Meredith's Posts

As others have reported, weeks 7 & 8 of the healing process can be such a sweet relief. After what sometimes seems like a long roller coaster ride, (or "grind"), things are beginning to even out. We all heal differently & these incisions need time. Freedom to do the many tasks needing to be done without a backlash of pain or fatigue or both is such a welcome part of this journey. Be wise, don't overdo it. "One step at a time then, we start feeling fine." KOKOPOR as Rob Sparling & his Dad would say.

Meredith, I am now 16 weeks post OHS for mitral valve repair, and I still have some ache in my sternum. I have done great overall, I am jogging on the treadmill in rehab, back to full activity -- but I still have some mild ache, especially at the top of the sternum like at the collar bone, when I lift my arms way up, or even when I sleep on my side the wrong way. I think the ache is a bit worse when I lift weights with my chest/upper body, so right now I just assume the weightlifting activity is mostly the problem. I hope it's just the bone still growing and strengthening. The pain isn't at the skin level--I can rub the incision all over and it doesn't hurt. It's just deeper, in the bone, that still hurts a bit. If I knew it weren't a problem, meaning the bone is healed or healing and I shouldn't worry, then I'd be happy to live with the slight pain forever. As it is, I am hoping it just keeps getting better as I work through more weightbearing and activity in the gym.