18 months post CABG

[CalvinHb]

Hello everyone,

Writing to ask if anyone else has experienced this.

I'm 18 months post 3 x CABG.

I don't know if it is part of the healing process, the best way I can describe the feeling is that it is like my rib cage is glued to everything else underneath.

It just doesn't quite feel right!

[Mirg]

yes it did feel like that and you will get used to it.i have a CABG 3 years ago sometimes I feel very tight around my chest and that is the reality you have to live with it.

[CalvinHb in reply to Mirg]

Thank you for the reply. That's reassuring to know, my surgeon did also say that it could take 2 years to fully heal.

[PadThaiNoodles]

I had a double valve job instead of CABG, but am the same. Feels like they sewed me back up one size too small. 😂

(I'm 4 months post-op.)

[DWizza]

Hi, I had quadruple CABG July 2023 following nstemi heart attack. Surgeons told me my sternum chest would take longest to heal. I had total hip replacement surgery on 17th October and started back to exercising in December, cycling , swimming, physical work round our small farm. My chest area still feels the workouts but I know it is fine. I think it’s something we will just have to live with. My surgeon also said that he could tell I kept fit and strong as there was a lot of healthy bone and chest muscle to cut through and that it would take longer for the nerves to heal 🤦🏼.

[T666]

absolutely normal. Alas the body will recover but never fully repair due to the level of physical trauma

[fixedrider]

I'm five and a half years on. I don't think there's a day when I'm not aware that someone has ripped my chest apart. It can be difficult because you're always aware of something not right, and of course you know that the first time you felt that was the start of all this. But it is a different feeling, and you have to learn to distinguish it. I've been back in for checks on a few occasions when I got concerned, but got a clean bill of health each time.

[Puscifer23]

Hi - I am also around 18 months post CABG. Scar tissue is a bit tight (which is to be expected) and I feel some numbness on right side of chest where they may have cut through a nerve. I did a fairly extensive cardio rehab programme which definitely loosened things up. So that may be an option if you feel up to it. Can’t say I’ve experienced what you’re describing but hopefully you’re generally feeling ok after the op. We’re all different but don’t be hesitant to speak to your GP if you’re worried. It’s a major operation and recovery will vary for all of us. Take care .

[Coolhandalbert]

Hi I had a triple last may I'm 58 never drank or smoked, it's a brutal operation everybody is different thank god you are still here. Take care it's your healing process, lots of respect.

[Vegart]

Hello, CalvinHb. I had a Triple CABG Op 21 months ago. I occasionally still get discomfort, mainly in the left side of my chest. Sometimes it is across the chest. I have been checked out by one of the heart surgeons, and my GP is aware of it, but there was no treatment needed. It could be due to the Left Mammary Artery being cut out to make one of the bypass grafts. Also, to do the CABG Op they have to cut open the Pericardium, which envelopes the heart. That provides a protective covering for the heart. They do not usually sew that back up, because that could cause pressure problems in the chest.

[CalvinHb in reply to Vegart]

I wonder if it is related to the Pericardium as my Consultant mentioned that shortly after my op. I get occasional times when I spontaneously have what I can only describe as a "sharp intake of breath" almost like a half hiccup.

Thank you for your reply!

[Stevegee100 in reply to CalvinHb]

I get that and thought it was just me

[Heather1957]

I had my bypass in 2017 and have also had 2 stents fitted in 2021 that required drilling of my arteries.

While I believe my bypass went without many issues, the healing took some time. I would get pain at the lower part of my ribs for a couple of years. Initially it started when I started driving again and realised there were times it was 1 step forward and 2 steps back.

After a while I would work out that it was muscular or joint pain and took a few pain killers and took it easy. Nearly 8 years later I am mainly pain free but even now get a few niggles.

I always say that you must listen to your body and never take any risks it's not worth it.

As others have said it is a BIG operation, probably bigger than we appreciate.

We heal differently so it is hard to say if what you are feeling is normal, but certainly reading the replies it seems it probably is but if in doubt speak to a professional.