Shoulder pain after heart bypass - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

54,321 members33,992 posts

Shoulder pain after heart bypass

wiltsgirl profile image
5 Replies

I am 10 weeks post op for a triple bypass and have been experiencing pain and a burning sensation at the top of my shoulders for just over a week. My rehab nurse says its probably posture but I am not so sure as it has only just started. Has anyone else experienced this? Thanks in advance and also for the great work and support BHF and others are on this forum.

Written by
wiltsgirl profile image
wiltsgirl
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
5 Replies
Mary_Janet profile image
Mary_Janet

Hi

Yes a lot of folk on this forum complain of shoulder pain. For me it did not happen in the first weeks either. ( I had a valve replacement) it was also given exercises at cardiac rehab but to be honest they did not really help.

The shoulder pain appears to happen because the length of being in one position during the surgery. Also having a chest wound means that there is a real tendancy to become both tense and hunched to protect the wound.

I waited too long before asking for physio but once there I ended up having some massage, manipulation and exercises which fixed the problem. I had always had good posture so it was a real shock to be told I had bad posture, it's fixed now. My advice is ask for physio sooner rather than later. You might find apply heat or gold helpful. Pain relieving gels are also useful. (NB . Not ibrufen gel if you are on warfarin )

wiltsgirl profile image
wiltsgirl in reply toMary_Janet

Thanks Mary Janet, this is really useful. Did you go to your GP for a referral to the physio?

Mary_Janet profile image
Mary_Janet in reply towiltsgirl

Yes I did , my gp was very happy to refer me to physio but in view of the wait I ended up going privately which for me was money well spent. Best wishes, Mary

Nanny72 profile image
Nanny72

I too had shoulder pain. It didn't get better and I had to stop my cardiac rehab. Eventually my gp sent me for an x-ray. The x-ray technician was very dismissive and said just a rib fracture they don't do anything.

It did eventually get better but it took over eight weeks.

Twobells profile image
Twobells

I had this pain post triple, had physio via gp, but I also had pluerisy at the same time. Having a massage will help, but get gp to refer you.

Hope this helps

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Heart bypass

Hi guys Looking for some advice. My Dad is having a heart bypass at Southampton hospital next...
Mish-da profile image

Heart Bypass Surgery

Hi All, I out of absolutely nowhere got told I had had a Heart Attack following what I thought...
Dee717 profile image

Heart bypass surgery

I had a heart attack almost 10 years ago and last week suffered another minor attack. I am...

Living Alone after Heart Bypass

Hi everyone, I am Rob and looking for a little advice! My Father in Law is 68 and is 3 weeks post...

After heart bypass

My husband had a quadruple heart bypass 2weeks ago,he can’t sleep and is short of breath ab is...
Shihtz6 profile image

Moderation team

See all
HUModerator profile image
HUModeratorAdministrator
Luke_BHF profile image
Luke_BHFPartner
Amy-BHF profile image
Amy-BHFPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.