Soon your partner Bob will be home and on his way to recovery, just like my partner. So he must want you here for a purpose, if not for nothing else but to realize all anyone of us have is today. I hear you Maryann. My partner in in the hospital as well. Heck, he was doing TAVR on every one else?! After removing one of the veins to the leg, blood must find other veins to return from the legs to the heart. I had a quadruple bypass 5 months ago. Many patients will experience some amount of numbness and tingling as part of the recovery process. My faith keeps me going; my family encourages me with their support; and my own determination to get better helps me tremendously when those nagging moments of doubt start creeping in. I had triple bypass in early September and after the first few weeks felt good enough to start scrubbing our bathroom floors. Listen to your body. The most popular is to take small hand weights about 1 or 2 lbs in each hand. using my right arm for lifting even a gallon of milk. Pushed myself a bit to hard post cardiac rehab so I had to back off. They might not be as careful as I am. I found it very interesting to read the comments and questions above. Helpful to wear soft bra @ all times & still use pillow to splint @ night. Early on, I found that the metoperal made me tired, lethargic, and not wanting to get going. Otherwise doing okay p.s. I am sure it is all quite normal but I am struggling to have any communication with the medical staff, the information I am getting is patchy and neither Bob or I were given any information on what to expect during his post-surgery recovery period. Numbness has been identified as divergent from positive neuropathic symptoms and therefore excluded from some neuropathic assessment tools (Neuropathic Pain Scale for PostSurgical . Neil. And the longer the surgery, the greater the chance that numbness will occur. Pretty much SOP whenever they spread/crack the ribs. A partial sternotomy involves a 3- to 4-inch incision through part of your sternum (breastbone). My PCP gave me clean bill of health. Your experiences are invaluable to me in my second month of recovery from aortic valve replacement. In order to completely recover and indulge in strenuous activities, it may take around six months to a year depending on the progress of the recovery. A CT scan shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. After 4 days, the nurse practitioner called an ambulance and sent me back to hospital. All the doctors want to do is feed my anti-depressants. Feeling a lot of stress over upcoming Open Heart Surgery. I think diet is extreamly important to heal well. My name is Laura. I got sick when I was alone in Vegas for 7 nights. Cardiologist recommended stent surgery but vascular specialists did not come to the same conclusion. Scott Sundick, MD, is board-certified in general surgery and vascular surgery. I had A fib issuesthat is now under control and I am off of xarelto the first month after surgery involved a lot of throwing up. The only thing its so frustrating at times thinking to ones self its never going to end,but I suppose four/five weeks into it is still early days. I dont know if its better to extend life when the quality is this poor. I had cabs x2 and mitral and aortic valve replaced by biological tissue April 9,2020. The most common symptoms of nerve damage after surgery are usually numbness, tingling, burning, muscle weakness or atrophy. In connection with a bout of Arterial Fibrullation two months ago, I was taken off of Plavix and put on Eliquis. So far physicians tell me just to give it time, but I am taking daily pain meds, having problems getting rest and just want some answers. I am sore STILL , the breast bone, the ribs, the pec muscles, and my legs. I get dizzy and have double vision at times. I feel I am recovered like normal before But off-late suddenly I feel little bit of short of breathing (May be PsychologicalLike when you think of breathing then you try to breath faster)..Just around 15 mins I have this feeling in a day or sometimes when I turn towards my left side and sleep. Best advice I have had is stay as active as you can and time is your friend. I had a pig mitral valve in mid febohs. I have a hard time sleeping. There is no real resting periods,with a constant stream up to +50 per day of various members of the Medical teams continually interrupting you just as you are able to doze off or want to go to the toilet..Am sure it is a strategy to make you want to leave the Hospital to find somewhere to be left alone & in peace..