Experiences with

Sternotomy

Hi all so I had a 4.5cm tumour on my heart and Aorta and was removed successfully 10wks ago ( sternotomy) I have a nice clean scar healing well and pain getting easier UNTIL 10 DAYS AGO?? I have permanent paint centre left breast 24/7 and worse when I take breaths in and out.

I had a 4cm tumour attached to heart and aorta and 4wks ago I underwent a Sternotomy. I’m still in so much pain when I Cough or laugh and I’ve never felt so vulnerable, depressed, tearful and not wanted to live??? Any help advise or good stuff will be much appreciated.

I had a Sternotomy removing a 4cm tumour off my heart and aorta 16wks ago. I had a blue light to A&E 2 wks ago which the pain But after scans I was sent home telling me ALL OK probably just post opp healing pain?????

Does anyone get swelling either side of a sternotomy scar? What causes it for you and how do you alleviate it?

I have valve repair 11 days ago

I had a surprise heart issue over a few days culminating in mitra valve repair 5 weeks ago via sternotomy. Discharged after 5 days on bisoprolol and warfarin both hopefully temporary.

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.

Hi, I am scheduled for AVR (hemi-sternotomy and tissue valve) on 8 May and am interested to hear of others feedback as to recuperation. If all goes well with the op I expect to back home within the week.

I have read that spreading ribs during sternotomy can fracture bones, disrupt ‘costochondrial’ cartilage which can impinge blood flow or nerve but I haven’t seen similar experiences on here. Has anyone found they have damage to lower ribs or felt rib cage integrity compromised?

Anyone who has had a sternotomy…. Were you told about “keep your move in the tube” ? (a way of ensuring you don’t move on the wrong way post surgery).

Hi All I'm really interested in what information you were given prior to a sternotomy - specifically about excercise/movement you can/cannot do after the operation? were you given advice/leaflets/excercises/videao/things to avoid??

Anyone who has had a sternotomy; Were you give any information/advice about recovery before you actually had your op? How many days did you have to stay in hospital after your op?

My dad has to have a sternotomy - he has been told he will need to limit his movement to his torso for at least 8 weeks. He has trouble getting out of bed and going from sitting to standing at the moment and I believe this will be much harder for him after surgery.

Due to the size and location of the mass, thoracic surgeons are going to join the ENT team to perform a mini/full sternotomy as well as the cervical incision. I feel incredibly lonely, so if there is anyone out there that has had a similar condition, I'd love to hear from you.

I am 4 weeks on from Surgery to repair Mitral Valve and seem to be making a good recovery. I am worried about the sternal wires. Zi have rad about the bump at the top of the sternum but I have a bump at the bottom which appears to be wires - is that normal

My Sternotomy and scar are all healing well, but through my own stupidity I have pulled a muscle under my rib cage. So don't be like Wayne, Wayne is a silly boy. Take care all, have a good weekend 😊 😘 ☺️

Hi, I had a double bypass 5 years ago which didn't fully work after a year of tests and complaints of neglect by two drs my consultant and a surgeon looked at my results and said I definitely need a redo,so 4 weeks ago I had a redo sternotomy, since this I have been feeling quite low.

Not something I know much about,but I saw that some were front loaders, which I understand aren't much use after sternotomy, while others were back fastening. May be worth checking out for anyone about to have the op. 👍

hello, I am 32 years old and im due to go for open heart surgery next week for aortic valve replacement. I have an enlarged heart and im experiencing some significant burning pain in my left side, gnawing pain in left ankle and collarbone area too. What should I expect post surgery (praying

Hi, I am going in for a CABG (sternotomy) in 9 days time, I had a double bypass via a midcab 5 years ago which didnt fully work so here we go again.