Chest soreness/pain 13-14 weeks after AVR

[PaoloRossi]

Hi fellow HealthUnlocked contributors,

I had a mini-sternotomy AVR on 8 May (incl wires). I am 4/8 weeks into my NHS Cardio Rehab clinic and have been easing myself back into exercise with short, non-intensive stepper/cycle at gym and swim - 1 session (30-40mins) each per week. I've been making good progress with minimal/no heart issues and no breathing probs. However, since 10 days ago I've been very sore across the top of my chest, especially on my left side where I'm finding it difficult to reach up/to one side for things. I'm also back to being unable to sleeping on my side (which I'd been doing since cweek8 post-op). The 'bump' at the top of my wound is still evident and has recently been 'redder'. I seem to be in more discomfort later in the day. I stopped exercising 10days ago. I'm wondering if the problem is muscular or skeletal rather than organ-related?? Anyway, if anyone has had anything similar I'd welcome your reply. Thank you. John

[Happyrosie]

it looks like you are asking us to diagnose something, and really that’s not possible here. We can give advice though and mine would be to get this checked out by a professional.