Bob's Journal

Clayton Mcarthur  It happened to me a lot and went on for a long time I think that's why they tell you not to overdo it too much

Bob Lamb  To be honest it happens when just sitting in a chair or just reaching for a spoon lol. Coughing? Yuk. The worst

Gerald Poulton  Hi Bob, Have you overdone it at all ? I am 7 weeks post and have never felt my sternum move or shift, doesnt sound right to me, I would suggest you talk to your doctor because it seems it would be hard to heel properly if it is moving or shifting. Coughing and or sneezing can do it, I assume you are crossing your arms holding a pillow to your chest or something to support and protect your sternum.
Take care of that sternum, precaution is better than the alternative 👍

Bob Lamb  I agree I don't always use the pillow because I have had no pain at all getting in or out of bed or chair for a week

Gerald Poulton  I understand but, I used my pillow for in and out of bed for over a month and always had it close in case of a cough or a sneeze. I didnt just use the pillow because I needed it and wanted to be cautious I also used it as a reminder of the things that I couldnt or shouldnt do. It Is very easy in the beginning when you start to feel good to think you are good but your sternum takes 2-3 months to heal and even longer depending on your health or age. An article I read said it takes 6 months till the sternum is completely rejoined. Be cautious my friend, the last thing you want to do is break a stainless wire which can and has happened or end up not healing and require a second surgery. 😱Not much heals in the 2 weeks since your surgery.

Douglas Williams  I think it is normal. I heard and could feel mine 'clicking' at least 4 weeks after surgery. It's a little disconcerting, but normal.

Bob Lamb  Ty. My doctor said they hear about this many times and hopefully it goes away eventually. Ur right it does not hurt but it is disconcerting

Gerald Poulton  👍 good for checking with your doctor, now you know for sure, I have heard of the clicking before but not the sternum moving, learned something new today, take care.

Bob Lamb  2 weeks out been walking etc started rehab this week. Tonight when walking felt lightheaded. I never felt lightheaded as a symptom b4 surgery. But did tonight. I am taking Coumadin now and inr has been right where dr wanted. 2.5. Any thots? Walking a mile or mile and half total. Don't think I am overdoing it cause not out of breath at all. ?????

Gerald Poulton  Did you take your blood pressure ? When I first came out of the hospital I was on beta blockers and my blood pressure would dip really low leaving me sometimes feeling a bit light headed. I also never experienced it or any other symptons before surgery. You could be overdoing it though, 2 weeks post op and doing rehab plus walking 2 miles. OHS is a huge stress on the body and it takes time to recover.