Experiences with

Sternotomy

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.

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

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.

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?

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.

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.

Am driving with no issues and I’ve even been swimming a couple of times (with the blessing of my consultant), something I would never have considered with a sternotomy at this stage. So again, sternotomy v endoscopically. It’s got to be endoscopically. Less pain, more movement, quicker recovery.

My sternotomy wound is very good and discomfort is minimal (although a sudden sneeze is not recommended) but I do have what feels like neuralgic pain on the skin on my chest a few inches on each side of the scar. Anyone else had anything similar?

heart attack in September of last year and had a triple bypass.Been having some chest pain lately and after some blood tests got a phone call to get checked out in A&E.Had an ECG and more blood tests and chest X-Ray.Lovely Dr told me it wasn't a problem with my heart but probably osteoarthritis of my Sternotomy