6 months and still have pain

[Jacko350]

is it normal to have pain in my chest every time I sneeze or cough, it’s been 6 months since I had root replacement surgery also with new arotic valve fitted.

[Heythrop51]

You need to speak to your GP. He will probably arrange an X-ray to check your breast bone has fused correctly and there is no bone infection. From what I have read here the breathing exercises post op are important. Did you do those? Many only make a token effort.

[Rogo23]

fairly common, 15 months on and I still get the odd twinge , but time is the main thing. Seven months is still fairly soon.

As time passes so does the discomfort, but if you are really worried get in touch with the cardiac team. They will know what you should do,or if anything needs doing.

But it's still fairly recent.

[Dj1962]

Hi Jacko350..im almost 3 years post surgery and sneezing and occasional coughing still cause discomfort..

[heart_surgery]

Hello Jacko, I had root replacement last August and I had pain up to about 9 months after my chest still gives pain but slowly less so and nothing like the pain pre surgery, the problem I still have is the anxiety and the difficulty accepting what happened to me. I have nightmres about how they cut me up and pulled my heart out, the psychological shock is with me every day. I went to my GP and asked for psycho support but it didn't help. I'm still a bit of a wreck. I'm 63 and 13 months post surgery. Still I can't do anything about it.... If I'm still here might as well enjoy every day as if it were the last.

[Jacko350 in reply to heart_surgery]

with me I don’t try to think about the mental side of it, but a little bit worried when I go back on full duties at work because it can be very physical my job but you have to just get on with life, as that can be more of a hindrance than the op.

[Cornishbeach]

Yep - 6 months on and sneezing still gives me a twinge. I try to remember to put my arms across my chest like you do post surgery but don't always remember in time!

[Anon2023]

hi. I’m 8 months post sternotomy (I had 2 within 4 months). I still get the occasional twinge, particularly when when I’m in bed. I’ve had chest X-rays since and all is fine. I think it just takes a long time for the sternum to repair. Even after the bones are fused the muscles etc are still strengthening. If you are worried go to your gp, nobody would criticise you for having it checked. Given the demanding nature of your job you will want to make sure that you are fully healed and completely fit before you go back. Good luck.