Mended Hearts Open Forum

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  • 1.  Heavy and tight chest

    Posted 07-03-2020 15:27
    Can anyone give me a general idea how long it may take for the heavy and tight chest annoyance to go away. From what I read, it may take a year or longer to ease.  It feels like Im carrying a 10lb plate on my chest and at times hard to sleep. .

    Thanks,
    Robert Sauder.

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    Robert Sauder
    Cumming GA
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  • 2.  RE: Heavy and tight chest

    Posted 07-04-2020 07:52
    Robert, I can't answer that question as my surgery was too recent (5/18), but have you tried sleeping with a wedge?  That helped me sleep more comfortably. I found mine on Amazon (bed wedge). Good luck!

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    Anne Birdsong
    Occupational Therapist
    Rural
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  • 3.  RE: Heavy and tight chest

    Posted 07-04-2020 09:02
    Hello Robert and Anne,
    About the chest. Everyone is totally different. I had a CABG X 4 in 2015, and to this day the left side of my chest is partly numb. I had some very odd sensations while trying to take deep breaths post-op that lasted several months. 
    I had constant sternum pain for about 4 to 5 months post-op. I still get the occasional jab of pain in the sternum. I also still have some tender spots that if some pressure is applied that hurt on the sternum. Tightness of the skin and chest wall is still present. 
    Now having said all this be assured you may have completely different healing sensations than I did. 
    Please know that I have full range of motion of my arms and I can chop wood and lift things without pain and I am feeling very good about the limitations I do have. They remind me to listen to my body and not over do things. 
    I can promise you that it does get better. It is better today than it was when you left the hospital and it will be better in 60 days than it is today. Just stop thinking that it will go away overnight. It takes time and it is slower for some of us than for others.
    Take care and Happy 4th to you.

    Richard Short
    Chapter 395  






  • 4.  RE: Heavy and tight chest

    Posted 07-04-2020 10:36
    Thanks Richard,
    Yes,  it does take time and hope the heavy feeling  dissappears with time.  I notice it less some days than others and I assume the nerves and bone need time to heal and mend .  
    You have a great 4th,also

    Robert Sauder

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    Robert Sauder
    Cumming GA
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  • 5.  RE: Heavy and tight chest

    Posted 07-04-2020 10:31
    Thanks Anne, I will check it out at Amazon and Bed Bath. 

    Robert Sauder

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    Robert Sauder
    Cumming GA
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  • 6.  RE: Heavy and tight chest

    Posted 07-05-2020 11:16
    It takes a long time for your sternum will take a long time to heal and get the bones to fuse back together. I remember icing my chest for the first year when it was uncomfortable. That helped a lot. So would icy hot patches with the numbing affect. Take care and keep on staying strong. God Bless.

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    [Carrie] [Kashani]
    Parapro
    ISD
    [White Bear Lake [MN]
    Carrie
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  • 7.  RE: Heavy and tight chest

    Posted 07-05-2020 11:28
    Thanks Carrie....I will give your suggestion a try

    Robert Sauder

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    Robert Sauder
    Cumming GA
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