Judy's Journal

rich monoson  Rotator cuff repair (I had two of them) we way worse than my valve surgery. Hope you're doing great with both the valve and rotator cuff.

Judy Shaw  Thank you. Did your shoulder injury come from your OHS? Mine was fine before my surgery. A friend of mine is a surgical nurse and she called it positioning injury. I've done almost 4 months PT with the diagnosis of frozen shoulder. Now they saw rotator cuff impingement. Go for MRI August 8th.

rich monoson  Hi Judy, sorry I just saw post. Both shoulder injuries were hockey related well before OHS.
My only post OHS was the facet joints in spine from pressure from opening up chest traumatizing the facets and causing the only pain I had from the entire surgery. Impingement is easier to fix and frozen shoulder can be a bit more complicated. Both very fixable

Jennifer Barnett  Absolutely. I always had pain when sitting up from lying down. It takes time but eventually it does subside it can feel quite odd, sometimes it felt like the sternum was moving and the wires were breaking. All the best with your recovery.

Anna Jones  I decided to go walking in the mall. I walked the entire bottom and second floors. I did it slowly. I was very careful. I got back from the mall and my chest hurt incredibly badly. I had pain all night. Not sure what is up with this. I really believe I should be able to walk the mall by now.

Marianne Charters  I am12 weseks open heart surgery, went back to work last week(Im a pharmacy tech at a hospital and run drugs all day,always at least 5 miles in) but my right chest area has been very bothersome...itching and aching and numb, more than a few weeks ago...guess things are waking up more and more....hopefully a sign of healing but annoying

Anna Jones  I still have discomfort at 9 weeks and no one has told me that it is strange. Everyone just says it takes time to finish healing. I hope you will feel better soon.

Susan Lynn  I think physicians make generalizations about healing even though everyone is different. I've also heard doctors say that it takes a year before you feel normal. I still have sensations of numbness and tingling since my procedure last December.

Alina FH  Judy, I remember that I went in for a routine exam with my surgeon after about two months or so ( I cannot remember exactly but it was a long time, weeks, months from surgery) and I was telling him that my chest felt ‘crunchy’ like it was made of pieces instead of one solid piece. And he started punching my sternum to give me confidence that the sternum is solid and it’s not going anywhere. I wanted to kill him, it hurt so bad, but he made me understand that it was ok. However, my chest was sensitive and sore for many months. It took about a year for me to be able to stand to wear a seatbelt over it again. It took six months to be able to sleep flat on my back again because of the pain. So, I think it’s ok, and it takes different amounts of time for everyone. With that said, it’s defintely a great idea to go in and have it checked out. Just to make sure there is nothing off with the incision and the sternum. By the way, I had a scab in my incision, at the very top ( I called it the ‘the knot’) for 2-3 months. It was itchy, but itchy is good, it means it’s healing, but it took forever to close up.
Hope you’re feeling better soon. Much health!

Judy Shaw  Thanks y'all. I wish they wouldn't put everyone in the same category. I certainly am not a standard person ha

Kim Lonergan  I had my post op follow up at my surgeons office last week, 6 weeks post op. She said it is normal to have tenderness and pain around incisions, but It is part of healing and that it can take some patients 3 months or more. Recovery is so challenging for all of us. Hope yours gets better each day!

Marianne Charters  Judy..I am at 11 weeks post op.....my surgeon told me at 6 weeks it could take up to a year to be with out discomfort. She has been very honest and straightforward with me. I am in great shape otherwise but I have pressure/aching through my shoulder/clavicle area, plus all the muscles and nerves that are still "waking up". I return to work tomorrow...eeek

Jennifer John  Hmm. Seems a bit soon, but what do I know? I’m at 11 weeks after a right thoracotomy and still have some discomfort during and after cardiac rehab sessions. It’s not severe pain, just soreness in the healing muscles and nerves. Everyone’s different.💪🏼❤️

Kelly Stoll  Well said Jennifer! I was told 8 weeks for sternum, and about 12 weeks for muscle and tissue.
Hang in there and do go with your gut. You know you better than anyone.

Valerie Herndon-Vitarella  At rehab I wasn't allowed to even do the arm bike or rower until 8 weeks to allow for healing of the sternum. I still had some muscle pain when I started doing those. I really haven't had muscle pain now since around 12 weeks.

Debbie Chatzky  At my rehab center they didn't want me lifting weights or putting my arms over my head until I was 8 weeks post and then started with 1 pound weights.