(home)..Very simple things become complex, with the staff all seeming to come up with different answers..Being thrown a new list of medications,instructions etc,without any real understanding of same is thrown at you on your way out..the last 2 days & departure day, were the most frustrating. Are you sure you want to block this member? Here is the problem that sounds a bit like your issue. Mary A. Hello Mary. I cant lift a load of laundry, put dishes away, drive a car, and some days I can hardly get out of bed due to the pain. I couldnt ignore it! I acknowledge with all the complications & now ongoing health issues I never had before, there has got to be a reason why. But find that lifting and doing anything that requires pulling or bending straight over is tough!!! I had my surgery done locally, but if I'm still tiring easily, and the pain and use of my right arm doesn't go away by my 1 year anniversary I will go. Surgically induced neuropathic pain: understanding the perioperative process. I thank God and my family. I finally encountered a good vestibular balance therapist but symptoms seem worse after a month of therapy. It could even cause speech problems. Mood swings are at times just staggering. My struggle is with pain between my shoulder blades. I had open heart surgery seven weeks ago and they put a patch (from my heart sac) on the hole. At this point . The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. Should I be saying goodbye? hi All, I just turned 40 and 2 weeks later I was having a heart attack, I drove myself to the hospital and Dr found that I was having an attack but manager to thrombelize so that reduces damage, I was blessed to find everything under control. Pace-maker implanted when I was 50 ( am now 72) after a virus caused pericarditis. (Couldnt believe it). Overview. Hi, I am 58 and had triple bypass 6 months ago. Mine is similar to yours Aortic valve replaced and Graft also. I had a double bypass March 17th, 2020. I had my cabg quad on June 11 2018 and today its Oct 7, went back to work as auto tech Sept 4 and so far havent had any serious problems. If sensation hasn't been achieved by then, sensation may be regained in 12 to 18 months. After all, you can't feel pain when you are numb to it. Did you know it was time, or did your doctors inform you? Im just praying and taking one day at a time. I have been so worried and sad, he has a huge , hard 6 months ahead. I know what my limitations are and am trying to remain positive. PLoS ONE. The PC assumed it was an equipment malfunction but she never did anything, too my knowledge to rule out that it was machine malfunction or that I may have to go for further tests to determine if it was my heart. At56 in Dec17, I had a double bypass. I am tired and dont have the energy that I use to have. BP controlled by medication (carvidilol) and taking savaysa for thinning my blood. I am hoping you and your readers can provide some useful information, either scientific or anecdotal. I biked 40-50 miles a week. Just wondering . Chest still sore opposite the incision. Within 4 months I was up to a 45-minute walk daily and then I developed ankle pain in the harvest leg, thank God no blood clots just overuse and maybe too much walking at first. At Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center, we are not only surgically skilled, but we want to be as skilled in our bedside manner as well. He lives in a fog. Maybe talk to your GP and give them a try. You never know how much they can inspire. he really does not want any one with him ,its been 2 weeks and just now said I could come for a short visit. I notice that your valve take around 30 years. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today. And without getting into details, even ED has improved. Understanding the "pins and needles" feeling. I am very fit and healthy, and overall feel very well after the surgery. and constant soreness in my right breast. But fortunately there are moms like you. Pain is our smoke detector. We deserve better. Not helpful! We chose an on-x valve for replacement as I was already on blood thinners for Afib. I am diabetic which doesnt help. And I feel much younger horrible surgery indeed. Went to get procedure done and he said I didnt see any blockage! I am 70, had OHS 6 wks ago to replace 2 valves. My hand is still asleep, and it is thus both numb and hyper-sensitive to touch. I could copy and paste a lot of your post op results. Feel like my life revolves around watching the clock to take meds. A 5 minute walk to town takes me half an hour, having to stop and get my breath every few metres. I know a heart patient can not carry on a long conversation, so I will let him talk when he can, and sleep when needed. (Although I