Lacy and Terry,
It can take a whole lot longer than 8-12 weeks to fully recover from open heart surgery. They literally sawed your sternum in half and then put it back together with basically baling wire. Some people don't feel fully recovered for up to a year post surgery. I had off an on discomfort in surrounding chest muscles, similar to muscle pulls, for months afterwards. I'm fairly lean and I have a very visible lump by my solar plexus for the 5 years since my surgery that I would scare the devil out of most people but that my cardiologist said from the beginning was nothing. Personally, I think its part of the baling wire they used to put my chest back together. Still can't lie on my stomach without feeling it but it has absolutely no impact on my life, including when weightlifting, enjoying bodyweight exercises, running and cycling. I am still afraid of getting hit in the chest so I don't fool around with boxing or martial arts anymore.
Give it time and realize that you have just gone through enormous physical trauma. If you have issues or concerns about the healing process and pains, speak to your cardiologist about them.
Give it time and go live your life without fear. Consider psychotherapy and meditation if your anxiety is getting the better of you.
Best of luck and keep us posted.
Ira
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Ira Reid
Hoboken NJ
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-04-2023 09:25
From: Terry Tannenbaum
Subject: How long is sternum Pain
Hi Lacy,
Yes, it is normal to have chest pain and discomfort for up to 8-12 weeks due to all of the nerve endings finding their way back into place after the sternotomy. I'm coming up on 12 weeks and I am practically 99% pain free. You should notice slight improvements with each passing week.
With warm regards,
-Terry T. (mitral valve and tri-cuspid repair)
Original Message:
Sent: 1/4/2023 1:17:00 AM
From: lacy hoover
Subject: How long is sternum Pain
I went in for a Arota dissection and when they got in they said it was fine . I'm 42 and I'm thankful everything was ok since it was emergency surgery . However my anxiety is through the roof . Every day I have pains in my chest area . I'm not sure if it's just my sternum healing or what all my X-rays show good and my ekgs .
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Lacy ] Hoover ]
manager
ard
Stevenson AL
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