Judy Shaw  Thanks for the info Debbie. I did the exercises but didn't use weights. Been sore ever since just from that. I messaged the doctor myself about this. To be sire if I'm still having pain I wouldn't be expected to ise weights.

Anna Jones  I still have pain from the exercises at 9 weeks. The only person so far that I've seen using weights was the triple bipass man.

Debbie Chatzky  I also am still having pain at 11 weeks. Chest muscles and should blade. The doctor said a massage may help.

Susan Lynn  I had a 5 lb. lifting restriction from my surgeon until 12 weeks and I didn't have my sternum cut. Usually, rehab will start you with one or two pound weights for a little resistance. You'll only increase if the weight gets too easy.

Jennifer John  There is no weight training in the first round of my cardiac rehab. Just cardio using treadmill and step machines, along with upper body strengthening using arm pedals. So far, so good. After 18 visits, they’ll re-evaluate me, and we’ll continue or move on to more strenuous activity.💪🏼❤️

Susan Robichau  only up to 5 lbs a hand and no weights over my head until 12 weeks. rehab has me doing bis and tris, 5 lbs each hand.
I am at 7 weeks

Jim Harvey   I just finished 36 visits to rehab. Like many others here, no arm involvement until a minimum of 8 weeks post OHS. Then they introduced arm involvement with elliptical bike, and started with lower level weights until I said I was ready to do more. I don't remember what weight level I started, I think around 5 and finished with 12 on dumbbells, 14 on the pulley unit, both of which were comfortable by the end.

Jennifer John  Judy, just soak up the good vibes! I’ve found people often don’t know what to say. Or perhaps they expect you to look worse because of the OHS and you’ve surprised them. What’s also amusing is how they’re afraid to hug you. I say, “Hug away!”😍

Judy Shaw  I agree Jennifer. I think people assume we should be weak and frail. As far as the hugs, hug me gently ☺

Diane Maher  Jennifer and Judy....this is exactly how I expected anyone to look if they had OHS....until I started reading this website!

Meredith Bray  I know my color was greatly improved in just a few hours from pre-op to post op. I was pale & ashy & gray, and now I have healthy looking skin & regular rosy cheeks! So yes, there is a difference before/after with skin color and general healthy looking.

Marianne Charters  Haha. So many people asked if I needed to change my diet. I didn’t have cardiac disease. Just a valve gone wonky! And people that say I have good color. What???? It’s summer. I’ve been outside. I do feel good though

Anna Jones  I'm sorry. On the bright side it was only a mini meltdown and not a maximum-utmost meltdown. Keep the faith. It will get better and better.

Sue Waterworth  Judy, we all need mini-meltdowns from time to time......I pencil them in regularly! Staying heroic isn't good for your heart.

Helen Daw  Judy, I planned my trip 2 months after my surgery. I'm leaving this Wednesday and feeling a bit nervous. Not sure how I will feel on the plane. I got the OK from my Dr , but "once a heart patient, always a heart patient" My surgery was On Feb 13, 2018.

Judy Shaw  Maybe we can schedule a weekend getaway. Have to check my schedule to make sure it doesn't conflict with my scheduled meltdowns....haha

Meredith Bray  I found that planning a getaway for after surgery gave me something to look forward to. And I have several meltdowns leading up to surgery. It's OK.

Judy Shaw  He's been wonderful throughout my recovery. I watched him mow and picked vegetables in his garden outside then come inside and do the dishes, laundry, sweep, mop and vacuum inside. All while I'm laying on the couch most of the day. He is taking great care of me.

Anna Jones  Hi Judy, I'm glad you are taking it easy. I shoveled leaves into bags yesterday and that put me into bed the whole day! We have to listen to our bodies.

Kirk Bepler  Judy - Did that last week, as I have been told just because you great does not mean you can go back to normal doing whatever you want.. I ended back in bed for 1 1/2 days, it's hard to slow down but just take a deep breath and relax...

Judy Shaw  Goodness Anne. I bet it did get you. I didn't do anything that strenuous. All I've done is driving, pushing a shopping cart, and helping with dinner. Knocked me down for the day.

Kirk, I read your journal post you posted recently. I agreed. It's hard for your brain to remember but your body sure will remind you that you're still healing and to stop pushing yourself. My husband understands doesn't mind picking up my slack on my days off haha

Mark Wilbur  Thanks Judy, Kirk, Anna for sharing your experiences. As a bystander, I'm taking notes and hopefully learning from your missteps. Sorry you've had these setbacks, but know that you are helping me (and others, too) to be aware of pushing too hard, too soon after surgery. Thanks.

