2.5 post-op and still have pain!

[Smiley2000]

I am now 2.5 months post-op and frustrated and depressed!

My HR is still fast (100+) but it slowed down, it used to be 120+. Had some "time share" in Hospital again and Cardio and EP doc did final tests and diagnosed me with "sinus Tachycardia". I can not tolerate beta-blockers as I am hypotensive so I just have to live with it. Apparently there is some "potassium blocker" "CORALAN" that will be able to treat Tachy and that doesn't have a negative effect on BP and slows down HR.

For the past 2 days I have had chest discomfort and pain again. For the past 3-4 weeks the pain was almost gone! Even when I am flat on my back and relaxed I sometimes still get these burning pains in the center of my chest/sternum.

Then I can't help but wonder if all of my symptoms are normal????!!!!

 

[Ross]

I had lots of pain up to 4 months post op. I don't know what your experiencing, but can only side with the fact that it's probably normal.

 

[Jkm7]

I'm coming up to four months post op and still have pain in both my sternum as well as my four holes where there were drainage tubes.

My first OHS was four years ago and I never healed totally pain free in my sternum from the first surgery. I was particularly weather sensitive and had more discomfort with a change or weather (rain and snow) as well as humidity.

It was tolerable and I just learned to live with it.
My surgeon cleaned out all old wires etc this time and hopefully in time I'll be more comfortable than after the first surgery.
I hope you, also, will be more comfortable but the healing takes time and it is a different schedule for all of us.

 

[Bina]

I had some aches and pains for about a year. It sounds like you are sensitive, I can relate!
I stuck it out on BBs for my high HR rate. Yes, my BP does get too low, but I prefer that over the tachycardia.
Hang in there, it all takes time.

 

[WayneGM]

I'm 2+ years post op and I still get the occasional sternum pain, particularly in cold, damp, weather or hot, humid, weather (extremes).

 

[hall]

I feel bad for you to have a 100HR all the time. That would drive me crazy. Hopefully that will go down for you. I had OHS almost a year ago and still get sore sternum once in a while. Normal, I think. You take care and let us know how you are doing.

Deb

 

[Bridgette]

Hi Smiley

I can relate to what you are going through because it was the same for me. For several months after my mitral valve replacement my HR was 100 + and my BP was quite low. I think some of us are just like that after our ops.
I didn't take anything to slow the heartrate because my surgeon didn't want me to - both he and my cardiologist told me to hang in there and let the heart heal and remodel on its own - it will get better they said, and you know what, they were right. Gradually, over time it just started slowing, and now, 18 months later, my heart rate is usually in the low 80's which is ok by me (in the morning before I get up it can even be in the very low 70's)
My BP is normally around 100 or 110 over 70 and I am only on Warfarin and aspirin.
Eventually Smiley things SHOULD get better for you without taking any meds, but if you are really bothered by your heart rate maybe you could ask your doctor for some advice. Some people have had a bit of success with magnesium - maybe you could ask the doc about that?
In the meantime, keep smiling and with any luck things will look up soon.

Bridgette