Sternal precautions

[Jnho]

I am 7 weeks post valve repair. It is unclear to me how long and strictly I need to follow sternal precautions. Any tips? My surgeonn is unavailable and I start rehab soon

[PadThaiNoodles]

I think you're at the "if it hurts, stop" point. Your cardiac rehab nurses will be used to it as well; 5 out of the 6 participants in my class had been through open heart surgery. (Funny enough, the only restrictions were for the 6th, who had recently had a pace-and-ablate and wasn't supposed to lift her arms above her head.)

[Jnho in reply to PadThaiNoodles]

Thanks. I thought that might be the case.

[Redfloyd]

I was told it should be fully healed, the sternum not the muscles, at 12 weeks. Up until then there is a risk of further injury. Mine used to click until it was fully healed and I tried to keep within the "tube".

[Jnho in reply to Redfloyd]

Thank you.

[paulcongleton]

I think everyone is different, so just do what feels comfortable and right for you.I had OHS for a valve repair 14 months ago now, i was lucky and sternum healed quickly, I'm not advocating this but as my job as part time gardener i managed to cut trees etc after 10 weeks.

[Jnho in reply to paulcongleton]

That is very encouraging! Thanks

[cabgpatch]

Physiologically, the 12-week point is important. The sternum should be fused by that point, and the ribcage should no longer be able to move inappropriately. My understanding is that there is more of a risk with movement of needing corrective surgery before that point. The muscles, nerves and soft tissue are a different issue entirely and healing time can vary a lot from one person to another.