.
    Located just left of center, Bottom of incision, under the ribs
    (not sternum shifting), not in the lungs. Today more centered

    Most of the time, nothing.
    Virtually only with movement,
    Walk, it shifts,
    Clear throat/ cough, it shifts,
    Sometimes quick breath, shifts,
    Slow breath like breathing exercise, no.

    I assumed it was a gas pocket and should have been absorbed by now.
    Several weeks back it felt louder more pronounced.
    Recently, more often and muted. 


    Last week asked Cardiologist PA, She was not familiar with it.

    Not hurting, no fever, just weird & thought I would ask.

    Any thoughts,
    Thanks
    tom



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    Thomas Devlin
    Retired
    Boynton Beach FL
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  • 2.  RE: Muted klunk like sound in Chest

    Posted 05-13-2020 08:46
    I also had strange feelings or clunkings after getting home from my surgery at about 11 weeks.  

    It bothered me enough that I notified my  surgeon and had a CT Scan which showed a fracture of my sternum.  

    I was told to cut back on my arm and upper body exercises and to come back in May of this year, but because of Covid 19 my new CT Scan has been put off until later this summer.

    I know now what I should or should not be doing, but the healing takes a longer time in most cases then we expect

    I would call your Surgeon Pronto and find out what is actually going on with your sternum

    Good Luck Thomas

    Mary H





  • 3.  RE: Muted klunk like sound in Chest

    Posted 05-13-2020 10:04
    ​I never experienced anything like that after I had my surgery, Tom, but maybe you should ask your thoracic surgeon, who may be better able to answer your question than a cardiologist PA.  No offense to all the hardworking dedicated PA's out there but, in my experience, when something unusual seems to be happening, I get better results by speaking directly to the MD who was directly involved.

    Please keep us posted.

    All the best,

    Ira

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    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
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  • 4.  RE: Muted klunk like sound in Chest

    Posted 05-13-2020 11:28
    Hi Everyone. 
    I remember havin that clicking and my doc said it has to do with your back getting back in place. When you're in surgery and your chest is open your back and shoulders are bent for a very long period of time and that popping is your joints getting back in place. I had the worst back pain during recovery. It hurt just as much as the front of me. I don't remember how long it lasted but it was a while. That is my experience. I'm not a doctor to say that is the problem :) Good luck and stay safe!

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    [Carrie] [Kashani]
    Parapro
    ISD
    [White Bear Lake [MN]
    Carrie
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  • 5.  RE: Muted klunk like sound in Chest

    Posted 05-13-2020 13:40
    Greetings, Tom.
    As a 6 bypass patient (2003), I have met many in our Mended Hearts Support group and each have had a unique experience. What you are are experiencing, I cannot recall any other patient with something similar. I recommend that you speak directly with your surgeon and your cardiologist.
    God blesses you!
    Johnny Hunter

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    Johnny Hunter
    Fayetteville NC
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