sternum pain

[Bergid65]

I had 3x bypass in May. Every morning I have pains in my sternum and that general area it happens also when I take a deep breath. It does ease up a little after I have gotten out of bed and moving around. Has anyone else’s had a similar experience? Is it something I should get checked out?

[Shar28]

Hello, when you left hospital they should have given you a discharge pack including a phone number to call with any queries. Perhaps give them a call then they advise you of the next steps.

Best wishes to you and your loved ones.

[andy110519]

I would get it checked out, mine was certainly better than that by then. Still was uncomfortable to bend over to tie laces though. Take care.

Andy

[CyclingTime]

Definitely worth getting checked out, you will get pain of some kind for a long time but as others have said by the point you have reached I would hope it was less

[Sljp0000]

Get it checked out. I have random 'bone' pains and chest pains. Turned out my sternum hasnt healed and my left diaphragm is paralysed (the phrenic nerve was severed during the surgery)

[Hugomum]

Hi, I had OHS in May and still get pain in sternum graduates up into the shoulders and neck. Repeated visits to the hospital and been told it is not the heart but musculoskeletal. Just seen a new GP and he is all over it , investigating all aspects. I would contact the number in your discharge pack and speak to a cardio nurse to seek advice. I hope you get an answer or more investigation quickly. Please keep us updated.

[Rubyzog]

I had my triple bypass in July, I recently seem to have recovered from the rib pain but still get pain when coughing, sneezing and hiccups. I spoke to my cardiac team and they said it is still probably muscles/nerves repairing after the trauma of the operation. They advised me to see how it goes and if it persists to see my GP. He should be able to have a prod and maybe do some inflammatory blood tests. Just taking paracetamol when needed. Hope this helps.

[Thanksnhs]

Hi I have had pain in my chest since my OHS it is very mild now and I hardly notice it, but at first every time I took a deep breath or sneezed it was really sharp and it was also very painful to touch, I spoke to my consultant who said it was Costochondritis an inflammation of the cartilage between the ribs. It is definitely worth getting it checked out even if just for your own peace of mind. Take care char

[Vegart in reply to Thanksnhs]

Pain in the sternum / chest when sneezing or coughing can be eased by hugging one's self when about to sneeze or cough. The hospital where I had my Triple CABG done did not give me that advice, and sneezing and coughing (mine are violent) was very painful, until a physiotherapist friend told me about hugging myself. You have to hug yourself by crossing your forearms and placing your hands in your armpits.

[Thanksnhs in reply to Vegart]

It sounds like a good idea 👍char