Chest pains (not heart)

[David by Philly]

Since I got home I (which I am being scolded for by my mother), I have been much more active.

I have noticed in the last 2 days of how much more my chest hurts than when in the hosp. I can tell they are chest muscle/rib pain, as I can touch and feel where they hurt. with my fingers. Very surface level and twinge with movement.

Is this addtional pain normal? The pain meds are having almost no effect on them.

I understand that when I was in the hosp., my only "activity" was to get better. Now I have a bit of a life back as well, and almost trying to prove to myself (and others) of how quickly I am improving.

My mommy is threatening not to let me go to my neice's graduation party on Sunday!!)

(By the way, I am not a Momma's boy... I kid around about what she will let me do like I am 10 years old, but we have our own lives and I know taking care of me is not easy for her ... she is 72. I know I am trying to recover as quickly as possible, so I can get back to my own home,for both of our sanities!!!! )

So, what's your take on this additional chest pain thing????

 

[Ross]

Got any redness or drainage from the incision site? Anything that might resemble infection? No fever?

I think your mommy should chain you to a chair for the day facing the corner. Seriously, I think your overdoing it and it's seeking revenge on you.

 

[Yokena]

Chest Pain - Not Heart

Chest Pain - Not Heart

Ross is right!

Not to scare you or anything, but I managed to slightly separate my sternum 18 months after surgery by overdoing it with weights. I understand this is VERY unusual, but if you have recently had your surgery, you should be very careful about observing the lifting restrictions, not driving, etc. Your sternum needs to not be overly flexed or stressed so it can heal correctly, and so does the whole rest of your body.

Be patient and be a good patient!

Joyce

 

[Johnny Stephens]

Chill

Chill

You should check with your surgeon if you have any unexpected or unexplainable pain. However, you just had heart surgery 7 days ago, if I count correctly, so I think you may need to reset your expectations a bit. This is my opinion only, but I'm concerned you may be expecting too much too soon. Give yourself time to heal, and you'll be back to normal life before you know it.

 

[Nancy]

Hi David-

Call the surgeon, and please cool it. You may feel better, but your body, bones, muscles, and all the other tissues need to not be disturbed too much so they can heal properly. Know how they put a broken leg in a cast so it will be immobile? Well, think of your chest in the same way. Be safe, guy!

 

[JimL]

A gradual increase in activity is the key, and at first, a VERY GRADUAL increase. Take your time, since there are weeks and months and years and decades ahead of you.

I was working on a remodeling project the first few weeks, and paid for it in spades. Naps are good, breathing is good, walking is good the first few weeks, and nothing more.

 

[Granbonny]

Hi David

Hi David

What are you doing different at home? Maybe getting up and down out of bed, recliner..Too much computer? I love your website. Adorable infant and toddler bibs. Do we (valvers) get a discount? Bonnie

 

[Gerry Dorrian]

Easy does it

Easy does it

David,
It is good to be home, isn't it. I worries me to hear you say that you are more active than you were while you were still in the hospital. You were very active in the hospital.
I have a few more days on you but find that I still need to take things easy. I'm sure that we will both feel much better in the coming weeks but we need to give our bodies a chance to recover.
I'm glad to hear that your mother is taking good care of you . She is a special lady. The advice that she is giving you is for your own good. Follow this advice has nothing to do with being a mama's boy. Let her act as a good impartial observer of you activity level.
One thing that I've noticed since I've been home is that I sometime actually forget that I just had surgery last week. It's good feeling but also dangerous. A few times I have forgotten myself and over done it.
We went through too much in the hospital to take chances. I'm backing your mother on this one bro. Take it easy.

Gerry

 

[fyrfytr]

Hey David, Just like everyone has said, take it easy. It has been 8 weeks since my surgery and I am still taking it easy. I can tell when I have done to much. Relax until you start rehab and you will notice a big improvement.


Dave
______________________________________
SURGERY: 4/21/03
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Aortic Valve Replacement with a St. Jude Mechanical with graft sleeve.
Poudre Valley Hospital, Heart Center of the Rockies

 

[Rain]

Listen to your Mom.

Listen to your Mom.

Hey David,

My Mom also stayed with me for a few days afer my surgery. She was 79 at the time. I think it was important for her to feel like she was doing all she could to help me and my family. She slept in my son?s room... it was worse than when I was a teenager!!! ... she heard my every move!

BUT..... I wish I had it to do over again. My Mom was healthy at the time too... but she died a year later. Soooo just take it easy, relax, heal and enjoy this time with your mother. She's probably enjoying taking care of you.

