Open heart surgery

[Uhrwerk]

Hi,

I had surgery on the 11 of this month to repair my mitral valve, fix small hole in the heart and do ablation at the same time. Op went well but here we are nearly 3 weeks later and I still have pain , especially in my left side, with taking painkillers it wakes me up after about 5 hours sleep. Question, should I still be in pain?

[Smudgebuttonjessie]

What pain relief are you taking?

[Uhrwerk in reply to Smudgebuttonjessie]

Paracetamol 2 tablets 4 times a day,Tramadol modified release tablets 100 mg twice daily

[Smudgebuttonjessie in reply to Uhrwerk]

I would advise contacting GP and request urgent appointment to discuss it even if it’s pain management review. The GP can assess if you have any cough, infection etc. Good luck with your recovery

[Hidden]

Pain is to be expected for a while after - speak to your GP to get better pain management - we are all different when it comes to pain. Is the left side where the surgeon went in? If they cracked a rib - that's gonna hurt for a bit... Especially if you're being active with arms and shoulders

[Puzzlelover]

Hi I am sorry you're struggling with sleep, I know it makes the night so long and it can feel endless. There are herbal tea drinks that are supposed to be helpful, I don't know if they work but anything is worth a try. I am waiting for a date for a triple valve replacement in the near future and am wondering how long you were in hospital, how much you and what are you able to do three weeks into recovery? My biggest fear is being incapacitated for more than two/three weeks without my pet meaning I have to find someone to have her, I will be without her and depending on others to help me at home, I'm 82 and live alone, I am very independent and capable and actually am my younger sister's carer (she lives next door). It is the unknown that worries me, things that I won't be able to do, and things that it changes. These questions are what keeps me from sleeping at night! Good luck with the rest of your recovery, I hope you are very soon fit and able to get on with your life in full health.

[Hidden]

Hi. Glad your op went well but three weeks post op from open heart surgery isn't that long. I had open heart surgery earlier this year and it went well but I was on painkillers for 12 weeks afterwards (I still have to regularly take them for shoulder issues from my surgery) and still have issues with sleep. It wouldn't hurt to contact your GP to discuss it, especially if you're worried.