Costochondritis following CABG

[Billyjean123]

Hi everyone

I wanted to find out if anyone else had suffered from costochondritis after their CABG? I am 3 months post surgery. It’s causing me quite a lot of discomfort and pain around my sternum and across my chest particularly whilst exercising. My GP has injected some steroids around the area but so far no relief. Anybody else had treatment? Wondering what else might provide relief as it’s quite incapacitating!!!

Thanks very much

[marypw]

I have costochondritis (lupus symptom) and most likely will need mitral valve surgery sometime. A potential costo flare up will definitely be something I'll want to discuss with the surgeon. I usually take ibuprofen and paracetamol, but I'm not sure they really help much. Pilates type arm opening exercises and gentle stretches do help, but I'm not sure when they would be appropriate after a CABG? You could also try heat packs and or cold packs.

I do sympathise- it's a horrible pain and I hope it eases for you soon.

[Billyjean123 in reply to marypw]

Aah thanks so much for your reply. I don’t think generally people understand how horrible it is. I haven’t been told this but suspect that in my case it was due to having LIMA CABG which I understand can be more painful. I am doing cardiac rehab and they are really helpful but I have been avoiding exercising my arms.Unfortunately advised to try not to take brufen but I agree they don’t seem to make much difference anyway.

I will certainly try the heat and cold packs.

Thanks again

[AlibaliM in reply to Billyjean123]

I have costochondritis and agree that ibuprofen does not even touch it. I alternate ice and heat packs. Don’t lift anything heavy or exert myself as it aggravates the sternum pain. I also have inflamed ribs with it. Whilst attending cardio rehab i am careful on what I do, I don’t use any of the weights. I have been told it will just take time to resolve but unfortunately it can come back.

[Billyjean123 in reply to AlibaliM]

Hi

Did you have a CABG? If so how long ago? I was wondering if the cardiothoracic team might consider removing the wires around my sternum? Not sure if that would help?

Thanks for your suggestions! Really appreciated.

[AlibaliM in reply to Billyjean123]

No I had an N stemi heart attack and 2 stents. I had 3 angiograms though. Any invasive procedure can cause this. I have also had pericarditis which was sheer hell.

[Billyjean123 in reply to AlibaliM]

I’m sure pericarditis is hell! I sympathise!

I think maybe I should speak to the surgeons as well about the symptoms.

[Ncho in reply to Billyjean123]

I had a surgery to remove the wires around my sternum thinking that the chronic chest pain may be relieved.

But it did not help.

Had a CABG about 20 years ago. I am still coping with persistent pain on my sternum area, left side.

[Billyjean123 in reply to Ncho]

That’s really awful! I really feel for you 20 years is a long time to have this pain. I had the wires removed in February still sore and hoping things will improve.

[Scousebrian in reply to Billyjean123]

I also had the wires removed 2 years ago ,but I have a Constantly dislocating rib ,like my chest is popping ,it has recently got worse ,getting short of breath on my up to 5k walks.to make things a little worse I was diagnosed with 3A stage cancer ,which one do you try and cure or get treatment for first

[Billyjean123]

Thanks very much I’ll have a look

[Hidden in reply to Billyjean123]

Have a read of this NHS article - it will be of interest. nhs.uk/conditions/costochon...

[Billyjean123 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Ticking-ticker

Thanks for sending this link- really good. I find it helps me if I understand more about what’s going on although disappointing to know it can come back ☹️. Trying to get back to work so it’s useful to know what I’m dealing with. Need to keep on pushing through and hopefully I’ll get there.

Best wishes

[Lilyrosy]

Hi Billyjean

I have had costochondritis some years ago but not related to my heart, I damaged myself at the gym from misuse of equipment (not my fault). I do remember the excruciating pain though. I am now 12 weeks post op and while not having suffered as you have my son in law, who is a nutritionist, supplied me with organic beef and chicken broth as it repairs skin and bone. I used it every day for 3 weeks making it into vegetable soup. Although I’ve had a few blips I do believe it has helped my recovery. I know we are all different but I do think everything is worth a try when you are suffering. He had his own suppliers but I think Ocado do it online.

Lily rosy

[Lilyrosy in reply to Lilyrosy]

Ps I had CABG x 4

[Billyjean123]

Thanks Lilyrose

That sounds like a delicious option. I agree that sometimes you would try anything if it’s likely to help. Frustrating to realise that it can come back really pleased it has only been a minor blip for you

Best wishes

[benjyboy]

Had a 3X CABG 19 years ago and previous to that had suffered with mild costochondritis for a few years. After the surgery it definitely got worse and approx. 8 years post surgery I had the sternum wires removed surgically which did alleviate some of the mid-line pain but I still have a lot of discomfort in the ribs - predominantly the right side. Lifting does make things worse which is a problem as I do like to keep reasonably in shape - I tend to carry on and probably overdo stuff then pay for it later! Cannot take Ibuprofen so just grin and bear it. Sitting awkwardly can also make it flare up so have to keep reminding myself to maintain a good posture! Finally, I walk quite a lot and even now the first mile or two can be really uncomfortable as the whole of the chest/rib area aches like mad - it does ease up though as the old body loosens up! LOL