My Mum had a triple heart bypass 6 weeks ago tomorrow and is still getting a lot of pain in her chest. She was taken by ambulance yesterday from her doctors surgery as they though she might have had an angina attack, it turns out that she didn't and the pain could possibly be her chest healing. I am interested to learn about peoples pain in particular womens pain tbh and how long it should last and how you cope. I would like to help my Mum as much as I can so would love to gain as much information as I can.
Thank you
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Mitchsmith42
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I have a quad just over a year ago and this is from a male view.
6 weeks is still early and the chest bone hasn't properly knitted back together as of yet. what she may be feeling is where the wires are settling down, the muscle and nerves round them are reconnecting which caused me a lot of pain. The scar itself can also be quite painful, she should be encouraged to moisturise it, bio oil, rosehip oil are things I have used. Others will come along with more suggestions.
If it is the wires, she could apply ibuprofen gel directly on to them, not on the scar, that gave me some relief.
Sorry to hear what your mum has been through but great that she has support and family there for her. The BHF has some info on recovery after heart bypass surgery however it's not specific to females. If you are ever concerned about your mum's recovery it's best to discuss with a doctor or cardiologist as recovery time can vary from person to person.
Having been through a triple bypass and now nearly back to normal I feel great sympathy. I think I felt all sorts of strange and diverse symptoms. It is very scary leaving hospital after so much attention. I felt it difficult to differentiate between what was real and what I imagined. All I can say from my own experience is that you WILL get there and feel much better. I can now walk fast without feeling tight chested and when lock down is over back to tennis before my seventy eighth birthday.
Bishop1 double bypass on 14 th de c 2020. Making a good recovery. Scar still very sore. When should I start using bio oil. Would like advice on diet please
I had AVR surgery 8 weeks ago and subsequently had a pacemaker fitted. I still get some chest pain. It takes about 12 weeks for the sternum to heal completely but you can still get chest pain for several months afterwards - I also had heart surgery six years ago so speak from experience. What might help at night is using a rolled up towel against her chest (in my case I use my old teddy!). I find it gives some support when sleeping on my side and it stops me rolling too far over.
I had a AVR nine years ago and remember the pain from where the breast bone had been cut well. In my case I could feel the two plates physically move slightly and it did go on for quite a few months after the op but gradually got less and less until it went completely. My husband had an emergency triple AAA back in August and he doesn’t feel a thing!
Michelle is my Daughter, and I cannot express just how much Love and Respect for her that both my husband and I have. She has made this experience more bearable and we don't know how we would have coped without Her love , compassion and total devotion, You are so right, I do feel our roles have reversed, She is my rock.
I had a triple heart bypass just over 8 weeks ago and I do still feel pain in the chest area. I was told by the heart rehab nurse that this was most likely nerve endings knitting back together. On my heart rehab course, I have a lady who had a double bypass on the same day as me. Just before Christmas she was saying that she still feels out of breath. I saw her yesterday and she said that she feels fine now. I guess what I'm saying is, we all heal at different rates. You've been through a hell of a lot so from a Psychological perspective you are probably feeling very fragile.
I can say from experience that everyday you will get stronger and more confident :-). I'm now back at work now and whilst I feel a little tired and sore, I feel a lot better than earlier post op.
Hi, I had a valve replaced 7 weeks ago today. I was doing really well, just managing the pain with paracetamol. However, last Wednesday I woke up with chest pain, which got worse during the day and the paracetamol didn't help. I rang my GP and he said to come straight to the surgery, To cut a longish story short, he completely checked me over and concluded it was just my intercostal muscles, which I had probably strained. He gave me a stronger pain killer which soon eased the pain. I'm pleased to say, just 2 days later the pain has subsided.
So advise your Mum to take it really easy. It's easy to come complacent and overdo it.
