Joan's Posts

Hi, Joan, I am at 3 months post-op and although my sternum has gotten stronger, my scar is still very sensitive. Can't stand anything on it, shirts, bras, seat bels, covers at night. Very uncomfortable, although it healed just fine. I signed up for rehab at 3 weeks post-op and then did 4 days a week every week for 6 weeks, and I think I did too much, too soon. It's different for everyone, but listen to your body. If you don't feel ready for it, don't do yet. It'll be there waiting for you. I wish you all the best and fast healing!!

Hi Joan..typically when they do a second OHS they excise the first scar (for aesthetic reasons) and this will make the new one a bit tighter and sensitive for a bit. I remember I felt that way. It's better though because the scar isn't as big as it would be. I don't know what they did with yours...there's the possibility that they went through the first one without removing it I guess...which would also cause sensitivity with the extra scar tissue. My guess is though that they removed the first one when they began the procedure. The sensitivity will subside. Keep those shoulders back and open up that chest wall and all the muscles. You'll heal properly that way :). Even if you don't want to start cardiac rehab yet, I would contact them and get on their future schedule so they don't fill up. If you wait until the last minute when you feel ready they might not have space. I would at least call and find out. If you are still taking pain meds be sure to double up on your water and be as healthy as possible with your nutrition. Lots of fruits and vegetables and alkaline water. Personally, I would make it a goal to get off anything too strong as soon as possible. They will only prolong your recovery. Good luck!! <3

Alina thanks for your feedback. I'm hoping as time goes on our sensitive chests will calm down!! And I know strengthening the lungs is very important so I do want to start rehab very soon. I think I'll at least sign up now, as someone else mentioned, so I can get the process started and get enrolled. Be well!

My scar became very sensitive after all the glue came off. It is still quite sensitive at 5 weeks. I put gauze secured with medical tape in between my skin and bra because though I've been wearing sports bras for the most part, it was still rubbing on there. I was actually thinking of getting an incision shield, but keep thinking this sensitivity will get better any day now! I agree with Cathleen, I'd get signed up for cardiac rehab right away. I signed up for it the day I got out of the hospital but it took me 6 weeks to get in because they were so full! So I won't be starting for a few more weeks yet, which is for the best because I really can't imagine doing it right now. I know that several us on here totally understand the INR issue, mine still isn't quite stable yet either and it frustrates and worries me. I know it will take time to get it right though.

Kate, I started my rehab yesterday. It'll be three days a week. Hey start you very slow. I didn't even get out of breath. Though I will say by the evening my arms were tired and I felt it. But my arms especially my left arm has been sore since surgery. It's sore in upper biscep. I am wondering if they hurt a nerve when I was on the operating table. I'm hoping it gets better and is not permanent.

Joan, glad to hear you are home healing well. It is "day by day" or "one day at a time" process. I am 3 weeks post-op today. At this point I seem to celebrate the 'weeks'. At some point it will be the months, then hopefully the years! I feel different pains as my incisions heal, it's all part of the process. I had the heart palpitations just after surgery which I am still taking medicine. Thank you for your update & I will pray for your continued recovery!