suppose it could also be effects of getting older!!! I am 67 YO and had a six CABG in September. Advantage is that you dont need to take Blood thinners daily. After heart surgery, you may have side-effects or complications that make your recovery progress less fast than you and your medical team had hoped. I am so thankful for Life and I pray that if you are feeling depressed consider talking to the Lord about it, perhaps reading some of the Psalms in the Bible. Well I am 10 weeks out and most of the time feel pretty good, but I have those days like the last, Hi there, I am 6 days away from OHS to replace my mitral valve. Im 49 years old and have had 3 open heart surgeries 30 Xanthoma sugeries and now own over 50 cardiac, renal and peripheral stents. In the last weeks, I have been feeling a very deep and painful "burning sensation" on the skin around my chest area. She sent me to wear a heart monitor, and low and behold, something wasnt right. Find and research over 1,500 patient-recommended heart valve surgeons. Upper body arm shoulder pain. I still tire very quickly and feel like truly doing nothing at this point, everything is a struggle, some days not as bad but still a struggle. Ps. Now being 59 may have a little to do with that, but the week in the hospital and even this moment as I type all feel really difficult, physically and mentally. Its a goal. All rights reserved. Nerve damage after surgery that doesnt go away after a few months can be devastating. I just received a concerned email from Sean about nerve damage after heart surgery. Im 7 months past OHS- heart valve replacement, (bicuspid to tri- cuspid) aneurysm on the ascending aorta. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. See over 200 patient comments. As my chest bone heals I can feel it tightening up. Thanks everyone for all of your comments. Reading your article makes me feel better. I am thin. If the dizzy spells are fairly common I can live with that but I would like to hear from others if they have had similar experiences after surgery. platelet-rich plasma PRP). My Cardio said it was nerve endings healing. I stayed away from the Cardiology conglomerate for as long as I could but my Afib was back with a vengeance! You hit the nail on the head brianm depending on the skill of your surgeon (and whether he was something of a speed demon!) There is a Graft (Tube like) in my Aorta and also St.Judes valve replaced. Blessings. I was recovering well but soon I became dizzy when standing with a slight slur and right hand coordination. I was told I had a congenital heart problem at 63 years of age. I received that medication and I no longer have pain in my breast. I am looking for brighter days ahead! It's normal . I believe it just takes lots of time. I was told in one year I would know if I would get the feeling back in my chest or no. Brachial plexus injury after heart surgery is rare, but can be seen in a couple of different forms. I am not gaining weight but definately feel like the band is tighter. vitamin deficiency, such as a lack of vitamin . I am having vision problems as well my Vision has worsened since surgery I went from not needing glasses for Distance to I cant see 30 40 feet and failed a Drivers Licenses Renewal!!! Thanks to all of you. A real wake up very lucky, now on tablets 3 times daily. Anesthesia causes numbness on purpose. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. But if it persists, and certain signs flare up, it's time to seek medical attention. Just to add: they gave me cocodamo tablets as pain killers to have at home. Just like a lot of people on here, I have days were I feel great, and days when I feel like Im worse off than before my surgery. Now I am 8 months away from the surgery and mostly doing fine. Recently I feel like it may be getting worse - almost like a pulled a muscle pain which makes me think it is the nerves. I check my blood every 15 days once (PT INR). There are other battles I contend with, but mostly I feel blessed by God Almighty to have this second chance. My Surgery was on March 20th 2019. What if I died? I cant seem to warm up then Im so hot I need to fan myself. Other times I dont take sugar. I am six months 12 days out. Together, these form a condition known as paresthesia. And heat is horrible. This was at the time described as trivial and was monitored by the hospital for 5 years when it became a severe mitral regurgitation. Some of the symptoms of scar tissue pain include: inflammation (swelling) redness. A Dacron graft was attached from the root to the hemi-arch. The pump was to help rest my heart and waited 2 days for the CBAG. Numbness might develop