post CAVG

[Rubyzog]

I had a triple bypass 6 months ago. My sternum seems to have settled now but I am still getting pains across my chest. I don’t think it’s my heart. I think it is probably nerve/muscle repairing itself. Has anyone else experienced this and how long did it last for?

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I am 2 and a half years now from having my triple Bypass and can still get some pains in my chest but knowing it is just sensitive in that area from the operation

6 months is still early and depending on what you have been doing during the day it could still be very sensitive

I think we are all different how quick we heal from the operation after all all those nerves in are chest need time to settle back down

If you are concerned and still have any Rehab Nurses contact numbers you could give them a ring or the BHF Nurses

I can only talk from my own experience and know I certainly could feel it at 6 months and sometimes even now still do

I am glad the rest of your recovery seems to be going well x

[DWizza]

Hi Rubyzog, I’m on a similar time line to you , Nstemi heart attacks in July , quadruple bypass on 25th July. I’ve made a fantastic physical recovery from the surgery so far . My chest muscles were really tender for months. One of my surgeons said I might suffer more than their usual patients with my chest/pec muscles knitting back together as their was a lot of muscle for him to cut through . Glad to say that the nerves tenderness has mostly gone , no problem with any clothing touching the area. I have been back to physical work around my small holding since month 2 post op and gradually increased my strenuous activity . Smashed NHS cardiac rehab level 3 , was way too easy and moved on to training with a cardiac rehab coach specialist in resistance training (weights) so my chest has been working . I have also returned to a dynamic yoga class once a week that I had to use regressions to transfer between posts to start with . I can now go to full poses that exert a lot of pressure in my chest . The fact is that I do get aches and pains in the area and I do massage and stretch my pecs , straight arm against a wall etc . I also went through a phase of wondering if the pains were from my heart , but I quickly concluded that as the pains were all across my chest not localised to the heart area that it was nerve/muscle related. I’ve never used my GTN spray .

I use my fingers to gently press into to my pecs and circular massage , it can make it feel quite tender for a few day , but there must be quite a lot of scar tissue and it could hinder mobility if not dealt with , so I’m keen to keep my pecs and arms mobile to help with my outdoor work , hay bales , moving heavy machinery , feed bags , chainsaws etc . I’m sure if it was our hearts that were causing the pain we’d get some other feedback from our bodies. You could always contact 111 if in doubt for immediate advice . 👍🏻

[CyclingTime]

Yes it's normal, as you get healthier you do more but your muscles haven't done anything for a long time so it can be painful as they get back to use plus any internal scar tissue will be painful as it gets adjusted to what you need to do.

First time I did an off road bike ride where I was jerked and bounced all over....ouch for a few days lol !!

[devonian186]

Yes, I think most of us get some aches and pains from the general area and for some they will likely continue indefinitely, depending on age and precisely what was done. I think we also have the tendency to try to protect the area so perhaps don't do the exercise required so we lose muscle tone.

Weather conditions also seem to play a part.

[maggie80]

Hi, I don't know if you were told not to carry anything heavy. It could be a reason if you are doing. Take care

[Rubyzog]

Thank you for your comments which are all very helpful and have put my mind at rest just knowing it’s normal to feel this way.