Mark Wilbur  Slow down a step, Judy. As Catie said, be gentle and be careful to not overdo yourself. But, I am glad to know how energetic you feel!

Susan Lynn  It's definitely a conundrum. It's great that you feel strong and energetic enough to even attempt that activity list, but you have to be cautious at the same time. Hope you're feeling well, today, Judy!

Judy Shaw  Thanks Catie and Mark. I think it's because I was confined for 4 weeks that now my mind is thinking I should be doing more. But I do have to remind myself it hasn't been that long ago I had major surgery.

Sommer Russell  Judy, you exhausted me just reading that list. Are you suppose to be lifting gallon buckets right now? My goodness!!! I can't imagine what you will be doing this time next year. Swimming with Great Whites? PS, if you do swim with Great White- I would love to come along!!! In a cage.

Kim Lonergan  I think you and I are in the exact same situation! I was just going to post asking for anyone else feeling like they had set backs. Yesterday I had to go with my mom (who doesn’t drive) to her dr appt and get her prescriptions refilled. After that I stopped to get lunch with her. I took her home and did a few bookkeeping things for her. After returning home I unloaded the dishwasher and did some light housework and made dinner for my husband and I. I was exhausted last night, had a headache, felt a lot of pain on my right side incisions and through my right chest/ribs. Today I feel like a ran a marathon. No energy, a bit dizzy and nauseous! Very sore! Is this normal? I feel discouraged!

Kim Lonergan  I should have asked if you are feeling better today Judy! I hope your recovery gets back on track too! Hang in there!

Mark Wilbur  Very sorry to hear your problem, Judy. I hope your doctor, perhaps a dermatologist, will have an answer as well as those here who may have experienced the same condition. I hope you find a solution very soon.

Rose Madura  Judy. I remember the pain of anything touching my incision - even air. I wore very large T-Shirts around the house and if I had to go our or someone was coming over to visit, I would put on the soft surgical bra that I got at the hospital and then wear a large blouse over it. It got better in time. I hope yours does too.

Anna Jones  Mine is very sensitive to touch also and I am at 6 weeks. I wear very soft fabric and very loose sun dresses or night gowns. Nothing has buttons or zippers. Even my blanket has to be light and soft so I bought a baby blanket. Sending best wishes.

Bonnie Stone-Hope  Hi Judy,

I found that oversized, 100% cotton or bamboo tops were very comfortable. This allowed for better healing also. Other than gently allowing warm shower water to cleanse my incision each day, and gently dabbing it dry, I did not apply anything to my incision. The loose tops allowed the air to flow to assist in healing.

Judy Shaw  Thanks y'all. While we were shopping tonight I bought a few soft, higher neckline shirts and some lidocaine patches. Something has to help.

Sue Waterworth  I started massaging my scar in the second week with coconut oil - at the surgeon's suggestion, and while it's tender, it's hardly sore now at two and a half weeks. I only use organic coconut oil that I've whipped and added a small amount of quality essential oil...can't remember exactly what I used, but reckon it was sandalwood and lavender.

Susan Lynn  It takes awhile. The blood thinners and aspirin certainly don't help. I bruise like a banana, but everything does fade with a bit of time. You'll be surprised in a few months. Hang in there, Judy!

Kim Lonergan  Hi Judy! I am released to drive today. I am anxious to go out on my own for the first time. I also have a lot of bruising and scabs too. I am very sore on my right side incisions and under my right arm/chest area. Maybe from not using it very much the last 4 weeks. Have you had a follow up with your surgeon yet?

Anita Edmonds  What a wonderful feeling of freedom! I drove around the block yesterday for the 1st time1 Yey to us Judy !

Judy Shaw  It is an awesome feeling. Glad I didn't forget how haha. But me and the seatbelt are having some issues. I got to find some kind of small padding to go between it and my incision.
We live in a small town so 5 minutes to the grocery store. My longest drive was about 15 miles away to Wal-Mart.

Judy S  Great news Judy! I haven’t had my surgery yet but I bought this on Amazon for post-surgery driving. It looks like it might do the trick!

Breast & Chest Buddy - Seatbelt Cushion for Open Heart Surgery and Chest Reconstruction Sites - Solid Gray with Heart https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OGSPP7A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_omvwBbAB68874

Rita Savelis  Nothing like cardiac rehab.... (or even the cardiologist's waiting room) to make one feel young again!
Take care, Judy.