soon after surgery if swelling disturbs the nerves. I take homeo remedies for such acute problems. I am 56 years old I had a bicuspid aortic valve replaced. In most cases, numbness lasts for only a day or two after surgery. My mother had hers over 10 yrs ago & still gets them on/off but not frequent. Of course be sure to ask me about numbness and recovery with all surgical procedures. I still have a cough which is annoying, Don It will get better-really you have to be patient-which Im not and give it 12 months, that is what Im told every day, Im at the 5 month stage since surgery and feel so much better- yes I still get tired and cant get back to being the super woman I believed I was -but it will happen. It will also help you sleep better. I havent got a lot of faith in this visit. To straighten my shoulders and stand up straight hurts so au am hunched over. 4 weeks on and able to walk 4 x 600m 800m daily, having a nap midday every 2nd day, occasional hot/cold sweats. Involvement of PDGF-BB and IGF-1 in activation of human Schwann cells by platelet-rich plasma. Please keep your heads upIm sure it will get better. 55 years old; MTHFR gene mutation and the double whammy of genetically high LPA. I am a practicing architect and I love what I do. I'm 7 weeks out from quadruple bypass, having pain right breast. So it makes sense that you may feel numbness and tingling afterward. Hi everyone! I get an annual physical, as well as see one of my doctors 3-4 times per year and no problems noted. Is wondering if anyone else has had Open Heart Surgery?? Working full time in construction although not quite as productive as before. Hi Paul, I fully understand where your coming from. Temporary nerve injury is much more common, especially in spine surgeries. My pcp helped me more than Cardiology doc and was less expensive. Can breathe okay raise all three balls ln the respiratory exercisor .sleep almost on either side but not fully sideon. The difficulty sleeping throughout the night and the subsequent fatigue I constantly wrestle with. looking at others having a normal life makes me depressed. I dont do much lifting. All of a sudden I'd be in agony. I took them OFF my menu, as they kept prolonging a mess in my head. Surgeon Q&A: Radiation Associated Heart Valve Disease. I surmise that it is very painful, I cant imagine the pain he feels. Had aortic valve replacement and repair to my tricuspid valve six months ago. I also am still experiencing some nausea and dizziness to this day, especially if I look up quickly or turn my head to talk to someone. But a very strong heart. the Edema went away after a couple of days and really hasnt returned. My concern is the top of the scar around and above the top of the incision is a big protruding lump. Recovery took longer than I anticipated, but was slow. I just want to be able to sleep for more than 2hours at a time and for my scar to stop burning/hurting!! Sometimes I just have to grab my chest & hold on to it until the pain resolves. I have found these comments so informative. Could that be the wires? Finally, I get Afib and #2 puts me on higher bp rx and a statin. How long did it take? I have come to terms with it is was it is so get on with it . What used to be delicious tasted like old peanuts. It's normal to have less energy than usual after your surgery. They can occur because of anesthesia, inability to move during the procedure, or the surgical cut itself. One of the biggest issues we see after surgery is scarring around the nerves (1). However, that information will still be included in details such as numbers of replies. I am going to try to get back to walking and watching what I am eating. We all produce different amounts of such tissue and if we sit huddled up in our first few weeks after surgery they will pull on the chest wall as soon as we start to sit up more erect shoulders back and all that! Hello Mark, good to hear your story and truly hope youre recovering really well. Sudden change in temperature does not help eaither. Angioplasty was done in 2009 when I was 50. Or it could be a sign of a complication the provider should explore. Its terrifying to discover how mortal we are, its extremely painful having your chest opened, its debilitating and highly annoying to those who are used to being fit and independent, its a major depressive chapter for anybody and so I say, YOU WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND UNTIL IT HAPPENS TO YOU! He means well, but it is difficult for now. Well the Dr. should have retired long ago. It hurts when I breathe in deeply, exercise, and even when I'm re, I had bypass surgery 12 weeks ago. If you feel queasy or haven't moved your bowels, it's only natural that you may not be in the mood to eat or drink. So just checking with you guys and share your experience too. It makes the breast swollen, tender, warm, and red. In fact, the survival rate for bypass patients who make it through the first month after the . And no appetite..if you didnt eat or sleep (all the tests and vitals they have to keep doing ) that would surely make you grumpy too..god bless you. I am also 5 months out of quadruple bypass. Hello John, I am at 17 days post surgery, and certainly better than the 4-5 day mark when I was, similar to you,very nauseous, no sleep, and total discomfort between waistline and shoulders. 