Pain after heart valve surger

[Lyndon68]

I had a aortic valve replacement 6 weeks ago.i keep getting a aching pain in my left should and down my left side.i wondered if anyone else had experienced this and it was normal?

[Fredders]

Hi Lyndon, it’s early days since your op and it could just be your body still hasn’t recovered from the surgery. I had pains in my shoulders for weeks afterwards because of being laid on my back during the op which was then aggravated when I had my pacemaker op. I also had occasional aches in my chest. If you think about what the surgery actually involves it’s hardly surprising we have aches and pains afterwards!

Have you had your post-surgery check up yet? It’s normally 6-8 weeks after the op. If it’s not for a while and it’s still causing concern, ring your cardiology department. I was told to ring mine if I had any concerns.

Wendy

[BigT2013]

I had pain both sides and running down my sternum and in my back between my shoulder blades.

My surgeon said it was from the sternotomy and where they have spread your chest and costacondrial joints (joints in rib cage) are disturbed and become inflamed causing costochondritis.

My pain almost gone now except for occasional twinge but I'm just gone 12 weeks

Mention it to your GP or surgeon at your check up.

If pain gets worse or u get other symptoms call for medical help.

[guidedog98]

Please discuss this with your GP. Pain following major surgery is to be expected. Your GP will be able to guide you.