How long will I have chest pain after Bypass Surgery?
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- čas přidán 27. 07. 2024
- In this clip I discuss my experience with chest pain post Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery and how long it lasted afterwards.
**Apologies I refer to Biceps at 4mins 55 secs, when in fact I meant Pecs. I clearly don't know anatomy!!
Thank you to all for the wonderful, positive feedback for this clip. Unfortunately for some reason I am unable to respond to some of the latest comments, double checked settings etc. Just want to acknowledge your comments are sincerely appreciated.
Hi Anthony I had a new valve and two bypasses and was unsure about what I was going through and whether it was going on to long .As everything you said was exactly what I am feeling it put my mind at rest to know it wasn’t unusual and how long it cauld last as you read so many different things all very helpful but
not very exact so thankyou again wishing you well Linda
@@lindaross4521 thank you❤. I wish you all the very best on your recovery. And pleased that what I could convey resonated with you. It can be a scary time on many levels. Keep chipping away. Time heals.
Thank you Im feeling the same even after 11 weeks of my operation, very painfull on the left side off my chect, like burning pain on the soft tissu. But I will give it some time. ❤
@@gideonreyneke8393 all the best with your healing. Yes, it will take time, but it will eventually completely go.
This is so relatable. Thank you, I am just over four weeks post bypass surgery, and have so many questions. This was one of them, including when I might be able to let my love lay her head on my chest again, when right now I can barely stand the fabric of a shirt on my wounds. All the best to you.
Thank you. I hope everything progresses smoothly and speedily for your recovery and return to normal.
Hi Anthony, Thanks for your advice and your personal experience of your Bypass surgery.
Its been 9 months now since my x5 Bypass (66years) and I still am getting some pains around my
chest and heart area.
I am sure its just the nerves and muscles still recovering from the operation, my Doctor seems to agree as
otherwise I am quite well again. I was a keen runner and cyclist and would love to get back to enjoying doing this again soon. It is quite disconcerting when you feel that pain and discomfort around your chest area again and knocks your confidence. But I have to say after watching your video I feel much better to keep positive. Thanks again Chris
Hi Chris
Thank you. Hang in there, you'll get back to riding and running, of that I'm sure. A day at a time and patience (which is a tough one to learn). Keep in touch with your Doc and Cardiologist. If you have access to an indoor trainer, they're great for getting back into riding and riding indoors won't aggravate your sternum wound. All the very.
Getting ready for my Heart Surgery in Sept 2022. Thank you for sharing your healing journey with us. Thank you for showing us your humanity and how you pushed through each phase of this recovery. I'm a musician, percussionist and I'm just realizing how painful it will be for me to get back on the drum kit after this surgery and how important it will be to wait for the wound to heal before starting that flowing movement of hand movement. I will just have to be patient and face each challenge as it comes.
Hi mate
Many thanks for your feedback. I hope this video provided some reassurance. Have faith in your healing and rehab. You'll be back on the kit in no time. Small steps and achievable goals. I have a djembe and found that I could hand drum for small periods, progressing to longer durations. The pain from the mammary artery removal was more uncomfortable than the sternum bone wound when hand drumming. But in saying that, time does heal and the pain lessens. Stay in touch with your Thoracic Surgeon and ask their advice. Small steps my friend and life will become normal again in no time. Really hope all goes well. You'll be in good hands.
Thank you so much for this. 30 days post op and I am amazed at how little info is out there. Thanks for sharing. I want to start back mountain biking and lifting weights but I am terrified to be honest. I keep thinking about falling. Need to get my mind right and just take it one day at a time. What works for me is prayer and my amazing family. Again, thanks for sharing. God Bless.
Thank you for your lovely comment 🙏. Yes, do take things one day at a time and with each day your confidence will grow. 30 days is still early post surgery. At about four weeks I popped my bike on my indoor trainer. 10 min x 1 session to start with. Next step around 8 weeks was outdoors on smooth roads. I hope you might have some obstacle free gravel etc trails you maybe able to start with. Do you have a Cardiac Rehab team you can ask about some light weights? I started with 1kg at around 8 weeks. Now 3 years later 3kgs😅, just more longer reps. Take care, you will get back all your fitness and more!
That Trini How is your pain now ? Thank you for posting !
@@johnb4183 not bad. Going on 2 years and thankful for life. Changed up my diet
Thank you so much for passing on your experience, im 50 and 8 weeks ago had a triple bypass, all ok apart from that pain you mentioned to the right of my chest, stabbing sharp pain due to nerve damage im told, but so nice to have heard this from yourself, going back to work as an electrician at week 10, I hope im strong enough to return
Hi Jerry, thank you. So pleased your recovery is going well. The pain will subside over time. Ease back into your work.
Thanks Anthony. Your video is so helpful. Just coming out of triple bypass at 45. Reassuring to hear your journey and to stress less with the recovery process which will take time.
