Slight “man boob” after CABG

[Ian2006]

Hi - I am 68 - not overweight - (12stone - 5’ 8”) so not exactly lean and mean either! 😊

I had a double bypass using mammary gland and lower leg vein 11 months ago. Recovered really well - still a bit numb in left chest and lower leg areas but I have driven to and all over Spain 4 months after the op - walk 1 to 2 miles daily and overall very pleased with my rehabilitation.

I am not a worrier - but noticed a couple of months ago a “puffiness” over the numb area of my left boob - not sure if it’s been there since the op as I had a lot of stinging for a few months after in that same area and hugged a pillow in bed at night for a good few months which really helped.

My first reaction is - it’s a bit of nerve / muscle damage and as I am not a “gym fan” - it will probably be there forever - but I occasionally think - “it is graft leaking?” - but I take my blood pressure every week and it is good / normal so just wondered if any other chaps had the same experience?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I noticed a loss of tone whilst I was waiting for my bypass (severe angina limiting activity) and recovering from being split. Personally I would suggest dropping about 7 lb slowly and getting a set of dumbells. 2kg ones would do although I use 5kg ones l, and occasionally 10kg. However, it is your decision.

[Ian2006 in reply to MichaelJH]

Thank you - no excuse at the moment not to try that - so you think it’s nothing sinister then?

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Ian2006]

I doubt it but bear in mind I am not medically qualified. If it continues to worry you then make a telephone appointment with your GP. Sadly as we age we lose muscle tone easily and regain it with difficulty.