headaches

[benson1979]

week 6 after AVR getting headache seems to me associated with discomfort in my back, sternum and shoulders. Anyone found the same problem.

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi there Benson, could well be tension post op. It is a big op, chest muscles affected and all surrounding ones as well. I didn't get the headaches but had problems with shoulder aches and neck. Probably too early for any manipulation, have you had rehab classes yet maybe ask there?

[Lisa4]

Hiya

Yes I had a lot of pain around my shoulders and middle back/spine. I see a Craniosacral therapist and around week 9 she worked on this area and I’ve been pain free in that area ever since. With everything we’ve been through it’s hardly surprising things get out of line. Might be a bit early for you so keep taking the pain relief.

The sternum pain just takes time but it will improve. Take care Lisa

[Mary_Janet]

Hi

I can totally empathise with what you are saying. The sternum takes at long time to heal. We are advised not to lift for three month. The external wound should heal relatively quickly but there are a whole load of muscles, ligaments ,nerves and bones that are unseen that need to heal. Taking pain relief especially morning and evening is important. As you start doing more and use different muscles you may find new aches and pains. Pain although sore is designed to stop you doing too much.

Back and shoulder pain can be referred pain but also a side effect of the position you were in theatre and ITU. Also if you are anything like me you walk stooped and round shouldered to protect your wound.

I was given exercises and advice for my shoulder pain at cardiac rehab which did help but ultimately I required a course of physio. The physio told me I had terrible posture which came as a shock as I had always had good posture. After several sessions of physio and exercises my shoulder pain has resolved.

When I look back I did have headaches at the stage often in the morning but usually were helped by paracetamol, drinking more and going back to sleep . They did eventually pass.

Hope that helps

Mary

[benson1979 in reply to Mary_Janet]

thanks Mary found this very helpful.

Alison

[gal4God]

Yea I’ve had a valve replacement last summer and just had a valve repair and getting headaches after both ops.