Rib pain post-sternotomy

[Tillymint1971]

CABGx4 3 years ago. Sternum pain, popping, painful area of what feels like growth of bone to left of sternum, painful to touch. But in the last year also pain in ribs lower back/side quite significant. At first I thought back pain was was muscle pain as I have a sedentary job. Exercises and a new chair no help. Went to an osteopath when I found a significant lump on rib, second lowest rib on right, smaller lump on lowest rib. He has referred me to orthopaedic surgeon. Now significant pain on left too. Never comfortable.

I have read that spreading ribs during sternotomy can fracture bones, disrupt ‘costochondrial’ cartilage which can impinge blood flow or nerve but I haven’t seen similar experiences on here. Has anyone found they have damage to lower ribs or felt rib cage integrity compromised?

[Dogloverxthree]

hi yes I had bypass 10 years ago and from day one I had discomfort at the bottom of rib cage like a very tight iron band all the way round, bra very uncomfortable couldn’t bear anything touching me but to uncomfortable not to wear one I feel I need to hold the bottom of my sternum when walking, now constant pain doctors tell me I’m just unlucky probably nerve damage and scar tissue I went to physio in the early days been to pain clinic waste of time,getting a lot worse lately so I am going to try a chiropractor plus now diagnosed with osteo arthritis in spine and hip. (Never had clicking )I thought that was if you had non union after op. Good luck hope they can fix you

[Tillymint1971 in reply to Dogloverxthree]

I tried a chiropactor OK for short term relief but feeling her way around my ribs. Osteopath seemed more familiar with sternotomy and has referred me to orthopaedic surgeon. Not seen much of this on forum. Would like to know if others have pain or feeling of a lump on ribs. Hope you get sorted Dogloverxthree.

[Dogloverxthree in reply to Tillymint1971]

Morning, I haven’t got any lumps or bumps just feel like obstruction, it’s now getting tighter and I sleep on my side sometimes feel I can’t get a breath. I did contact 2 osteopaths but they wouldn’t treat me it’s only the chiropractor would offer me an appointment. Hope some more people will come forward with help

[Tillymint1971]

Chiropractor is bones, sounds like you should pursue breathlessness with GP. I have had trouble getting enough breath but they changed meds. Or as you say scar tissue inhibiting breathing. Definitely need medical opinion.

[Dogloverxthree in reply to Tillymint1971]

I told my doctor

She listened to my heart and lungs just said all clear !!!! The chiropractor I’m going to see is holistic seems to take everything into consideration worth a try. 🤞🙏