I'm almost four months post valve replacement surgery, and my left breast is hurting SO bad. I had breast cancer six years ago, so I don't know if that's the ...Read more
I'm almost four months post valve replacement surgery, and my left breast is hurting SO bad. I had breast cancer six years ago, so I don't know if that's the reason or if this pain is "normal" after open heart surgery.
To add to this, my scar is hypertrophic on the top half only and it's ridiculously painful. The bottom half is perfectly small, completely flat, and no pain whatsoever. The top half will go from somewhat flat and smooth to raised and rough. No rhyme or reason. It's pulling when it raises and the edges of the scar are just incredibly painful.
Other than these two issues, recovery has been great. My heart feels so strong and I have more energy than ever before!
My hope is that someone reads this who knows exactly what I'm talking about and can please, PLEASE give me some advice. My cardiologist says he thinks the scar is reacting to stress and will eventually get better. The only explanation I've gotten on the breast pain is nerve regeneration. But this is four MONTHS post-surgery... should it still be hurting so much???
Adam Baumgartner Hi Tami. I also had significant nerve pain on one side of my chest. If it's nerve related, it does ta ... Read more
Adam Baumgartner Hi Tami. I also had significant nerve pain on one side of my chest. If it's nerve related, it does take a while. Stretching the chest muscles by either standing against a wall or laying on the floor and slowly moving my arms like a snow angle with palms against the wall/floor seemed to help. For me, I don't know exactly but somewhere between 5 and 6 months the pain faded. It still pops up every now and then at 11 months but not pain like earlier. I hope it starts getting better for you soon.
Adam Baumgartner Also, I didnt do this with my chest, but I have nerve damage in one hand as well. I used red light th ... Read more
Adam Baumgartner Also, I didnt do this with my chest, but I have nerve damage in one hand as well. I used red light therapy on my hand and it did wonders for me. Maybe something to look into. I had chiropractor do it first but I bought my own device from Amazon for less than $100.
Donna Casaletto Tami, did you have a mastectomy or lumpectomy? I had a bilateral preventative mastectomy and have my ... Read more
Donna Casaletto Tami, did you have a mastectomy or lumpectomy? I had a bilateral preventative mastectomy and have my OHS coming up Jan 27th. Curious how recovery will be with implants etc. .
Tami Baker Donna, I had a lumpectomy. The radiation burned me extremely bad, and my cardiovascular surgeon thoug ... Read more
Tami Baker Donna, I had a lumpectomy. The radiation burned me extremely bad, and my cardiovascular surgeon thought we might be dealing with radiation-induced valve stenosis but it wasn't. I don't know if that's why I'm having so much pain or not. It's time for my mammogram but I'm terrified of how bad it's going to hurt this time. I wish you lots of luck on your upcoming visit!
Adam, thank you so much for your advice!
Donna Casaletto Thank you Tami ☺️!! Fingers crossed for you the pain eases up 😘
Hi, everyone. My name is Tami, I'm 54 and had open heart aortic valve replacement (I had a bicuspid valve) and mitral valve repair two months ago. I'm doing ...Read more
Hi, everyone. My name is Tami, I'm 54 and had open heart aortic valve replacement (I had a bicuspid valve) and mitral valve repair two months ago. I'm doing great for the most part; however, my incision is giving me fits. Doc says it's okay and healing well, but it HURTS! It stings and itches all around it, and the incision itself goes from flat to being welped up - which is very painful. Also, just being very blunt, my breasts have not stopped hurting/almost like stinging. I had breast cancer on my left side six years ago, so that side is extra painful. Is all of this normal??? I'm usually a pretty tough gal, but I'm not feeling tough with all of this. I would love to hear from others and their experiences.
Jennifer Barnett Hi Tami, I also had open heart surgery for a mitral valve replacement at 54. That was 5 years ago now... Read more
Jennifer Barnett Hi Tami, I also had open heart surgery for a mitral valve replacement at 54. That was 5 years ago now. I clearly remember that burning stinging and itchiness around the incision. Sometimes it felt just like a bad burn. I didn't notice it so much in hospital but once home the pain from the incision was always present. It did ease off in 6-8 weeks. I used lavender essential oil it must be pure and natural (Lavandula Angustifolia) as a cool compress - add about 4 drops of essential oil to a bowl mix/stir the water then dip a flannel or cotton cloth into it wring out and apply to the area for a few minutes or up to 10 mins. It should feel soothed and less itchy if the skin is still really sensitive try 2 drops only in the water. I did this a couple of times a day and got some good relief. Pure aloe vera gel with some lavender essential oil added and mixed in is also very effective. I wasn't keen on taking more pain relief unless I had to and prefer to use a natural approach where I can. Essential oils are great for assisting with skin healing. I was using them again once I got home from hospital in the shower the bath and on my skin. They can also assist with sleep, anxiety and stress. best of luck with your incision it will improve in time.
Kind Regards Jennifer
Tami Baker Thank you so much for the advice! I will definitely try this with my lavender!
Jennifer Barnett You're very welcome I hope it gives you some relief.
To add to this, my scar is hypertrophic on the top half only and it's ridiculously painful. The bottom half is perfectly small, completely flat, and no pain whatsoever. The top half will go from somewhat flat and smooth to raised and rough. No rhyme or reason. It's pulling when it raises and the edges of the scar are just incredibly painful.
Other than these two issues, recovery has been great. My heart feels so strong and I have more energy than ever before!
My hope is that someone reads this who knows exactly what I'm talking about and can please, PLEASE give me some advice. My cardiologist says he thinks the scar is reacting to stress and will eventually get better. The only explanation I've gotten on the breast pain is nerve regeneration. But this is four MONTHS post-surgery... should it still be hurting so much???
Adam, thank you so much for your advice!