Feedback: 3 1/2 weeks post-op

[Smiley2000]

Hi there to my Valve-family.

I am now 3 1/2 weeks post-op. I have been experiencing muscle weakness for the past 2 weeks. It started about 2 weeks after op (Sternotomy) and I had xrays done, but GP says it is normal. My left hand/wrist is the worst. It becomes completely "numb" or weak at times to the extent that I drop things and can not control my wrist/arm/hand for a good few hours and then it returns to normal! My right arm is sometimes just weak and I get needles and pins in my left thumb and finger.

Is this normal?

I walk about 500m twice a day and I don't have any symptoms while walking. I sleep on my side, holding a pillow in front of me. Can this be the cause of my muscle problems? does it make sence to anyone.

I still have chest tightness and I am sore most of the times. How long will I have this chest/sternum pains?

I try not to do to much or to pick up anything heavier than 2kg's, but with a 2 year-old and a 5-year old in the house it is not always that easy.

 

[Tom F.]

I did not experience anything along the lines you describe post op, so I would really suggest that you keep a record of what is happening and inform the doc at your next visit. That said, please keep in mind that your body went through a terrible trauma, and from being in this VR community I have seen that many people experience a lot of just plain wierd things post op, simply because of the trauma that they went through. I am not a doctor, but I wonder if some of it might be just disturbed blood circulation, but that is just my guess. But if it keeps up, keep telling your doctor.

 

[Mary]

My thoughts are similar to Tom's. Can you try sleeping on the other side for a few nights to rule your sleeping position out as a cause? It sounds as though you've got a nerve that's being compressed, so if it continues, I would insist that the doctor check again.

I think I was sore for six weeks or so. It wasn't much; just a continual feeling of being uncomfortable in my chest and shoulders.

I guess it's been hard to rest with your two small children? This is a difficult surgery to quickly recuperate from when you have youngsters.

 

[WayneGM]

I experienced some left arm weakness and sharp pain when I moved a certain way for about a month post-op. Doc said it was a pinched nerve. I'm two years post-op and my chest still feels tight....like they sewed me up one size smaller . As for general soreness, it stopped being constant after a few months, but after that I'd have good days and bad days for over a year which seemed to depend on weather, activity level, etc.

 

[Karlynn]

They kind of treat your body like they're trying to make it into a pretzel during surgery, so my thoughts are similar to the others. You could have some chiropractic issues.

 

[mattmack]

Hi, I'm exactly 3 weeks post op myself and have to say that as far as odd aches and pains go....well, there's the sore back, the aching sides, the tight chest, the stiff neck, lol I'm a mess, but according to my doc I'm ok and this will pass. I still cant sleep on my side though, only my back, maybe that's part of my prob who knows.
I do think this is all due to the fact that they open us up like a clam and tap dance once inside
God bless and I hope you feel better real soon!

 

[Philip B]

Issues

Issues

Initially, during the first few weeks post-op, I had some weakness issues with my left hand and some tremor issues. I did have a nasty nerve pinch which had to be worked out. Massage seemed to help. The crew at my cardiologist's office were puzzled about the issues I was having. Things improved over time.

I couldn't sleep in bed for a couple of months. I had to sleep on the couch propped up with pillows. Laying on my side really bothered my chest.

As noted in other posts, it's always a good idea to document the problems you are experiencing and discuss the issues with your doctor. You really need to become persistent with your questions and insist that your medical team work to help resolve any problems you encounter.

-Philip

 

[Debbie]

smiley

smiley

Dear Smiley, your only 3 weeks post-op, remember you just had your chest cracked open so if you can, try and be patient with your body. I know it's hard and frustrating but you will get better slowly, take notice each day of something you can do today that you could'nt do the day before, that will help. Be careful picking up your little one's, it will just take longer to heal if you don't. I'm 13 weeks post-op now and my continued challange is to try and sleep in bed. I've been sleeping on my back in the recliner and sleeping on my side is just not working for me. About 2 times a week I try to sleep in bed and I wake up in the morning so--- sore from sleeping on my side! The whole next day my chest is sore, I'm beginning to think that recliner is my new bed Anyway, as you've read everyone is different here, so listen to your body and give it what it needs. Also, at 13 weeks I'm feeling pretty good except for the sleeping thing. Take care Debbie

 

[Dina]

Hi Smiley, nice to "see" you.
YES , I had alot of the same symptoms: numbness and tingling in hands and feet(esp. when sleeping),incisional/sternal pain, pain in the heart itself,
shortness of breath(not extreme though)I dont know if these things are normal but my MD didnt seem concerned when I told him that they were coming and going.
Heres to a healthy recovery,