Post Quad CABG

[SPG66]

8 weeks into recovery now. I posted on here 12 days after my op asking advice re pains in my moobs. Thanks for all replies, very reassuring.

To anyone who can give further info though, as Im at 8 weeks now.

I'm Walking well, stairs no issue etc. I have had a couple of "Ooooh what the heck is happening moments" where I had to stop walking for a 2/3mins as weird sensations come through around my chest area where it forces me to stop - take a moment then it's fine again. The pain is not angina and doesn't feel internal it feels like it's on the outer and either side of my sturnum. Anyone had similar ? would love to know..

My sturnum too still has so much numbness either side, can anyone confirm is normal too for a while yet?

[devonian186]

Most likely the nerves knitting back together after being cut during the op. it takes some time for them to disappear and even after a year or more they might still occur especially if you make an unusual or quick movement

[SPG66 in reply to devonian186]

Really appreciate peoples responses, as for sure they all know exactly what is going on. Thanks again.

[DWizza]

Hi, I’m just over a year post 4x CABG and still ache in the sternum area. One of my surgeons told me I’d take longer to heal in that area as they had to cut through a lot of muscle and thick healthy bone 🤢..

it doesn’t stop me from doing much other than really heavy pulling , pushing at the moment . I can still lift hay bales and do press ups, sun salutations etc .

[SPG66 in reply to DWizza]

Really appreciate peoples responses, as for sure they all know exactly what is going on. Thanks again. Think I will pass on the hay bales though

[Mancunian1]

hi

I’m only 4 weeks post CABG and I have an amount of sternum sensitivity, a bit like sore to touch but not painful as well as numbness.

As many have said here and previously it’s most likely nerve damage repairing itself and I’m resigned to the fact it will take a while. Knowing what the case of it is though I have found reassuring and in the grand scheme it’s a small inconvenience to suffer for me.

Hope things improve for you soon.

[BobbyB1962]

I had a 4 x CABG 3 yrs ago. Numbness and the odd ache & pain around the sternum and across the top of the chest, pecs etc is normal, mine carried on for months and I still get the odd little twinge every now and then. When you consider what happens during the op it's hardly surprising we get twinges & numbness. We're all different in terms of recovery but if it's bothering you speak to your GP or the BHF nurses. Good luck with your recovery.

[SPG66 in reply to BobbyB1962]

Really appreciate peoples responses, as for sure they all know exactly what is going on. Thanks again.

[ABCheart]

hi, I’m 12 weeks in and I still have odd feelings around my scar and my chest is still numb, also the scars on my leg. I’ve just got used to them, but they do remind me every now and again.

Jane

[SPG66 in reply to ABCheart]

Really appreciate peoples responses, as for sure they all know exactly what is going on. Thanks again.

[T666]

your chest has suffered a massive ‘attack’ your body will work in the background to fix itself but rest assured every now and then a random nerve or muscle or shattered bone will send you a ‘message’

The body is an amazing thing but it does let you know who’s in charge

[Steve_G]

6 years post CABG and still a degree of numbness on the left side of my chest. This is a result of the left internal mammary artery having been used as the bypass graft for the LAD. Major nerves run alongside arteries so when the LIMA is pulled away from the chest wall the nerve gets damaged causing the numbness.

[Snowflake01]

As everyone is saying, there always seems to be niggles going on with the sternum / chest. I found the bottom of the sternum more sensitive / tender, particularly after exercise, but is improving - my theory was that it maybe moves more with the lungs repeatedly expanding during exercise and is taking a little longer than at the top of the sternum.

Obviously take care and get in touch with GP (assuming you are now 'under' the GP) if you can't pin it down on what the pain is. Maybe Cardiac Rehab people can help as well 👍

[SPG66 in reply to Snowflake01]

Really appreciate peoples responses, as for sure they all know exactly what is going on. Thanks again.