Shoulder pain after bypass

[SRDS]

Hi All

Thank you everyone for the very helpful advice.

I have got another question please? Is shoulder pain after bypass normal?

[ChoochSiesta]

About 2 weeks after my cabg I developed horrific shoulder pain. Only lasted a couple of days though. It is still a bit sore now 2 weeks later.

[SRDS in reply to ChoochSiesta]

Thank you ChooshSiesta. It sounds like you had your operation around the same time as my husband? Our 4th week has just started.

[ChoochSiesta in reply to SRDS]

In to the 5th week now. The worst thing now is my left leg, random pain throughout the day. It looks ok but around the ankle it is so numb and sensitive. A nurse told me last week that the ankle bone is very close to the wound and must rub against it.

[SRDS in reply to ChoochSiesta]

Oh my husband has similar pain in his right leg! Blood circulation may be rerouting too. Which is painful but apparently necessary.

[ChoochSiesta in reply to SRDS]

Have you got a follow up appointment with the surgeon yet? I'm wondering when mine will be.

[Hidden]

Hello

Yes it is very normal

they have your arms right up for 6 hours or more in lots of cases which then creates the shoulder pain which can go on for months

I already had a shoulder problem so for me it has been double trouble

It should get better in time but if the pain is to bad then have a word with your Doctor if you would be happy to take stronger painkillers to help with it x

[SRDS in reply to Hidden]

Ah I see. I didn't know that that is what they do 🙂Thank you BeKind28

[Hidden]

Hi SRDS. I had horrific right shoulder pain after my bypass that painkillers didn't really touch except co-codamol. After enduring it for a few months I went to the GP who referred me to a specialist who diagnosed that I had scapular Dyskinesis. Once diagnosed, a few physio appointments and specialist exercises worked wonders and sorted it.

Hope you get your shoulder sorted.

[SRDS in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Judge_Dredd.

[Hidden]

Dear SRDS

Yes I’m afraid it is normal for a lot of us but it will pass, if your brave ask you Cardiologist what position your arms are strapped in when they are performing this miraculous operation.

I found the shoulder rolls helped.

Take care, you are amazing for going through what you have, The shoulders are just a little reminder for now.

[SRDS in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Blue1958. It is my husband going through it. I am trying to help as much as I can🙂I will check out the shoulder rolls. Thank you.

[080311]

Hello,When we have open heart surgery we are put into some really extreme positions, this can cause real pain from some strange places. One of the exercises we are given after surgery along with huffing are puffing are shoulder rolls. It’s a good idea to keep doing these when we get home they really do help.

Hope things settle down soon,

Best wishes Pauline

[SRDS in reply to 080311]

Thanks Pauline Yes I will get shoulder rolls for him. Hopefully it helps

[080311 in reply to SRDS]

The shoulder rolls are just exercises that he should have been shown in hospital by the physios. They are just sitting up straight and rolling your shoulders first one way and then the other. This along with the breathing exercises to help his lungs re in flate should be continued when we get home. Remember the lungs collapse when we are put on bypass, and they need a little help to fill out those little pockets.Take good care

Pauline

[Handel]

Following my hubby's quad bypass, he had terrible shoulder pain for several weeks that gradually eased off. The lovely cardio surgeon explained that he would have his arms behind his back throughout the very long operation and said to expect a lot of pain in the shoulders.It's good we knew about that beforehand.

Once you get moving around more and walking, the pain will start to ease.

Good luck and I'm sure things will get better soon.

All the best. Jan xxxx

[SRDS in reply to Handel]

Ah! That makes sense! We are trying to increase his walking times. So hopefully it helps

[Handel in reply to SRDS]

That's good. With better weather around the corner, he'll improve quickly. My husband had his op in November 2018 so we had the winter to contend with!!!

Lots of love to you both. Jan xxx

[SRDS in reply to Handel]

😊 thank you

[Greencat59]

Apparently it’s called anaesthetic shoulder and very common. I had it for 3 weeks after AVR surgery- painkillers didn’t help - hot water bottle to the shoulder and physio helped it to go away

[SRDS in reply to Greencat59]

Yes it seems to be the case. Hopefully with all the suggestions given by all you lovely people, it will be okay