Ben's Journal

Rose Madura  I didn't have much pain because I stayed ahead of it with meds - mostly Tylenol when I returned home.  

Fidel Martínez Ruiz  I didn´t have much pain either  during my stay in hospital-I suppose was given meds, but when I was discharged from hospital already at home, I had no pain anymore.

Fidel Martínez Ruiz  To tell the truth, I occasionally experience pain or irritation in the area of ​​my esophagus or trachea, but doctors haven't diagnosed it, and I've had it for about 20 years. I deduce it's of nervous or psychological origin, and I've stopped worrying about it.

John Cook  I didn’t have much pain with my incision either in or out of the hospital. In the hospital, I had a lot of back & neck stiffness I handled with heat packs. I’m now on Day 24 of my recovery & I’m weaning myself off Tylenol.

The only pain issue I have is occasionally after eating my stomach hurts for hours. It makes getting the next meal down difficult & I usually resort to a fruit-protein smoothie.

Heather Wilson  Hi Ben, I had my Aortic Valve replaced in 2015 with a right anterior thoracotomy (smaller incision on the right side of the chest) and not a full sternotomy. I had significant pain for the first 2 weeks after surgery and kept the recommended schedule for pain medication and made sure to walk as often as possible. After 2 weeks, my pain significantly improved. I hope you are feeling better soon.

Sue Maize  Welcome to the HVS community Ben…and to this side of surgery! The worst of my pain was in the hospital (I was in for 10 days) but I took prescribed pain relief and Tylenol as needed for the first 2 weeks at home. I also took sleeping meds because that was made worse from the aches and pains and stiffness. Moving as you’re able, gently and without straining your upper body will help. I hope you have support at home or at least things arranged so that you don’t have to reach up high or lift anything heavier than a few pounds to start. 

Ben Jones  Thank you all for the messages. It’s reassuring to hear that in most cases the pain went quickly. I went to my GP yesterday, general practitioner, this is what we call the family doctor here in the UK, she prescribed me some additional pain meds and as a result yesterday afternoon was a lot more bearable and I was able to sleep for 9 solid hours, I’ve woken up in agony again but I’m certain that once the meds kick in, it’ll be a better day. I’m just concerned at how long I’m going to need these opioid based pain meds as I don’t want to become dependent on them. Strangely I can’t feel any pain around the incision it’s all muscular and bone pain that moves between  my ribs, back, shoulders, and upper arms. I’ve started some rehab exercises which I’m hoping will help also. Thanks again for all of the reply’s. I hope everyone has a great day.

Melissa Allen  HI Ben, I am new here too though a bit older than you 64). I had coarctation of the aorta at 15 years old resulting in being alive - hooray but also partial paraplegia. I dealt iwht it,  im a survivor at heart (excuse the pun) or have been but this time around with surgeons telling me I have severe symptiomatic aortic stenosis I am utterly terrified. I have the comorbidities no one wants,  a bit overweight, kidney and liver labs abnormal, osteoporosis,  edema in ankles sometimes, shortness of breath occasionally - ok I'll stop here - Im very glad to hear you made out well! But im sorry about the pain. I had some to but It eventually subsided without real  intervention. I did slow slow consistent stretching every single morning around hte surgical site and my cat on my lap helped me more than I can express in words. I wish you the best for full recovery and please if you dont mind think of me next few weeks when I go back under. I dont want to but I cant leave yet either I take care of my husband who has MS, 4 loving pets, and a beautiful young daughter only just launching into adulthood. it's just too soon. I plan to have operation at shands in florida. ok bye thanks for anyone who listened. appreciated. 

Susan Lynn  Ben - Make sure you're not overdoing it.  Recovery is anything but linear.   Some days you'll feel like a rock star other days taking a shower and a lap around the kitchen is all you'll feel up to doing.  On the good days,  you'll want to do more, but one day of over exertion can set you back a few days in your recovery.   Also,  beware of the post-op lifting restriction.   I had a side incision and still had a lifting restriction for three months. Your heart is healing not just your chest.  Take your time.  You'll see progress every week.