Tender chest following surgery

[Spare]

Three weeks on from heart surgery (aortic valve replacement) my chest is still very tender and ‘itchy’. Can anyone explain why this should be?

[Shar28]

Hello, Spare. I see you’re new to the forum...welcome. Which type of AVR did you have? Open Heart Surgery (OHS) or TAVI? My husband had his AVR by OHS a couple of years ago and it took much longer than 3 weeks to get over the tender and itchy stage. I don’t know how it feels after a TAVI but I’m sure there are others on here who will be along to help.

In the meantime, you could always phone the BHF nurses on 0300 330 3311 during weekday office hours for some advice. They’re truly amazing with their knowledge, guidance and support.

Best wishes.

[080311]

Hi Spare, welcome I had AVR and bypass done 3 years ago and it’s not very long 3 weeks after yours. Remember they went through your sternum and then had to put it back together plus stitching your skin! Itching maybe a sign of your skin healing I know I itched I used to try and blow on it! Sleeping on my back I found difficult and the night I found I could get on my side was sheer bliss! Have you been offered Cardio rehab? 3 weeks is still a bit early for that but take up the rehab when your ready. It will help get your stamina back and mixing with others who have had the same or similar experiences is invaluable.

If there is any other questions there are loads of us here who have been through the same just ask. You will be great, on wards and upwards.

[Ianc2]

Take it easy, it takes 6-8 weeks for your breast bone to knit itself together, your scar to heal and your ribcage to settle down. You must take it easy and allow yourself to recover and build your strength. .

[SecondOHS]

I'm quite a number of months post OHS, and I still get twitches, twinges and itches. As it was explained to me, the surgery is incredibly traumatic for the body, so it's not as simple as a cut healing. The body is putting lots of things back together

[Cottagegardener]

Good morning Spare

Three weeks is still very early days especially after AVR. I felt sore and itchy for quite a while after my surgery.

However it’s not good to sit and worry about this. Make an appointment to see your GP who can check your wound and reassure you. 🌸

[Hidden]

I think 12 weeks for sternum to heal (see link), nerves are another matter. Numbness (often near/around wound - can even be parts that did not see the knife!) can take a year after which if still numb likely will remain so. Not a real big problem and think it tends just to feel normal 'for you' after a while. Biggest thing is not to worry the body is a miraculous thing