Strange feeling in centre of chest

[Razor1967]

I am now 14 weeks post op from a CABG x 6 and generally am doing very well apart from some pain in sternum and into neck which is managed with paracetamol. However I have one question, after excercise, walking etc to what I feel is my current limit of an hour or so, I have a strange sensation in the centre of my chest. It feels like there is trapped wind/bloating feeling around my heart, almost like an airlock is the best way I can describe it. It doesn't hurt just feels uncomfortable and subsides after resting. My heart attack came out of the blue with no symptoms and I am not sure what this feeling is. Does anyone else suffer this strange sensation and should I be worried ?

[MountainGoat52]

Thinking about the issues that you are having, I wonder whether the pain associated with your sternum is down to the length of the operation. 6 bypasses obviously take longer than just 2 or 3, so there will have been more strain on your chest. Even after more than three years, I get muscle aches and I only had a triple bypass.

The post-exercise bloating feeling may actually be associated with your stomach. It may be caused by the combination of your medication and exercise. Perhaps you could discuss this with your cardiologist or GP.

Hopefully these issues will improve given a bit of time. My best wishes for the future.

Gerald

[Razor1967 in reply to MountainGoat52]

Many thanks, yes the sternum is still tender but has certainly improved over the last few weeks. I only seem to get the bloated feeling after longer walks, more strenuous excerise and was concerned it was some kind of angina feeling. have previously not experienced angina as my heart attack and diagnosis came out of the blue. Hopefully it will settle down over time..

[MountainGoat52 in reply to Razor1967]

Just a thought - make sure you are hydrated sufficiently before and after exercise. In my experience, it is essential to maintain a good level of hydration. With the weather not being particularly cold at the moment, it is surprising just how much is lost even with just moderate exercise.