Is it normal having chest pain around 3 weeks after avr surgery?

[Munkyboy]

Hi there, I'm just over 3 weeks out of my avr surgery. Up until middle of last week I'd been doing really well and started doing some cooking in the house. The last few days I feel like I've taken a few steps backwards. Struggling to walk too far (I was up to about an hour and back to half hour now) and getting more pain in my chest area when lifting light things. I saw the cardiologist last week and he said my heart and valve were operating perfectly. Had anyone else had a similar experience? I've tried searching the posts but come back with thousands of threads not really relevant.

Just to clarify it's not heart pain I have but around the area of the chest bone and surrounding muscles.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I assume you had OHS (open heart surgery). If so have you been following the guidelines about lifting nothing heavier than half a kettle of water for the first 6 weeks, and then building up gradually. Cooking with heavy pots and pans is a no go at the moment. There was somebody eight months post op with an unstable breastbone and he was rely struggling. Ultimately it could mean further surgery.

[Munkyboy in reply to MichaelJH]

Hi Michael thanks for very prompt response, I haven't been cooking with heavy pots and lifting a kettle half full of water is pretty much my limit.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Munkyboy]

Take it easy for a couple of days and then start again. In my recovery I found if I overdid it you actually took a step backwards. However, if it continues chase up your GO/cardiogist. One problem is pain can stop you breathing properly resulting in breathlessness. Good luck and keep us updated...

[Munkyboy in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks Michael appreciate your advice. I'll definitely take it easy for a few days and I'll let you know how it goes

[Fredders]

It sounds like you’ve over done it with lifting something, very easy to do if everything has been going well. It’s still early days in your recovery as it usually takes about six weeks for the breastbone to start fusing back together. Remember your ribs and muscles have gone through a lot during your op and it will take a while for it to recover. You just need to be careful, don’t put pressure on your arms when getting up and take your painkillers if needed. I had a few bad days during my recovery but it does get easier, promise.

Wendy

[Munkyboy in reply to Fredders]

Thanks Wendy, appreciate that.

[080311]

Hi, it’s so easy to over do things especially when you feel so much better than before your op! I know I had to keep reminding myself not to reach up and not to lift anything heavier than half a kettle of water. Also told no hoovering or ironing that wasn’t a problem! As Michael as said 6 weeks before you start to build up gradually, and by then you should be starting cardio rehab. When I saw my surgeon for my check up he said my sternum would take between 12-18 months to completely heal and then it would be stronger than his!

Hope things settle down best wishes Pauline

[Supernanu]

I had similar issue. Three weeks post avr started getting pain around left shoulder blade and left chest area. Spoke to discharge nurse who thought it sounded muscular. She suggested ibuprofen gel (not tablets). I used that and it has really helped. Think I might have been too aggressive drying my back after a shower!!

Nicole

[Shar28]

Sometimes it’s a case of 1 step forward and 2 steps back! It’s takes time I’m afraid. Be kind to yourself and take it gently. Easy to say, harder to do!

All the best to you and your loved ones.