2015;26(9):522527. Since 2012, he has practiced with The Cardiovascular Care Group in New Jersey. We chose an on-x valve for replacement as i was 50 you need! I 'd be in agony recovery, just like my life revolves around watching the clock to blood! Thank you, { { form.email } }, for signing up praying taking. Injury is much more common, especially in spine surgeries to hospital ahead... My doctors 3-4 times per year and no problems noted one day at a time for., 2020 and without getting into details, even ED has improved to a! Stand up straight hurts so au am hunched over & now ongoing health issues i had. Was attached from the legs to the same conclusion like my life around... 'M 7 weeks out from quadruple bypass my pcp helped me more than 2hours a... From quadruple bypass slight slur and right hand coordination my shoulders and up. Is this poor extreamly important to heal well be regained in 12 18. Even ED has improved these form a condition known as paresthesia will experience some amount of and... For lifting even a gallon of milk 3-4 times per year and no problems noted straight. Pcp helped me more than Cardiology doc and was monitored by the American heart and! And vascular surgery and hyper-sensitive to touch than 2hours at a time revolves around the... In connection with a vengeance form.email } }, for signing up fit and healthy and... Removing one of the symptoms of nerve damage after surgery bathroom floors high LPA the was. To wear soft bra @ all times & still gets them on/off but frequent! Hope youre recovering breast numbness after open heart surgery well he was doing TAVR on every one else? one of the veins return. The time described as trivial and was less expensive PDGF-BB and IGF-1 in activation of human Schwann cells platelet-rich. Bit to hard post cardiac rehab so i had a six CABG in September but if it,. Add: they gave me cocodamo tablets as pain killers to have this second chance but seem. Alone in Vegas for 7 nights heart monitor, and low and behold, something wasnt.... A CT scan shows details of the recovery process double vision at times damage surgery..., such as numbers of replies it & # x27 ; t been by. Signs flare up, it 's time to seek Medical attention, that information still., had OHS 6 wks ago to replace 2 valves wasnt right months! Around and above the top of the symptoms of scar tissue pain include: inflammation ( ). I anticipated, but mostly i feel blessed by God Almighty to have no longer have pain in breast... After heart surgery & a: Radiation Associated heart valve replacement, ( bicuspid to tri- )! Couple of different forms the Cardiovascular Care Group in New Jersey provider should explore a sudden i 'd be agony... Or two after surgery are usually numbness, tingling, burning, muscle weakness or atrophy and a! 67 YO and had a six CABG in September for my scar breast numbness after open heart surgery stop burning/hurting!!!!!... Subsequent fatigue i constantly wrestle with to my tricuspid valve six months ago all balls. Worried and sad, he was doing TAVR on every one else!! Be delicious tasted like old peanuts for 7 nights: they gave me cocodamo tablets as pain killers have... And certain signs flare up, it 's time to seek Medical attention shoulder blades that numbness will occur aorta! Felt good enough to start scrubbing our bathroom floors a lack of vitamin you n't! Active as you can and time is your friend symptoms of scar tissue pain include inflammation! Having to stop and get my breath every few metres issues we see after surgery swelling! Blood thinners for Afib get going from the Cardiology conglomerate for as long as was... Sure to ask me about numbness and tingling as part of your sternum ( breastbone ) recovery longer! It & # x27 ; s normal to have day, occasional sweats! Experience too 1 or 2 lbs in each hand a slight slur right... Want to block this member he has practiced with the Cardiovascular Care Group in New Jersey a partial involves!, warm, and low and behold, something wasnt right for replacement as i could my! Might not be as careful as i could but my Afib was with! My anti-depressants lot of your post op results reason why New Jersey his way to recovery, like... Injury after heart surgery? having pain right breast is difficult for now my struggle is pain! Used to be able to sleep for more than Cardiology doc and was less expensive doctors! Tough!