Nancy Surprenant Takahashi  Hahah, I thought the same thing, then thought he must be doing a good job if all his patients are that old.

Susan Lynn  Yeah!!!! Great news, Judy! It's another milestone when the appointments start winding down. Continued success with your recovery! ❤

Anita Edmonds  Hi Judy, hope you are doing well. I just had my 2wk visit and they did blood test, Chest X-ray and Card. Electrocardiogram my stitches were also removed.

Judy Shaw  Thanks Anita. I hope I don't have any removable stitches because I still have scabs over my incision. Ouch!

Jennifer John  At my post-op visit with surgeon, I just had an EKG and chest X-ray before seeing him. Easy peasy!👍🏻❤️

John Lant  Judy, do not give up. It will get better over time. Instead of looking for day to day improvements look to week to week improvements. Prayers are with you..

Anna Jones  Judy, I'm sorry you are still in pain. It seems to be true that improvement comes very slowly and you have to look at it in terms of weeks instead of days. I notice that now, in my 4th week I am moving more easily, the pain is somewhat less, I can take deeper breaths, I can sneeze without peeling myself off of the ceiling but coughing still hurts. I am able to sleep. I am able to lie flat. I am able to cook myself a simple meal. I can open the refrigerator.

This may not seem like much, but it is more than I could do last week. It is my hope that next week my heart will cooperate enough to let me walk more than 5 minutes.

Sending prayers and best wishes. Hang in there. You are improving even though it is beneath your notice.

Kelly Stoll  Well said John.
Judy, one day at a time. Progress will happen. Until then, lots of self-care and healing vibes.

Meredith Bray  My physical therapist gave me a tip that improved my outlook as soon as I tried it - stand up straight! It will help re-strengthen your core muscles. Also, make sure you are supporting your head & neck when you are resting. I remember not being able to sleep much because I was afraid I would move and hurt myself. Once I started using a travel pillow to support my head & neck, I started falling in to deeper, more restful sleeps during my naps. It'll get better!

Phyllis Petersen  Someone on here had mentioned that muscle relaxants helped, so I tried taking one at night (I already had some) and it really helped me.

Alina FH  Judy, not giving up is the right thing to do. It will get better. I promise! Try to squeeze the chest pillow when getting up, and use your thigh muscles instead of your upper body to pull up. Hang in there! Be well!

Frence Tanque-Metoda  Im on 5th month post op and still experiencing pains and discomforts but God's new mercies everyday gets me through. Just keep the faith these too shall pass! God bless you.

Kathi Mancuso  I think you are expecting too much at your two week mark !
I remember at two weeks I still had pain. Sleeping was miserable til I got the travel neck pillow. I was still in a recliner at two weeks and still taking a pain pill at night.
Trust me it gets better each day! You will feel better each week. Just take it slow. The best thing to do for yourself is to walk....walk....walk!!!!

Tim Chapman  I was just going to recommend a donut pillow, well that is what I call them. One you would get if you had a hemorrhoids removed.

Mary Woods  Hi Judy I am pre-op for mitral valve surgery but I totally sympathise with your pain! I have had the same thing as I recover from hip replacement. All the sitting and sleeping on your back while propped up really are painful. Also after these major surgeries we lose weight and muscle so that poor little bone has no cushioning!
The things that have helped me are lots of walking (great for hip and cardiac rehab when you can) and paracetamol (works better than anti-inflammatories). Cushions behind your back in the car ease the pain as well.
Maybe when you start cardiac rehab you can start doing squats and anything else that can build up your glutes? My husband had triple bypass last year so I know how tough it all is. Best wishes!

Rose Madura  Yes Judy, I feel your pain. It takes a while, unfortunately. But you will get there. Hopefully the cushion your husband bought will help you.

Kim Lonergan  I can definitely relate. My tailbone is actually bruised on the right side and my right shoulder blade constantly hurts when I lay on my back. It truly is miserable. I hope the pillow helps. I never thought of that. I hope you get better sleep tonight!

Judy Shaw  Thanks everyone. Yes it is truly a miserable feeling.

Kim, mine is my left side. Right beside my tailbone. It actually goes partially numb. I've tried just about everything with no relief. The cushion my husband got doesn't seem to be helping. It's getting old not sleeping more than a few hours a night. I go to my regular doctor to see if she has any ideas.

Rita Savelis  I'm so sorry to hear this Judy. Not being able to sleep is very hard. Maybe take some sleep meds (even if you don't normally) to at least allow your body some rest? I did that occasionally although it's not my usual solution....