I had aortic valve replacement surgery on June 12th, 2014. I am 4 weeks into cardiac rehab and doing fairly well. I have had some issues with PVC's but nothing ...Read more
I had aortic valve replacement surgery on June 12th, 2014. I am 4 weeks into cardiac rehab and doing fairly well. I have had some issues with PVC's but nothing really big. I am still experiencing pain in the upper portion of my chest and of course my breast "skin" hurts to the touch. I noticed that the right side of my collar bone seems to be higher than the left. I actually don't really feel the left side. Is this normal?
Adam Pick Hi, So you know, the collarbone issue you raise is not uncommon. Here is something I posted about tha ... Read more
Adam Pick Hi, So you know, the collarbone issue you raise is not uncommon. Here is something I posted about that in 2008 - http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2008/07/17/fazilats-collarbone-pain-after-open-heart-surgery/.
I would strongly encourage you to continue cardiac rehab. Staying in that class was a major turning point in my recovery and my pain management. I hope it helps your recovery as well. Regarding the uneven collarbone, I'd ask your cardiac rehab team about that. The surgeons are pretty darn good at wiring the sternum tight to avoid that issue. If it continues, don't hesitate to get a follow-up appointment with your surgeon. That might help you feel more comfortable that everything is healing as it should.
Keep on tickin!
Adam Pick (patient and website founder)
I would strongly encourage you to continue cardiac rehab. Staying in that class was a major turning point in my recovery and my pain management. I hope it helps your recovery as well. Regarding the uneven collarbone, I'd ask your cardiac rehab team about that. The surgeons are pretty darn good at wiring the sternum tight to avoid that issue. If it continues, don't hesitate to get a follow-up appointment with your surgeon. That might help you feel more comfortable that everything is healing as it should.
Keep on tickin!
Adam Pick (patient and website founder)