'Popping' sternum 7 months post op

[Janemags]

Had my AVR and graft 7 months ago, and doing really well. Only thing is that in the last few days I've started to experience a popping sensation at the bottom of my sternum (ie where CPR is usually done).

This happens when I cough or bend forwards. If I put my hand on that area I can feel it from the outside when it happens. It's not happened before so I'm not sure if I should be worried or not. I can't get a docs appointment until the 8th of Jan.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

[Chappychap]

Unless you've just done some exceptional and unusually heavy physical activity to have caused this I wouldn't worry too much. Just take it easy until your doctor's appointment.

The cardio rehab nurses keep reinforcing that the normal "12 week and you're fully recovered" message is a bit ambitious, and in reality it can take a full year before muscles, scar tissue, tendons etc all settle back down.

[Janemags in reply to Chappychap]

Thanks Chappychap, think I'm more worried that it's another aneurysm growing further down my aorta! Amazing how the imagination runs wild. I will just take it easy though and wait for my appointment. Thanks!