How long does painful cough persist after sternotomy? It is so hard to get up secretions.

[Jnho]

I have valve repair 11 days ago

[PadThaiNoodles]

I can't remember exactly, but I do remember that it was less time than I expected. Maybe 3 weeks?

Sneezing was still painful for longer.

[Larneybuds]

I found one of the most effective things I did pre and post surgery was to do the coughing exercises. There are plenty available online. It is painful but you must try to get any mucus build up off your chest. Did they show you the rolled up towel method in hospital to make the coughing less painful. You have to persevere with trying to cough as you don't want to end up with any infection on your chest. Good luck xx

[Jnho in reply to Larneybuds]

Thank you. I will look up coughing exercised

[Larneybuds in reply to Jnho]

You have to stick with it but it's worthwhile. Hope it helps and you feel better soon x

[fishonabike]

Healing time varies from one person to another but is likely to be longer than you want - this is a bit like having broken ribs and I know that is painful

I agree with Larneybuds about coughing and breathing exercises, but also keep your fluid intake up as this helps to keep your sputum less thick (and easier to shift) - if you are taking pain control meds (e.g. paracetemol) try to time the breathing/coughing exercises so that the pain control is at it's most effective

By the way when coughing I also found that it is best to sit upright, leaning forward a bit at the waist and hugging myself or a pillow to support my chest works well

[sjs1me]

Hi, I still get twinges at 9 months.