Post bypass

[Padalak6]

This may be a weird question but 3 months ago I had a heart bypass via the sternum, they took the vessel from my mammory gland, for about the last month i have been suffering on and off with a painful breast and a white nipple, im just wondering if anyone else has suffered with this and is it anything to worry about. TIA

[Swalecliffe88]

Hello Padalak. I too had Lima. (Left mammory gland graft) used during my by pass surgery. Even 7 years on, I still get occasional deep itching sensation within the breast. Personally I would consult heart nurse/consultant perhaps not GP unless they have special heart knowledge. And just enquire. Lots of odd nerve damage quirks do happen ( but hey your alive and well I hope) But best to check any discolouring out I would say.

[Steve_G]

The left internal mammary artery (LIMA) runs under the left underside of the chest. When it’s used as a bypass graft it’s literally pulled off the internal chest wall. Nerves run alongside arteries including the LIMA, so when it’s pulled away from the chest wall these get damaged. This why we get tingling, numbness and other strange sensations on the left side of the chest post op. Nerve fibres, if they repair, only do so slowly which is why 4 years post bypass, I still have some tingling and numbness on the left side. Hope this helps explain & sure others will jump in.

[Sewingpumpkin]

I still get the odd pain etc three years out. I find that exercise, especially using weights, livens up the aches and pains.

It may be worth having a chat with one of the British heart foundation nurses if you are concerned as they will be able to advise what is normal and what is concerning.

[Hidden]

Hi. They used both the left and right internal mammary artories for my heart bypass just over two and a half years ago and I still get regular chest discomfort, pain and numbness. Its mostly on the left side though. If you are worried best to see your gp but three months post op isnt that long. All the best.