I came across this community after searching for answers about still having pain and discomfort years after surgery. I didn't have valve repair but had 6 bypasses. ...Read more
I came across this community after searching for answers about still having pain and discomfort years after surgery. I didn't have valve repair but had 6 bypasses. I saw someone named Jake had asked a question about discomfort years later after surgery. That was about 11 years ago. Mine was over 4 years ago and it continues to get worse. I get a tightness and pressure and overall soreness and burning. Its like I cant take a deep breath . I have had all of the wires removed been to my cardiologist and a lung doc. Been to 12 weeks physical therapy, have had a cAT scan and a MRI, lung function tests. The other day I saw a pain managment docand he gave me muscle relaxers that dont seem to do anything. I am at the end, dont see any other things to do to relieve this. Anyone here have this issue, not sure if Jake is still around on the site but interested in any insight I can get. Thanks for your help CLay
Susan Lynn Clay - Welcome to our heart community. I am sorry to read that you're still experiencing pain and lu ... Read more
Susan Lynn Clay - Welcome to our heart community. I am sorry to read that you're still experiencing pain and lung capacity issues more than 4 years after your bypass surgery. I think that you may need to seek the advice of a bigger more progressive hospital. Many of us have recognized when we needed to get second opinions or switch cardiologists, altogether, to get the appropriate treatment. The pain is coming from somewhere and, what's concerning, is that it's getting worse. Don't worry about offending your doctor - get to a physcian immediately who's going to continue to look until the problem is identified and the resolution eliminates your pain. Best of luck to you. Please keep us posted on your progress.
Thomas Brusstar When my mitral valve was failing, it was like I couldn’t take a deep breath without a tightness or ... Read more
Thomas Brusstar When my mitral valve was failing, it was like I couldn’t take a deep breath without a tightness or pressure at the bottom of my lung on the left side. I thought it was pneumonia, with shortness of breath also. Just needed a valve repair, and I’m all good! I agree you should not stop until you find a doctor who can do more than just issue pain relievers. That doesn’t seem like the answer.
Clay Weed Thanks for the replies I don't feel that it is a heart problem at this point but something in the st ... Read more
Clay Weed Thanks for the replies I don't feel that it is a heart problem at this point but something in the structure in my chest wall and sternum. I cant be the only one that has this after surgery but this is what the doctors seem to think.
Mary K Nerve damage. You are not the only one. I have pain in my right rib cage, I am two and a half years p ... Read more
Mary K Nerve damage. You are not the only one. I have pain in my right rib cage, I am two and a half years post AVR (aortic valve replacement). I went to several doctors, had X Ray's, CAT scan, MRI. A pulmonologist finally told me that I have nerve damage from the large drain tubes that were inserted during my surgery. My neurologist says that I have referred pain from the original injury. Both the pulmonologist and the neurologist agree that there is nothing that I can do but manage the pain with analgesics. :(
I have found on my own that the muscles around the ribs (intercostals) tend to spasm from the pain, massage will work some of that out. Lidocaine patches help to some extent, although they are outrageously expensive if your insurance doesn't cover them. The cheapest treatment with no side effects is black seed oil. You can find it in Middle Eastern food stores, or on Amazon. Just rub it on the affected area. It is very soothing.
I get really down about always having this pain, (why me?) but just try to remind myself that I am alive. I was circling the drain before I had the surgery.
Clay Weed Thanks Mary K. I wish the pressure and tightness would leave. It would then be a lot easier to deal ... Read more
Clay Weed Thanks Mary K. I wish the pressure and tightness would leave. It would then be a lot easier to deal with the pain. Thanks again
Mary K I know, it's really hard. Hoping you find some relief somehow.
Can you see a massage therapist? The ... Read more
Mary K I know, it's really hard. Hoping you find some relief somehow.
Can you see a massage therapist? They might be able to work out some of the muscle spasms.
I have found on my own that the muscles around the ribs (intercostals) tend to spasm from the pain, massage will work some of that out. Lidocaine patches help to some extent, although they are outrageously expensive if your insurance doesn't cover them. The cheapest treatment with no side effects is black seed oil. You can find it in Middle Eastern food stores, or on Amazon. Just rub it on the affected area. It is very soothing.
I get really down about always having this pain, (why me?) but just try to remind myself that I am alive. I was circling the drain before I had the surgery.
Can you see a massage therapist? The ... Read more
Can you see a massage therapist? They might be able to work out some of the muscle spasms.