Post open heart surgery discomfort when sleeping?

[Adrian52]

Hello. I had open heart surgery last May and nine months on I still find it uncomfortable lying on my side, right and left. Is this common so long after surgery and for how long will I feel it? It feels like my chest is caving inwards when I lie on my side and I have to stretch it back out when I wake in the morning.

Also when I lie on my left side my heart rhythm becomes irregular and seems to struggle, so I try not to lie on my left at all. And when I lie on my right side, my shoulder which seems to have been injured during surgery somehow, is too painful to lie on.

Thank you.

[Chappychap]

I've heard that it can take a full 12 months before you're completely back to normal after open heart surgery. As a general rule most people are fit to return to work, even quite physical work, after 12 weeks. But an absolutely "completely as you were before" type recovery can often take a year.

However, after nine months you definitely sound a little behind the curve. I'm about 16 weeks post open heart surgery and I'm sleeping through the night, on either side, without painkillers. I still wake up a little stiff and sore, but nothing too bad.

Are you sleeping through the night? Do you need painkillers?

[Adrian52 in reply to Chappychap]

Thanks for your advice. I have good and bad periods of sleep. On the whole I'm sleeping through the night but wake from time to time because of being uncomfortable. I've been off pain killers for a while now but have started to take them again this last week before going to bed.

I think I'm probably more frustrated than anything with my slower than hoped recovery, and may be I need to relax more and be patient.

[Evans123 in reply to Adrian52]

Hi Adrian52

I feel very similar symptoms to yourself when lying on my side especially my left side. I had CABG in June 2018 so similar time frame. I mentioned it to my GP who is marvellous and she said her heart flutters on occasion when lying on her left side and she hasn’t had heart surgery. I’m trying to not over think things which is not easy sometimes in our position. It is good to be able to raise these queries on this site and discuss with fellow patients.

I hope this helps.

Jacqui

[Adrian52 in reply to Evans123]

Thanks Jacqui. Yes you're so right. I think I am over thinking it and worrying for no reason. I came across this site a few days again and have found it really reassuring.

Thanks again

Adrian

[Evans123 in reply to Adrian52]

Hi Adrian

I too get reassurance talking to people who have undergone the same procedure which this site alows. I also attend cardio rehab phase 4 where I have the opportunity to mention concerns with fellow patients. It really helps talking so keep asking if you need to (I will too) and I will look out for your posts.

Take care

Jacqui

[wiltsgirl]

Hi Adrian, sleeping is not too bad for me now, I have my bypass in March 2018. Sometimes though it is uncomfortable on my right side, and I can hear my heart in my ears. Which you could say is reassuring. It will get better I am sure, time is what you need xxx

[13allit]

Hi

I too had open heart surgery on May and still have some discomfort when trying to get comfortable in bed. I have the caving in feeling on my right side! I know my muscles still have a way to go the be as strong as before as I can’t open some lids and have gone back to yoga but have to be careful with a few positions which use the muscles that were cut. My right shoulder is also still stiff and sore so seeing the physio about that as the GP thinks it should have recovered by now. When I’ve been worried about anything I’ve also rung the community cardi nurses and they’ve been really helpful and put my mind at rest. This forum has been so useful in helping me realise that we’re all so different with our recovery and it’s a case of listen to our bodies and being patient- something I’m not very good at! Hope you feel better soon and besides the aches and Pains are feeling the benefit of your surgery.

[Adrian52 in reply to 13allit]

Thanks ever so much 13allit. Your reply has helped put my kind at rest. I haven't got a community cardio nurse unfortunately and have zero support apart from seeing my GP if I want to, who doesn't know any answers.

I came across this site a few days ago and have found it really helpful.

Thanks again for your reply, you've helped a lot.

Adrian

[Tillymint1971]

I had my op in Feb and have been pretty much on my own post op. I can’t lie very comfortably in my side as does feel like My chest is going to cave in or fold in two. I started hugging a pillow to sleep on my side but still woke up in pain. I’m on my back again but still hug a big cuddly toy so when I inevitably move onto my side in my sleep I have some support. I was told 8 months was when sternum should be healed but depends on op. I had CABG x 4 so internal scarring may not help. I did have fluttering but not after 5 weeks unless I overeat. I can hear my heart beat in bed which I never did before op. I think we all heal at different rates which is why forum is so good to share experiences.