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Michelle's Posts

Diagnosis: Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Member Since: August 22, 2016

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Michelle E posted an update

8 years ago (May 9, 2018)

I have experienced lingering pain in the soft tissue on both sides of my incision. In fact 2 months post-op I had a couple instances where it felt like I might have aggravated or torn the muscles a bit, doing things that I had been able to do since I... Read more.

👍 Lisa McLaughlin reacted to this

Phyllis Petersen

8 years ago (May 9, 2018)

I had a side entry and robotic in October 2016 and my right breast is still tender to the touch. The side incision, however, is barely visible and no problem.

Lilly Black

8 years ago (May 9, 2018)

Yes absolutely! it took me 2 years for my sternum and the tissue surrounding the incision to no longer feel pain. It takes time for the sternum and tissue to heal. I hope you have a quicker recovery than I did :)

Lisa McLaughlin

8 years ago (May 9, 2018)

I had a mini-sternotomy on January 22 and still have some tenderness/soreness on either side of the incision. I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one!

Debbie Chatzky

8 years ago (May 9, 2018)

What is the difference between a mini sternotomy and a regular?

Tina Maroon

8 years ago (May 10, 2018)

Michelle when I had my OHS 3 yrs ago I experienced the same kind of pain that you did. I am sure in time it will get better!!

Lisa McLaughlin

8 years ago (May 12, 2018)

Hi Debbie, for aortic valve replacement the mini sternotomy incision is smaller than the full. They still have to cut through the sternum but my incision was less than 3 inches.

Michelle E

8 years ago (May 22, 2018)

Thanks everyone - it is good to know that what I am experiencing is within the norm. Once when getting into the tub my hand was in the wrong position and I immediately felt something like a muscle tear in the left breast. I was 2 months post-op and had... Read more.

Michelle E posted an update

8 years ago (March 27, 2018)

Hi all - started back to work this week, fortunately with flexible hours. Also started rehab on the 21st. Such a good team of physicians at Deaconess! I feel so lucky to be where I'm at on this journey. A little sore at times and don't always sleep as soundly... Read more.

👍 Rose Madura, Sandy Laine and reacted to this

Bonnie Stone-Hope

8 years ago (March 27, 2018)

Congratulations! So glad you are doing well. Wonderful " selfie scar" photo!

Michelle E posted an update

8 years ago (February 22, 2018)

Hi just checking in. Surgery went without any surprises. Afibbed second night but they got it under control pretty fast. Not too much discomfort where the incision is. Smaller than I expected. About 5 i nches. Had a very sore throat and irritated nose. Came home on the 6th day... Read more.

👍 Shannon Gray, Rose Madura and reacted to this

Jerome Stark

8 years ago (February 22, 2018)

glad to see you are home, isn't it amazing how fast you become breathless.Our super cold air is making things more difficult.

Helen Daw

8 years ago (February 22, 2018)

Yay!! Welcome to the recovery side!!

Lilly Black

8 years ago (February 22, 2018)

Great news, Michelle. That spirometer is very helpful! All the best for a speedy recovery!

Bonnie Stone-Hope

8 years ago (February 22, 2018)

Hello Michelle, My biggest challenge after the surgery was breathlessness. Actually needed to use a CPAP machine for 3 nights in the hospital as they were concerned about the potential for pneumonia. The spirometer helped a lot. So glad you are doing so well.

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