One for the ladies!

[APC65]

Hi all,

You may recall 12 weeks I posted how terrified I was about my forthcoming CABG operation. I can't thank those of you that responded to my post enough for the support I have had. I am now 11 weeks post, and need help from the ladies.....my ' girls' are mostly still numb... Little sensation on either side of breasts. Also just under breasts my ribs feel bruised ... Quite sore if I move in wrong way. Dr. Suggested constocondria - but I am not so sure. I have been wearing a post surgical bra....not sure if that is contributing to problem now... But non surgical are not supportive enough..

Anyone else experienced this or any advice?

Thanks

[Tos92]

Hi APC65

I’m glad to hear the operation went well and you are now in recovery.

I don’t have any experience of the CABG operation that you underwent however, I do currently have costochondritis. I’ve recently been recovering from a bad bout of bronchitis brought about by the virus that can’t be named and as a result, have developed costochondritis. I can also get pain on movement like yourself in the rib cage and under both my breasts, including when taking in a deep breath.

I have been advised to take anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen to see if that helps manage the symptoms better. In terms of wearing a post surgical bra, I would say that if the bra isn’t compulsory to your recovery, speak with your cardiologist and ask them if you can go without it during some parts in the day. I’m small-ish, so I can go without one when I’m experiencing pain to my chest or ribcage.

I hope others will be along to give you a more informed response to the CABG aspect of things.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Tos

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Tos92]

I suggest you check with your Pharmacist or Cardiologist about taking Ibuprofen.

Heart patients are usually advised not to take non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen.

bmj.com/content/357/bmj.j1909

[Tos92 in reply to Milkfairy]

It was suggested by a GP. I am not currently taking them.

[APC65 in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks for this..I haven't been I'll with anything to cause the constocondria which is why I'm not sure that's what it is - though pain sounds similar. I can't take ibuprofen... Paracetamol is taking the edge off. If no better by Tuesday might go back to GP. 🥴

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to APC65]

I hope you feel better soon.

[Hidden]

Hello

I will be 2 years post Bypass surgery in August and only just now am I not tender in that area

At first and I would say up to a year the pains aches you name it I had to be so careful to be gentle especially when showering and getting dressed

I have to be honest and this was just for me but as I am indoors all the time I found not wearing a bra was the most comfortable but we are all different and of course there was no support by not wearing one but the pain etc was less for me that way

I think you have to try and find what works best for you but what you are feeling is I would say from my experience normal and it does slowly get better x

[APC65 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Bekind - it would appear us ladies have additional issues to contend with during our recovery. I'll try a few other things to get more comfy - if not back to GP next week.

Thanks.

[Hidden in reply to APC65]

It will gradually get better and we are all different but for me it was a long time but yes if it does not improve speak with your GP again and see what else they maybe be able to do x