Good Morning Jill,
You're not alone in feeling this way. I'm four months post op and have these same issues. My Dr recently put me on a med to slow my heart rate. It has come down but still avgs around 80-85. He'd like for it to be 60-70. I'm still in cardiac rehab so that may help to improve it.
My sternum was really hurting a few weeks ago. I was taken off the arm machines and arm exercises for two weeks to give it time to "calm down." During that time I limited my upper body activity and used an ice pack and Tylenol when needed. It's been feeling much better so I was put back on the arm machine this past week. It still aches but not nearly as sore. I posted a question on here last month and in someone's reply they said that this recovery is a marathon and not a sprint. Which is definitely something I needed to hear, I remind myself of this quite often. This group and everyone on here has been a lifesaver for me : )
I know exactly what you mean when you say you feel heaviness in your chest. Every morning when I get out of bed it feels like my chest is going to fall right out of my body and hit the floor. If I hold my shoulders back it doesn't feel as heavy. This lasts for about 15 minutes after waking. I do still feel slight heaviness throughout the day. I'm not sure why it feels this way but I just wanted to let you know you're not alone.
I'm a side sleeper so I still use a soft pillow to hold onto. I've noticed I sleep better this way.
I hope this helps you, best of luck on your continued recovery : )
Michelle
------------------------------
michelle leverett
Ridgecrest CA
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 09-21-2019 23:16
From: Jill Farfan
Subject: Sternum pain
Hello everyone,
I am seven months post open heart surgery of a patch to my heart after being diagnosed with ASD primum. My heart rate is a bit high but controllable with meds and starting to get a little better with regular exercise. However, my sternum aches! I still don't feel comfortable sleeping on my side and it just feels heavy in the middle of my chest (some days worse than others, but I don't know why). Is this normal? Did anyone else feel this way? I welcome the opportunity to hear your experience...
Jill