Worried partner 8mths post triple bypass

[Cibby21]

Hello, it’s been a while since I’ve posted and I hope everyone is doing ok and as best they can.

My partner had a triple bypass in March and has been doing ok until now. He says he’s got a taunt and tender feeling in his left breast. He’s a man of few words and doesn’t tell me a lot so I know it’s bothering him as he’s now mentioned it and has been rather subdued so is probably playing it down. My question is has anyone else experienced this? I’ve suggested he rings rehab or Doctor for peace of mind but easier said than done!!

Just looking for reassurance from such a lovely supportive group.

Thank you for reading.

[Hidden]

Dear Cibby21

Depends on what you call or he calls a taunt and tender feeling?

Most problems are normally a pain of some type or a tight chest with pain like a gripping type feeling.

You have to remember that I am not medically trained but like many have certainly experienced this feeling as I healed.

But your worry is there and he should address that worry by talking to his Dr.

I am well over a year after having OHS { open heart surgery } and still, no matter how much cream I put on it, my scar seems tight as a drum, some days and I have a pulling sensation when I move.

Get it checked out and get rid of that worry

[Cibby21 in reply to Hidden]

Dear Blue 1958,

Thank you for replying so quickly, I keep trying to reassure him as I myself have had major surgery following Breast Cancer, but he just gets impatient with me! I get that, he’s worried. He says it’s not Chest pain as such, difficult to describe. I’ve said he needs to speak to DR and I’ve managed to get him to phone for an appointment!

Thank you so much and best wishes for the future.

Kind regards

🙂🙂

[Steve_G]

it’s possible that what he’s experiencing is the result of using the left internal mammary artery as one of the grafts. When it’s pulled away from the chest wall to graft onto the LAD, the nerve that runs along side gets damaged. The nerve damage can cause strange sensations on the left side of the chest. Even 4 years post op, the left side of my chest feels slightly numb. Best to talk to someone though if he’s at all concerned.

[Cibby21 in reply to Steve_G]

Hi Steve_G

Thank you for taking the time to reply which I have read with interest. If I had been able to sit in on his appointments I would have asked more questions about post op. He’s felt very much on his own with no real support which we understand it is what it is at the moment. So it’s great to find this wonderful support group.

Thank you

Wishing you all the best.

🙂

[MountainGoat52]

Hi Cibby,

I'm four and a half years post triple bypass and I still get the occasional ache on the left side of my chest. It has slowly got better over the years and it is definitely muscular. The chest muscles are put under enormous strain during the operation and it can take time for them to recover. The left side is definitely the worst affected. I find massaging my chest helps... a good rub while showering certainly eases any aches.

Open heart surgery is a big shock to the body. I bounced back pretty quickly, both physically and mentally, but was surprised that I continued to have aches for a long time afterwards. Ironically, my pains have been worst while I have been sat relaxing which was against expectations.

I hope your partner finds relief from his pains soon.

Gerald

[Cibby21 in reply to MountainGoat52]

Hi GWP1952

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I think Keith thought he’d be back to normal in no time and it hadn’t really sunk in what a huge operation it was! It’s reassuring for him to know he’s not on his own with the discomfort. He will pay a visit to his Doctor for a check up and peace of mind.

That’s a great massaging tip and I’m sure he will give that a go. Just reading other folks experiences helps a lot and we’re so grateful to everyone.

Thank you.

All the best

🙂

[MountainGoat52 in reply to Cibby21]

Cibby,I hope massaging his chest helps with his aches. I also still have to massage the sites where they harvested the blood vessels in my arm and leg. The nerve damage there is quite considerable. Still, it's all a means to an end and the op in my case has allowed me to continue walking the Scottish mountains that I love so much. I just need more time to get up there!

I would encourage you both to stay positive. As you have recovered from your surgery, he will from his. Each day is there for the living.

With my best wishes,

Gerald

[Bigscar]

Hi CIBBY I am 45 years post op after an op like that you question every little movement things you wouldn’t give a second thought to previously.My veins were taken from my leg so if the mammary area was used it could be a healing process.GET HIM TO THE DOCTORS OR GET ADVICE FROM THE OPERATING STAFF TO SET HIS MIND AT REST.If he won’t go could you not get advice from someone in those areas to see if similar feelings have been had in the past. I’m obviously long term and am over worrying about those things now 76. but get him seen ASAP.

[Cibby21 in reply to Bigscar]

Hi Bigscar

Apologies for not replying sooner and thank you for taking time to respond. I will make sure he sees his Dr and he has spoken to someone in rehab.

It is always reassuring to read other folks experiences and not feel alone and for that we are both very grateful.

All the best 🙂

[Markp7119]

I had a cabgx4 back in June 2021

I still have strange feelings in my left breast similar to what you describe

I think it is normal and is part of the wires and trauma caused to the breast bone

Take care Mark

[Cibby21 in reply to Markp7119]

Hi Markp7119

Thank you for replying. It’s reassuring for us to read others are experiencing the same sort of after effects.

Look after yourself onwards and upwards!

Best wishes

🙂