Post surgery chest movement

[TempleR]

I am 3 weeks post surgery (aortic valve replacement via sternectomy) and am a bit unsure about how much, how little, and what kind of activity I should limit my upper body to. It seems like I can frequently feel the left and right sides of my chest moving separately from each other. Some simple activities, like washing dishes, make this happen more than others. Is that normal/OK at this stage or ?

 

[Dale B]

Hi Temp! Yes it is very normal. I had the "clicks" for 6 months before my sternum was sufficiently fused to not hear them anymore. I won't say you get used to it, but you just accept them.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

I would recommend notifying your Surgeon (or his Nurse) about this movement. IMO, actual movement is NOT a good thing and *could* result in a 'failure to bond properly'.

Perhaps you should refrain from Washing Dishes for a few more weeks...

BTW, your surgeon should have given you a Lifting / Pulling / Pushing weight restriction schedule. Typically this is 5 or 10 # for X weeks then .... etc. (Obviously I don't remember the details)

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Ross]

A little movement is normal. A lot of movement is not. Limit yourself to extremely light duty for at least 6 weeks, preferably longer. If in doubt, call the Doc.

 

[Mileena46]

I had this! It just feels like a little thunp between your breast bones.....I had my surgery 7-16-09, and it doesn't do it now...but I can't tell you when it stopped.....had to be a couple of weeks ago at least. I think its normal...but I didn't have any pain....so if you are having pain you should call the doctor.


Mileena

 

[tobagotwo]

You should not be doing anything that uses the chest muscles in any meaningful way for four weeks. They will put pressure on the (hopefully) healing sternum, and can cause it to separate again, to misalign the wires, or just fail to heal. After that, start up slowly. If you're older or your healing seems to be moving slowly, make that six weeks.

Things that use your chest in a bad way for sternum healing have been listed many times before, but here are some:

Sweeping, vacuuming, or mopping floors
Washing dishes
Scrubbing surfaces
Cleaning tubs, showers, or toilets
Making beds
Mowing the lawn
Bending over to pick things up
Lifting children, laundry, groceries
Doing laundry in a washing machine or dryer
Ironing
Push-ups and similar exercises
Weight training, even with small weights
Hanging clothes
Snaking drains (don't ask how I know this)
Driving (esp. standard shift)
Opening heavy doors
Using tools, such as wrenches, hammers, and saws (including power tools)
Brushing pets' or children's hair
Walking unruly, large dogs

There are many more things.

As an added bonus, anyone who feels the limitations don't apply to them will usually be visited by the Pain Fairy, who is most generous with her gifts.

Please take care of your sternum until it heals completely.

Best wishes,

 

[kschroed]

Oh how it made me crazy to avoid all these normal things, but I had a watchdog member of the family with me 24/7 and screeching if I even mentioned opening the refrigerator. It's worth it, though, to avoid any healing issues.

 

[Ross]

I remember the first time I grabbed a gallon of milk. BIG MISTAKE.