Tightness round the breast area post CABG

[EB2021]

Hi everyone,

I haven't posted for a while. Can you please share your experiences regarding tightness around the breast, feeling tender and weakness on the left side post CABG? My mum is 10 months post surgery but still experiencing alot of pain. She is booked for a scan to check the valve around the heart but we still awaiting on her appointment. (This is mostly to do with the heavy sweating she has been experiencing) thank you.

[080311]

Hi,

I had AVR and bypass done, 5 years ago. They harvested my mammary artery from my left side, the whole of my left side was numb and I had pain as if someone was pulling an Elastoplast off. When I saw my surgeon for my post op check he said when they harvest they pull the artery out so the numbness and the pain was the nerve endings sorting themselves out, the pain is them getting it a bit wrong! He said it can take 6-8 months and in my case it was bang on 6 months, but now 5 years on I sometimes get an odd sensation on my left side.

You say your Mum is booked in for a scan so hopefully they will be able to find the cause, you do mention valve did she have a replacement done as well? So are checking that. I have a yearly echocardiogram to check my Aortic valve.

Best wishes Pauline

[EB2021 in reply to 080311]

Hiya Pauline. I hope you are keeping well. Thank you so much for taking to reply. Its been a rollcoaster with mum since she had CABG last December. Mum didn't had valve replacement. I believe it's to check to make sure the grafts are connected properly and working well. I hope the scans are clear and all is well. Since leaving hospital she has not been herself. No more angina pain but there is alot more going on.

[080311 in reply to EB2021]

The problem with having open heart surgery is that it takes it’s toll on us mentally as well as physically. What we have been through is very traumatic and we all heal at different speeds.Can I ask did your Mum continue with the breathing and coughing exercises we were given when we were in hospital I found them really helpful when we are on bypass our lungs collapse so they need a little help getting all those little pockets filled out again.

You say no more angina pain but lots of other things.

Hopefully they can get a handle on what is happening.

Thanks for asking, I am doing well, my husband 5 weeks after my surgery had a big stroke and I became his carer, so getting my stamina back was vital 😂 maybe having that to face made me really up my game. I see my cardiologist next June for my 5 year review even though it will be nearly 6! But that’s the pandemic for you, so hopefully my pigs valve is pumping well!

Best wishes Pauline

[EB2021 in reply to 080311]

Hi Pauline,

Sometimes we are faced with one life challenges and have no choice but to get going, I am glad things are okay with you.

I mentioned mum does not have angina pain but honestly I don't know what to make of it anymore because although mum is not experiencing the original angina pain she is experiencing pain on her left side mostly around the breast area and also a burning sensation on the left side.

The other things I am referring is mostly to do with her Parkinson’s which we know what they are.

I did read that people can still get angina pain after surgery.

With regarding the breathing exercises mum does but not the coughing I will as her to restart and see if it makes a difference.

Take care

[Deserrol]

Hi, I had a CABG x4 in June 2021 and have not experienced any chest tightness.

[Thanksnhs]

Hi I am 15 months post transplant and I have terrible pain across the right side from my sternum to my arm, slightly less pain on my left side. my cardiologist said it was my ribs and something to do with the covid vacine although I can't remember what it is called now.it did start about then but seems to be getting worse rather than better. I even get shooting pains going over a bump in the car. I don't like to bother my cardiology team about it again as my heart is doing well and thats the main thing.I just hope eventually it will go away.I think my ribs took a right beating during the op I was 8 hours mabe they will never be right. A small price to pay for the success of the transplant. I hope you get some answers take care char