I know exactly how she feels. The progress seems quite quick at first and then it levels off. I am a bit disappointed about how last week went, it was like 2 steps forward and 3 steps back. But I know from the many posts on this site that recovery is lengthy. The main thing is listen to your body and keep a positive attitude. Roll on the spring. I'm extremely grateful that I had my op last year before all this NHS chaos started. Best wishes to your Mum. We will get there, x
Hi, I had a triple bypass 15 year s ago, when I was only 44. I remember analysing every pain and pump after for many weeks. Where the rib cage is wired back together I still experience discomfort. Whilst it is a life changing and saving operation, it is still a big trauma to your body and does take time to heal. I was a young and formerly fit woman but still took 3 months off work to fully heal and get my head around what I had gone through. So I think your moms reaction and anxiety are fairly normal. Best regards Deborah
I had a triple last April and my scar has healed well, but the nerve pain can take a lot longer as I have found. So I found using bio oil hepls, but I get a very hot stinging pain around my chest area especially if
At 6 week’s I was in a lot of sternum pain and now at 8/9 weeks I still wake up thinking I’ve done something awful overnight. It does ease off during the day and comes back later on.
Sorry guys I think it’s more uncomfortable for women especially larger chested ladies like myself. Finding the right supportive bra without putting too much pressure on the scar area has been a challenge. My favourite has been M&S post surgery bras ( warning buy bigger than your normal size). I’m not saying that’s the only reason but it doesn’t help.
Make sure your Mum isn’t afraid to ask for correct pain relief. I’m still on strong pain relief at week 8 and would be lost without it. We are all different and have unique healing rates.
Make sure she doesn’t overdue things during the day as she will pay for it later on with horrible pain. Been there and got the t-shirt.
Having read your mum’s comments you are an amazing daughter and so supportive well done you.
I am in the same boat as your Mum, I had a triple bypass almost 6 weeks ago , I am 61 yrs old. I still have a lot of chest pain, It feels as thought I have had boiling water poured over me. I just take regular pain killers every 5/6 hours, they help, but don't get rid of the pain altogether. I have been told by an ex nurse , that it is the nerves coming back to life and rejoining, so can be quite painful . I don't know if that is a true statement, but will ask my consultant this week when I see him for my 6 weeks post op check. I know how your Mum feels, you just want the pain to go so you can get on with your normal life, she is not alone . Good luck.
Thanks for your reply I’m sorry your in pain it’s horrible seeing my mum in pain although recently the pain seems to be getting better. My Mum is now 9 weeks into her recovery and amazes me every day with how well she is coping with life changing surgery.
I have my fingers crossed for you that you are feeling better very soon.
Hi I’m 12 weeks in and although my sternum pain has largely gone I do experience discomfort if I turn the wrong way, lift something too heavy, or the big one, lay on my left side... clear indications that I’m not fully healed but day to day, I’m pretty much pain free after 12 weeks
Hi, my first question has to be how old is your mother as the older you are the longer it will take.
I had a quintuple last May and had no issues apart from sneezing, learnt quickly not to keep the sneeze in.
The only Iain chest wise I had was and is still there when I pull my shoe laces tight.
I was bag in the gym bench pressing 100kg before I was allowed to go to the gym and I work offshore as a roughneck. Very physical job. No pain issues ever.
On a personal point of view your mother should not be in so much pain 6 weeks late.
I’m only 49 so I’m quite young to have had it. I’m sure it’s a lot worse the older you get.
I hope your mother heals soon and is feeling better.
Sorry hear mum still recovering it take time I'm same 5 and half week op triple just noticing in not as sore it sleeping tht worse .try get comfy xxgood luk
Hi. I am 12 weeks post triple heart bypass. I still get twinging pains in my chest. They seem to go in phases. I now know that it is my body healing. I spoke to cardiac nurse and she said these can happen for up to 12 months. I could not lie on my back to sleep for at least 6 weeks as the wires felt uncomfortable. When I stand up my chest feels tight for a few moments.
I was admitted to hospital for the same reason as your mum a few days after I came home after my op and cardiologist was very understanding. The cardiac nurses have been helpful when I just need to ask a question.
I hope this helps your mum
Christine
PS I’ve just noticed this post is 4 years old. I’m new to this forum
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