Could this really cold weather be causing neck pain?

[MKB38]

I'm 11 weeks post AVR and doing well. The only problem seems to be deep breathing, which causes momentary discomfort in the left hand side of my neck.

However, both on Saturday night and Sunday night my neck really hurt whilst in bed. Last night it throbbed despite taking paracetamol. On both days I'd been out walking in the cold, probably for about 45 minutes.

Does anyone know if that could be the reason? My neck doesn't feel bad this morning. I'm going to cardiac rehab tomorrow so I'll also get their advice. Thanks.

[skid112 Heart Star]

HI MKB, doubt its the cold, could be muscular as its pretty invasive surgery and your body is still settling down. Ask at your rehab class and possibly rub some ibuprofen gel in and around the area

good luck

Mark

[Mary_Janet in reply to skid112]

Would just add that if you are on warfarin ( which I think I read that you are) can't use ibrufen gel but the pharmacy would be able to suggest a suitable gel.

I had neck/shoulder pain following surgery and ended up getting physio. Apparently it is common, normally I have I have had good posture but post surgery I have hunched up to protect my scar !

Good luck at rehab tomorrow.

[MKB38 in reply to Mary_Janet]

Thanks Mary_Janet. Luckily I'm not on Warfarin as mine is a tissue valve. I'm sure you're right about hitching up in the cold. It's much better today. I hope you are doing well. Margaret xx

[MKB38 in reply to skid112]

Thanks for the advice Mark. All very sensible. I knew my heart friends would help. It's great to know other people have these problems, although mine pale into insignificance in comparison to others. Take care. Margaret

[Sina-6491]

I second what Mark, has said.

Hope you are feeling better soon ☺

[MKB38 in reply to Sina-6491]

Thanks. I definitely think it's muscular and maybe exaserbated by my posture when out in the cold. It's fine today as I've kept warm. M XX

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I tend to agree with muscle stiffness/tension brought on by the cold. When temperatures drop to near freezing I find I am much more prone to angina. If it continues I would suggest a chat with your GP should be your next move.

[MKB38 in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks Michael. Let's hope the weather warms up soon. Margaret

[Ethel13]

Hi Margaret,

I’m sorry to hear that you are suffering neck pain, I’m not sure if this is relevant; but did you have canulars in the left side of your neck when you had surgery? If so there might be a connection. I get pulsating tinnitus in my right ear, the same side as I had canulars. Just a thought.

Hope you get to the bottom of the cause soon.

With love, Dory x💕

[Sina-6491 in reply to Ethel13]

I get it in both ears, got it right now, hmmm...😕

[Ethel13 in reply to Sina-6491]

Oh dear Sina, it is so annoying hearing your heart pounding in your ears. I have ordinary ringing tinnitus which I can cope with but the pulsatile tinnitus is a whole different ball game.

Have you any idea what causes yours, did it start post op? x💕

[Sina-6491 in reply to Ethel13]

I get the ringing too, but not as frequent.

I have to say though, if any, I find the pulsating heartbeat sound easier to cope with for the most part. Well if I have access to my tablet that is. I usually put a documentary or music on. I fine sometimes the beat blends in with the sound from what I am listening to on the tablet.

And sometimes it can be quite soothing to send me to sleep.

Daytime I find for the most part I am detracted from the everyday sounds.

Yeah so I guess I have learnt to live with it.

I think I have had the ringing for a fair few years.

The pulsating I think the first real memory is about 14 years ago when my mum died. But it really was once in a blue moon. I put it down to a bit of normal anxiety from any kind of traumas.

The pulsating really got going a few months before my heart attack I think on memory.

Brain injury from childhood car accident. So memory not always accurate I am afraid.

Anyway, I can definitely remember discussing it with a Gp soon after my HA. I asked her was it conected to my heart issues, she said no.

That is when I was first diagnosed with tinnitus.

I can't help thinking the pulsating tinnitus is indeed conected.

It always seems to be worse when I am having issues with chest pain, AF, breathing and blood pressure.

I am sure there is a conection, they just haven't sientificly researched it yet.

So after a long story lol!

The awnser to your question, I had mine long before my opp.

How about you, when did yours start? Why do you recon you suffer from it? Do you have any idea on the possibles.

😕😊😊😊

[Ethel13 in reply to Sina-6491]

Hi Sina,

You’ve certainly been through it. My pulsatile tinnitus started post op and like you gets worse with exertion. Dory x💕

[Sina-6491 in reply to Ethel13]

Hope it subsides soon lovey 😊😊

[Ethel13 in reply to Sina-6491]

Thank you x💕❤️❣️

[MKB38 in reply to Sina-6491]

Oh bless you. As I said before, my problems are insignificant compared to many on this site, but I still appreciate the support! I hope yours improves soon. Love Margaret xx

[Sina-6491 in reply to MKB38]

Bless you, we all have our health issues. Unfortunately you my love have had just as bad health problems as the rest of us.

But enough of all that, here's to a brighter future for us all ha....

Onwards and upwards girl 😊😊😊

[KazSumm]

Hi Margaret

I had a neck pain and in between my shoulder blades

It is partly due to the operation and also tensing ourselves to protect our sternum. By week three I couldn’t stand the discomfort, and nothing seemed to relieve the pain so I had a back, neck and shoulder massage ( I sat in a chair and put my head on a pillow on the table)along with a Indian head massage and a Thai foot massage the next day it hurt like hell and I did wonder if I’d done the right thing, but 2nd day had all gone and I never had a problem after that. I do find that walking in really cold weather takes my breath away , and these last few cold days my neck always feels cold and a bit stiff and I wear a scarf in doors which really helps.keep warm it’s going to be a cold week. Hope your Not a pain in the neck for long 😂 Kaz❤️💕💖

[MKB38 in reply to KazSumm]

Hi Kaz, thanks for sharing. I think it was partly due to my posture being out in the cold because I've stayed in the warm today and it feels okay. I hope you are doing well. Love Margaret xx

[KazSumm in reply to MKB38]

I totally agree, it’s so cold, I ache and I can’t get warm, so I’m off for a nice hot bath 🛀 and try out some of those smelly things I had for Xmas 😆

I feel a lot better, just finished the vitamin D course what a difference joints ache less, feet are no where as painful, and mood swings and feeling low are vastly improved, starting to feel more like me, with a twist 😂 got a blood test next week. Will definitely take vitamin D in the winter months. Wow your 11 weeks gone so quick , and apart from the odd snag you seem to be recovering well, I’m so pleased for you.take care Kaz❤️💕💖

[MKB38 in reply to KazSumm]

You pamper yourself, you deserve it. Xxx

[Sina-6491 in reply to KazSumm]

Oh that sounds heavenly 😊

[MKB38]

Thanks Dory. I don't actually know which side the canular was, but I'm very sorry to hear of your tinnitus. Have they said it would improve? Funnily enough my left ear seemed to be clicking last night! But it was only momentary. Our bodies are so complex aren't they? Anyway, I've stayed in the warm today and my neck feels ok, so maybe there was something in the cold weather theory after all. Roll on spring. Love Margaret xx