10 days post AVR - bicuspid valve

[Gopch]

Hi All, it has been 10days with my new tissue valve and relatively I am doing better until I had some pains in both my shoulders this morning and discomfort in the chest (higher than usual) not sure if any one can suggest anything, I am only on paracetamols 8/day to control my pain until this morning where I had to take a higher painkiller. Is this normal or anyone had other experiences?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

I was discharged after eight days on 4 Tramadol per day as Paracetamol did not touch the pain. After a week I reduced them by one per week - the last one being at bedtime to help getting to sleep. So nothing unusual I would say. However, if it gets worse or you get other symptoms ring your GP or 111.

[Blackcatsooty]

I assume you were open heart not TAVi.Shoulder pain is pretty much expected, after the enormous operation that you have just had.

I took 8x paracetamol and it was sufficient to take the edge off the pain. Medics reminded me to take all 8 for a few weeks, pain or no pain. Your anesthetics are probably now wearing off.

You should now take things steady, comply with your instructions for 6 or 8 weeks then build uo over the following 6 or 8 weeks.

It is a fantastic op and progress is surprisingly good.

Best thing.....smile. Then smile again.

Colin

[Hidden]

Sadly, 4 months since discharge and still enjoy painful shoulders and an occasional whince in the chest. All within normal apparently, and of course, as you try to do more - the more your body will kick back. As simple as they seem to make these operations, there is no doubt your body has undergone a serious procedure.

Good luck with your recovery and hope you don;t need the pain killers for too long.

[Gopch in reply to Hidden]

Hi, I really hope you feel better soon.

[Gopch]

Thank you all for the replies and yes I had an OHS , minimally invasive although via sternum and was happily on the recovery path for the last 10days with no issues until these pains kicked in this morning. I guess I need to be more regular with my stretching exercises to ease off the muscles around my neck and shoulder and also consider walking outside-weather permitting. The stronger pain killer is making me drowsy for the day, hopefully I wouldn’t need one again today/tomorrow. Has anyone tried heat patches, Hot water bottles? Etc

Also, not sure if it is common I do have the odd breath hiccup whilst breathing may be once an hour or two and had it since the Op. I have raised it with the Surgeon who said it will go away eventually. Doesn’t bother me much but want to see if any of you have experienced anything similar?