Hello Jeanne and Jenny,
As a Mended Hearts member and accredited visitor, I am glad to see the two of you sharing information with each other. Talking out a situation assists in the healing process.
As for the pain, please be aware the sternum can take up to a year to heal for some people. It is made up of cartilage, not bone. That takes longer to heal. You are both correct that increased activity can increase the pain. I had pain for over 6 months on a regular basis after my surgery.
Plus the nerve ending of the tissue around the surgical site is trying to heal as well. That can cause a very sharp needle-like pain from time to time. This is all normal and it does get better with slow progressive activity and exercise. Just go at an easy pace and you will see positive results.
The Nausea will go away after you get off the pain meds and your medications become more stabilized. Some folks don't get much nausea ( the lucky ones) :o)
I recommend not trying to eat everything everyone around is eating. For almost 6 weeks I wanted oranges and popsicles all day every day. I was craving it. It really helped my nausea as well because I was eating very small meals due to the snacking on the oranges.
It is really crazy what helps one person but not another. Just know it does get better. It really does.
Take care and keep communicating.
Richard Short
Chapter 395