Post surgery

I'm 5 weeks post bypass surgery. My problem is that recently the soreness and pain in my chest has got worse. Is it possible that I've strained something by reaching and stretching? I've also been doing light housework such as dusting and sweeping. The pain lessens when I'm resting, but always increases after activity. Has anyone else experienced this?

[Hidden]

Hello

5 weeks is very early days and the operation you have just had is a big one and you have been cut and pulled apart put back together again and your body can take months to heal after

Imagine when you have had a deep cut and it is healing how it pulls and aches as it is your chest at this stage is doing the same knitting back together and when you are doing things you will feel it more

You need to make sure that you do keep moving but don't overdo it yet nice and steady at this stage

As long as there does not look like there is any infection , swelling or anything like that then this sounds normal

I am 18 months post triple Bypass and I can still get soreness and aching in my chest especially around my scar when I have done a bit more than normal

If you do have any worries though I hope you have the Rehab Nurses number an you could give them a ring

Give yourself time to heal and you will x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your common sense. I have an appointment next week with rehab, so I'll have a chat. I sometimes forget and automatically do things that I shouldn't. Thanks again.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hello

Glad you have an appointment next week I know that will help

Sounds like your recovery is going really well other than you forgetting that you have just had major surgery

Over the next week till you have your appointment watch what you are doing and see if that helps and then you will be able to give them both versions of what happens when you overdo it and what happens when you don't I think the picture will be clear to see by then doing this little experiment

Let us know how you get on x

[MarmiteB]

Hi!

Yeh, I agree with BeKind (although she has sadly left the site )

5 weeks is hardly any time at all post op although I am sure that it feels like it!! Just take it super easy and be gentle on yourself. The temptation is to carry on like you were before is massive and also habitual - even if it is some light house work. After my CABGX2 it took me a good few weeks to be able to cook for myself comfortably because of how your arms have to work and picking up saucepans etc.

Remember its not just a cut on your chest, there are several layers of muscle and tissue that have been sewn back together - not to mention bone that is having to heal which will always take 6 weeks minimum. Just think - if you had broken your arm or leg, you wouldn't be able to use it for at least 6 weeks let alone do house work

Of course, if you have any signs of infection you can see, make sure you book in to see your GP.

If you have any questions at all, please just message me or I'd be happy to speak on the phone

Rosie x

[Hidden in reply to MarmiteB]

Thank you Rosie. You are very reassuring. I seem to be in a bubble at the minute. sometimes I feel "unreal"

[MarmiteB in reply to Hidden]

I totally get that you must think “what? How did I get here?! How on earth did I end up needing OPEN HEART SURGERY?!?”

It’s insane really that this procedure exists, let alone needing it to save your life!!