Mended Hearts Open Forum

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  • 1.  Sternal pain

    Posted 07-29-2019 06:49
    Hi everyone, 

    I had OHS to replace my aortic valve and aortic root repair 7/119
    I really didnt have much pain in my sternum ...until now.  I have increased my activity and been walking outside on on treadmill and I suspect that is the cause.  The incision looks fine but just wondering if others had similar experiences? Is it normal to have more pain a month later?

    Thx

    Jeanne

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    Jeanne Thompson
    Louisville KY
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  • 2.  RE: Sternal pain

    Posted 07-29-2019 15:39
    I had ohs to replace my mitral valve on 7/1/19.  I am also 4 weeks post op.  I went a week or 2 without much pain, but now at 4 weeks the pain seems to be coming back with the extras I've been doing. The nurses at my cardiac rehab told me that it's completely normal to feel this way, it's just the bodies way of getting use to the new work from healing.  Just don't overdo it too quickly. I've already put myself back in the hospital at 2.5 weeks for overdoing it.

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    Jenny Brogan
    Hastings NE
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  • 3.  RE: Sternal pain

    Posted 07-29-2019 15:56
    Hi Jenny.   I saw your response to Jeanne. I am at the same time marker as you.  I too had ohs for a Mitral Valve Repair.  I was wondering if you were or had been experiencing headaches or nausea?  I was fine for the first couple of weeks but going on a week now I have been nauseous on a daily basis.  I don't have a fever or any signs of infection.  Just a lot of sternum pain, nausea and depression. 

    Thanks 

    Cyndi

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    Cynthia Maxfield
    Housewife
    Centennial CO
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  • 4.  RE: Sternal pain

    Posted 07-29-2019 18:12
    Cyndi, I had nausea early on and again about a week ago I had nausea again and seemed like I was flu-ish but then it went away. I have been having a lot of sternal pain and the depression is getting worse. I upped my depression meds and am starting counseling on Thursday. I've finally realized that I'm taking all my emotions out on my family and it's not fair to them

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    Jenny Brogan
    Hastings NE
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  • 5.  RE: Sternal pain

    Posted 07-29-2019 16:02
    Hi Jeanne. Just had a thought. Have you been bound?  My doctor informed me at my first post operation visit that binding the breasts  can assist with the pain and help with healing. I am a D cup so I have a lot of weight. When I am out of bed and a bit more active I wear a sports bra and the bra I was bound with after surgery as support and it does seem to help a little. My doctor said they used to give them binders to all his female patients until the insurance companies stepped in over the cost. He said you can purchase a proper binder at a medical store but they cost a couple hundred dollars.  I'm not sure if this will help but I thought maybe since you were being more active you might need some added support.  Hope it helps! 

    Cyndi.

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    Cynthia Maxfield
    Housewife
    Centennial CO
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  • 6.  RE: Sternal pain

    Posted 07-30-2019 13:31
    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