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Shoulder pain after bypass

SRDS profile image
SRDS
20 Replies

Hi All

Thank you everyone for the very helpful advice.

I have got another question please? Is shoulder pain after bypass normal?

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SRDS profile image
SRDS
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20 Replies
ChoochSiesta profile image
ChoochSiesta

About 2 weeks after my cabg I developed horrific shoulder pain. Only lasted a couple of days though. It is still a bit sore now 2 weeks later.

SRDS profile image
SRDS in reply toChoochSiesta

Thank you ChooshSiesta. It sounds like you had your operation around the same time as my husband? Our 4th week has just started.

ChoochSiesta profile image
ChoochSiesta in reply toSRDS

In to the 5th week now. The worst thing now is my left leg, random pain throughout the day. It looks ok but around the ankle it is so numb and sensitive. A nurse told me last week that the ankle bone is very close to the wound and must rub against it.

SRDS profile image
SRDS in reply toChoochSiesta

Oh my husband has similar pain in his right leg! Blood circulation may be rerouting too. Which is painful but apparently necessary.

ChoochSiesta profile image
ChoochSiesta in reply toSRDS

Have you got a follow up appointment with the surgeon yet? I'm wondering when mine will be.

Hello :-)

Yes it is very normal

they have your arms right up for 6 hours or more in lots of cases which then creates the shoulder pain which can go on for months

I already had a shoulder problem so for me it has been double trouble

It should get better in time but if the pain is to bad then have a word with your Doctor if you would be happy to take stronger painkillers to help with it :-) x

SRDS profile image
SRDS in reply to

Ah I see. I didn't know that that is what they do 🙂Thank you BeKind28

Hi SRDS. I had horrific right shoulder pain after my bypass that painkillers didn't really touch except co-codamol. After enduring it for a few months I went to the GP who referred me to a specialist who diagnosed that I had scapular Dyskinesis. Once diagnosed, a few physio appointments and specialist exercises worked wonders and sorted it.

Hope you get your shoulder sorted.

SRDS profile image
SRDS in reply to

Thanks Judge_Dredd.

Dear SRDS

Yes I’m afraid it is normal for a lot of us but it will pass, if your brave ask you Cardiologist what position your arms are strapped in when they are performing this miraculous operation.

I found the shoulder rolls helped.

Take care, you are amazing for going through what you have, The shoulders are just a little reminder for now.

SRDS profile image
SRDS in reply to

Thanks Blue1958. It is my husband going through it. I am trying to help as much as I can🙂I will check out the shoulder rolls. Thank you.

080311 profile image
080311

Hello,When we have open heart surgery we are put into some really extreme positions, this can cause real pain from some strange places. One of the exercises we are given after surgery along with huffing are puffing are shoulder rolls. It’s a good idea to keep doing these when we get home they really do help.

Hope things settle down soon,

Best wishes Pauline

SRDS profile image
SRDS in reply to080311

Thanks Pauline Yes I will get shoulder rolls for him. Hopefully it helps

080311 profile image
080311 in reply toSRDS

The shoulder rolls are just exercises that he should have been shown in hospital by the physios. They are just sitting up straight and rolling your shoulders first one way and then the other. This along with the breathing exercises to help his lungs re in flate should be continued when we get home. Remember the lungs collapse when we are put on bypass, and they need a little help to fill out those little pockets.Take good care

Pauline

Handel profile image
Handel

Following my hubby's quad bypass, he had terrible shoulder pain for several weeks that gradually eased off. The lovely cardio surgeon explained that he would have his arms behind his back throughout the very long operation and said to expect a lot of pain in the shoulders.It's good we knew about that beforehand.

Once you get moving around more and walking, the pain will start to ease.

Good luck and I'm sure things will get better soon.

All the best. Jan xxxx

SRDS profile image
SRDS in reply toHandel

Ah! That makes sense! We are trying to increase his walking times. So hopefully it helps

Handel profile image
Handel in reply toSRDS

That's good. With better weather around the corner, he'll improve quickly. My husband had his op in November 2018 so we had the winter to contend with!!!

Lots of love to you both. Jan xxx

SRDS profile image
SRDS in reply toHandel

😊 thank you

Greencat59 profile image
Greencat59

Apparently it’s called anaesthetic shoulder and very common. I had it for 3 weeks after AVR surgery- painkillers didn’t help - hot water bottle to the shoulder and physio helped it to go away

SRDS profile image
SRDS in reply toGreencat59

Yes it seems to be the case. Hopefully with all the suggestions given by all you lovely people, it will be okay

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