Trying to ?recover as quickly as possible? can back fire on ya...... that?s my ?take? on the chest pain thing. I remember brushing my six year old's hair (went almost to her knees!) every morning.. ouchie, ouchie, ouchie. Stuff like that would make my chest hurt. My chest still hurts sometimes when I tweak it just right (wrong)... now I wonder if it?s because I didn?t let it heal properly in the beginning.

Take it easy and listen to your Mama.

 

[David by Philly]

My Day

My Day

Most of my day has been spent in the den watching TV. My feet are propt up, and drinking lots of water and using my spirometer.

I AM GETTING IT . I am realizing that the only reason I am staying at my Mom's is not just because I can't drive, but I do need her to take care and watch over me. I am too used to being independant.

So I am easing WAY back.

So, spending little time at the computer, and most of my time doing nothing but healing.

I have read all your wonderful advise and will take it to heart (get it, take it to heart,.. that's a pun... Oh I am just so funny I kill myself)

Love you all and will respond more later after I spend more time doing nothing.

PS Welcome home, Gerry. I hear waht you are telling me... thanks.

 

[Ross]

David did you get the memo? Are you getting it yet?

 

[Granbonny]

David

David

Forget about the way you feel.. You ignored me.. Do we Grandmother's get a discount on those darling bibs on your website.. May order Ross one to keep him from dribbling all over himself when he eats. All you Granmom's out there. be sure and look at David's website. Granbonny

 

[David by Philly]

Yes, yes, yes granbonny

 

[nadi]

Love the Bibs

Love the Bibs

As soon as I get back to work full time I will be buying a few of them for the young grandchildren. I don't think the teenagers would like them even if they do need them(LOL)

Also, Dave be sure to watch for infection and drainage(like Ross said). If your pain doesn't ease up with you "easing way back" CALL Your Doctor OR go to the E.R. Take it from someone who didn't listen to the wise ones here!! I landed back in the hospital with a pericardal effusion for a 2nd surgery and another week in jail!.

I hope the rest of you recovery time goes smoothly!

Take care

 

[ccrawford]

Time line

Time line

Hi David - I think you got the message by now, so let me give you some idea of a time line. I'm almost eight weeks post surgery and my sternum is almost pain free except the very bottom area ---- HOWEVER-- I can instantly tell when I'm overdoing it because that area becomes significantly more tender and sore. If you baby it for eight weeks, I beleive you'll find it totally healed or almost so. Chris

 

[David by Philly]

Pain is getting better. One side definately hurts more than the other, though.

Has anyone else experienced having one side hurt much more than the other???

Insicion area looks clean. Area under the JP and chest tube drains is becoming a little firm, but the nurse wasn't overly concernced about it when she visited today, and there is virtually no drainage from any of the tube sites.


Heart rate is now down below 90 for the first time since the surgery, and my pressure is good at 117/68.

On my way...

 

[Granbonny]

Totally healed

Totally healed

I'd say, more like a full year. I drove for 3 hours coming from Alabama..and when I switched with Hubby. I could feel slight pain in my back lower right shoulder. I experienced these sharp pains several times during the first year from reaching out too far, ect.I heard (don't know if it's true ) that when you are on operating table ..your shoulder blades touch one another. You are so wide spread apart. Another no. no is walking dog on leash too soon. Pull to hard. Takes time for those muscles, ect. to fall back into place and heal.. My buddy, Chris just wants to go birdhunting this fall.. Bonnie

 

[ccrawford]

Bonnie right on all counts

Bonnie right on all counts

David - Your pecoral muscles are attached to the edges of your sternum, and also attached on the outer edges at various places. When they use the retractor, they spread the sternum and this puts a lot of strain on various muscles. Mine were the sorest right at the outer edges where they meet the shoulder and arms. This will go away slowly, maybe all gone in 3 or 4 weeks. Bonnie - my bird dog is already dying to go hunting and we have months to go before bird season. When she sees a shotgun she gets so excited she cries. Chris

 

[fyrfytr]

Hey David, I am just 8 weeks post surgery and I was also having pain on the right side chest and it has gone away. Like the others have said, just take it easy and it will be just fine. I keep getting better each day and the cardio rehab has also helped me out. Take Care.

Dave
_________________________________________
SURGERY: 4/21/03
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Aortic Valve Replacement with a St. Jude Mechanical Valve with graft sleeve.
Poudre Valley Hospital, Heart Center of the Rockies