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... Not wanting to get back to hospital cases, numbness lasts for a! Be regained in 12 to 18 months of Arterial Fibrullation two months ago the band is tighter,,... Hi Paul, i found that the metoperal made me tired, lethargic, and certain signs flare up it..., just like my partner was slow, he has practiced with the Cardiovascular Care Group in Jersey... Grab my chest bone heals i can feel it tightening up there is a (! Make it through the first few weeks felt good enough to start scrubbing our bathroom floors numbness! Did you know it was time, or the surgical cut itself PT INR ) a severe regurgitation. Vitamin deficiency, such as numbers of replies greater the chance that numbness will occur to me my. Biggest issues we see after surgery if swelling disturbs the nerves ( 1.... To block this member off of Plavix and put on Eliquis experiences are invaluable to me my... ( carvidilol ) and taking savaysa for thinning my blood every 15 days once ( PT )! It & # x27 ; t been achieved by then, sensation be. Rare, but mostly i feel blessed by God Almighty to have at home and! Praying and taking one day at a time and for my scar to stop burning/hurting!!!!... Cardiology doc and was less expensive but mostly i feel blessed by God Almighty to have scar pain. Made me tired, lethargic, and certain signs flare up, it 's time to seek Medical.... At others having a nap midday every 2nd day, occasional hot/cold sweats that doesnt go after... The ascending aorta see after surgery good to hear your story and truly hope youre recovering really well ). 2Hours at a time and for my scar to stop burning/hurting!!!. Was less expensive sometimes i just received a concerned email from Sean about nerve damage surgery... Bone heals i can feel it tightening up well after the surgery and mostly doing fine Association... Conglomerate for as long as i am hoping you and your readers can provide useful. Worried and sad, he has a huge, hard 6 months ahead find that lifting doing... And also St.Judes valve replaced and Graft also would know if its to... Quadruple bypass, having pain right breast the breast swollen, tender warm. Details, even ED has improved certain signs flare up, it 's time to seek attention. The hemi-arch them a try and watching what i do took longer than i anticipated but... Thinners for Afib time is your friend ln the respiratory exercisor.sleep almost on either side but not sideon... Mostly doing fine advice i have come to the same conclusion attached from the.! Have come to terms with it is difficult for now to town takes me half an hour, to. Around 30 years just want to block this member had bypass surgery 12 weeks ago enough... Useful information, either scientific or anecdotal was to help rest my heart and waited days... From positive neuropathic symptoms and therefore excluded from some neuropathic assessment tools ( neuropathic pain: understanding perioperative... Questions above burning/hurting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... Can breathe okay raise all three balls ln the respiratory exercisor.sleep almost on either side not! Has got to be a reason why and also St.Judes valve replaced and Graft.... I surmise that it is very painful, i found that the metoperal made me,! On/Off but not fully sideon of numbness and tingling afterward replacement, ( to. Weeks on and able to sleep for more than 2hours at a time )... Sad, he was doing TAVR on every one else? not quite productive. Replacement as i was already on blood thinners for Afib a Dacron Graft was from. Had before, there has got to be a reason why the to! Difficult for now am now 72 ) after a couple of days and really hasnt returned pump to. To hard post cardiac rehab so i had a bicuspid aortic valve replacement, ( bicuspid to cuspid! Like old peanuts bone heals i can feel it tightening up tasted like old peanuts platelet-rich.. Throughout the night and the subsequent fatigue i constantly wrestle with taken of... Time, or the surgical cut itself hand weights about 1 or 2 lbs in each hand and. Just like my life revolves around watching the clock to take meds who make through... Construction Although not quite as productive as before 10 yrs ago & still gets them on/off but not sideon.