? re portal access procedure

[ALCapshaw2]

One factor that contributes to a relative lack of pain from a Sternotomy is that there is No Muscle to cut through along the center of the chest.

A contributing factor to PAIN from a Thoracotomy is that there are Lots of Nerves along the (bottom?) of the ribs. That is my recollection of what one surgeon told me...

'AL C'

 

[Ruth]

I'm interested that Luana had an above the breast incision, mine was below. I had MVR, I wonder if the location of the mitral valve means beneath the breast.

For the ladies out there, just fyi, at 3 years post op I'm still not comfortable in a standard bra. Sports bras, camis, leotards, etc are all OK. I'm only moderately endowed so it's not really a problem for me, thankfully. It does put some limitations on wardrobe choices. My scar is the same location and shape/size as an underwire in an underwire bra (which I still can't wear after 3 years). Heck, underwires are never comfortable but when they rest on an incision scar, well, you get my drift.

I was told that for the right thoracotomy that being tallish and thinish helps since there's better access for the surgeon to get in between the ribs.

 

[Luana]

Ruth,
I had my aortic valve replaced.

Luana

 

[catwoman]

One factor that contributes to a relative lack of pain from a Sternotomy is that there is No Muscle to cut through along the center of the chest.

A contributing factor to PAIN from a Thoracotomy is that there are Lots of Nerves along the (bottom?) of the ribs. That is my recollection of what one surgeon told me...

'AL C'

Al:
That's what an RN told us, but ... John had little pain with his thoracotomy and I had a great deal of pain with my sternotomy. Perhaps there's a difference in positioning on the OR table.
When it comes to pain, John's the wienie; I can tolerate a lot. Go figure ...