Sore chest muscles and scar 7 months post bypass

[beck98]

Hi all. 44 years old and I'm 7 months post bypass and recovering well. Been using bio.oil and massaging my chest like crazy but the muscles and scar are still really sensitive and sore. Has anyone got any advice? Or is this to be expected. Thank you 😊

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I am three months post bypass and everything seems healed. A few weeks ago I had a slight cold and cough but felt no discomfort at all. Interesting both the GP and rehab nurse (on initial assessment) advised me not to use bio oil. What helped enormously in the early days was deep breathing exercises. Were you recommended these?

[stevejb1810]

Par for the course I think. I’m a couple of months ahead of you in my recovery. I never bothered with bio oil - just not convinced it does anything- and short of a bit of gentle massaging once in a while, Ive done little with the scar. I don’t get pain but it does itch from time to time. And it’s a bit ‘lumpy’, especially through lower part (the bit high up is now quite smooth and hardly noticeable). So, it does get better with time, albeit slowly!

I don’t get chest/muscle pain any longer - that stopped after about 4-5 months once I started swinging a golf club again - I think it helped to just get everything moving again.

[Hidden]

First of all, it is your operation and everyone on this planet is different (thank goodness) and rates of healing in everyone is different. There are those that say they get no pain weeks after the operation - hmmm? The books say it can be 6/12/18 months. A bruise/ache/stiff pain is good and is your body telling you to bear in mind what you have had done and to take care. I also have what I call pectoral muscular pain, especially from my left side - the side they take one of the arteries/large veins from the inner surface of the chest. I have also lost skin sensation in that area so assume that will be down to nerve damage which hopefully will come back - but if no, it's a small price to pay for what has been done to me. I guess from the name you are female, (I am not!) however the size of and the tightness of your bra can also have implication as to your comfort, and believe it may only be the latter that can easily change.....Hope this helps

[Salihyuksel67 in reply to Hidden]

Hi there did you get burning sense where they take off large wein your legs I am still getting burning sense you think nerve damaged?

Thank you

[Gill1026]

I am 3 months post op and my scar and the area around it is healed but very sore, sensitive, itching, raised and hurts. I found bio oil made it worse. I have tried different moisterisers but nothing seems to help. I am seeing my GP soon to see if they can recommend something. I have asked the pharmacist but they just suggest bio oil or everyday moisteriser.

[Hidden]

Forgot ot mention, from four weeks after, I used E45 spray moisturiser two or three times a week and now at week 16, leg scar fully healed and almost invisible. Chest scar different kettle of fist - bigger, wider scar. Used the E45 and well healed but even in a fog, you would notice it. I suppose you could have a tattoo over it - god forbid - I'll live with it.......I still grasp my chest when I sneeze and it does hurt.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

My moisturiser of choice is Epaderm, which is used to treat various types of eczema and very dry skin. Expensive but very effective.

Be careful not to get Epiderm, which is a "deep heat" style product.

[Dockdog]

Hi, you have had a major piece of surgery and I know in my case, also 7 months in I still have some muscle and nerve issues and the top end of the scar is still a bit sore; I guess it is from the wired together pieces of breast bone under the surface where there is not much to cover it. It all depends on how sensitive our skin is too and what you describe started to fade after 5 months and hardly bothers me now. I think being too vigorous with the bio oil may not help either. I did not use it, just some very gentle zinc cream from time to time. It does take time and I am sure things will settle down for you but I do understand it seems frustrating at times when it seems to heal slower than we would all wish. Take care and all will be fine.

[wiltsgirl]

Hi Beck98, I am 6 months post bypass and still things get sore sometimes, depending on what I have been doing. Still hurts a bit when I sneeze, if my bra catches me that's sort too. We have all gone through major surgery and our bodies are all different. I have been told it can take up to 2 years for everything to heal completely. I played tennis for the first time today and felt fine. I may pay for it later or tomorrow. I would say if you are in any doubt with things then speak to your GP/Nurse. Best of luck x

[Didibonks]

Hi Beck, I had quadruple bypass in 2004 and my scar healed badly, They call it Keloid where it is raised and purple. Bio oil did nothing and even now parts of the scar still itch and a little tender, However the one on my leg is flat, but still discoloured, I think that providing your scar is flat it will improve. Hope this helps.

[beck98]

Thank you all for the advice. Good to know it's normal. Think I'll try a different moisturizer

[jimmyq]

I had my CABGs in 1997. The scar is still there.

[Makmum]

My 3x CABG was 5 months ago.Still itchy and sensitive at lower part of the scar .No chest pain only a little discomfort on back.