Hi Craig, thank you for your kind words. All the very best on your recovery journey.
Thank you for this. Our dad had bypass surgery today and is in so much pain that he said if he had known it was going to be this painful that he would've never gone through with it.
Hi Erin
I hope you are going ok? It is difficult to see a loved one just out of CABG surgery and in pain and not themselves. Your dad will feel like a truck has ran over him, but the pain will ease. My medical team were insistent on me letting my pain levels so they could get me on top of it. No pain leads to a happier patient 😀 and an ability to get up to walk soon after the surgery. A scary time for all, but the future benefits will far outweigh the discomfort in the early stages. Take care and I wish your dad all the very, very best.
Thanks for the video, I'm 38 and had two open-heart surgeries last year to repair a valve. Everything you're saying is spot on!Just getting ready to go out for a cycle in the Irish winter ❄️
Thank you. I hope things are going well for you and you had a good ride (and not too cold).
Thank you so much for for sharing your experience... I can relate. Seven weeks since my surgery and I have exactly what you describe. It's so helpful to know that these numb painful pin prick pains are to be expected. I also have such difficulty sleeping. ❤❤👌
Thank you Ash. Take care and all the very best for your journey back to full health 👍
"Thank you" for the POSITIVE insight on your surgery .... ( I'm recently home from having a Quadruple Bypass surgery, myself) ..... Gotta take it real easy for the next few weeks !!! Then Cardiac rehab, like you suggested .... Appreciate you sharing .... 👍👍
Thank you Rick. All very best for your healing, every day now will be a step forward and a Win. Enjoy Cardiac Rehab, guidance and support.
Thank you Anthony for making your video and sharing.
My surgery was 3 x Cardiac Arterial Bypass Graft (CABG) 19/09. Im very lucky to have experienced low level pain more accurately described as discomfort. I took 2 x panadole daily for 1 week and no pain meds since. sneezing hurts but 3 weeks on that too is reducing. Every day i can feel improvements and healing. Im a 1963 model so younger than average patient but i am sure walking has played a huge part in recovery. 2 x 2kms daily now plus hill climbs. We are all different and i feel so very lucky to have experienced no inflammation or infections in my wounds.
A hugely scary experience has been way way better than i could have imagined. God Bless my Surgeon!
Hi Frank, Thank you. I'm glad to read of your amazing progress from your CABGx3. Continue to heal and hope the 'journey' treats you well.
You hit spot on to everything I am feeling. Thank you so much
Thank you mate. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Thank you for sharing. I had valve surgery 4 days ago and have been dealing with pain. I will continue to watch your videos and see your progress. Best wishes to you❤.
Thank you @benitopedraza1438 I wish you well after your recent surgery and a quick healing process. I possibly won't upload more videos, but I am well and very much back to my previous health and fitness.
Thank you so much. You explained it well and I could relate and felt like I was not alone.
Thank you Connie, take care.
Curious and also refreshing to hear a patient actually State how the pain is immediately after. Almost everybody seems to leave that part out or skim over it. Thank you hope you’re doing great.As for myself, at this particular time, I would not submit to open heart surgery. But that’s only my opinion after medical trauma.( PTSD) from previous invasive procedures
Thank you for your comment. I'm doing very well. I understand your decision. The time between heart attack surgery (five days) was very traumatic and was spent facing my mortality. Continue to stay well 👍
Hi Thanks for the vid. Just sharing...I'm 54 years old and underwent a CABG in 2015. Things went well as can be expected post -op but things took a turn for the worse recently. I was washing my balcony using.a full bucket of water when I felt a sharp pain in my chest. It seemed to emanate from the center where the chest was separated during the op. Its been a week now and there's a stabbing pain every now and then. Even opening doors hurt. Been to the doctor and he reckons its a muscle strain and prescribed painkillers. It continues to hurt and I intend to get it looked at again. Just wanted to share my experience so that other folks like me might want to take care not to do too strenuous activities even years after a CABG procedure. Cheers.
Hi Thomas
Wow I bet was a shock to revisit chest and sternum pain again. I do hope that it's rectified soon. Thank you for the heads up, I'll be cautious when lifting heavy awkward things. Thank you for viewing and your comment too :)
Thank You for sharing your experience. I am 6 weeks out from CABg 3 1/2 bypass. I feel good and touch my chest too. I have a stiffness at the full expansion of my lungs that seems to prohibit full breaths but it's getting better. For me it was shocking at 65 to feel less vigorous from the surgery. My biggest challenge is confidence and trust in the procedure.
Thank you for telling your story. You're through the worst of it (although it won't feel like it). Keep working the lungs, hopefully you have been provided a Spirometer by the rehab team to assist in getting your lungs back to full capacity. Has your hospital / rehab team organised some cardiac rehab classes for you? These will be really beneficial in boosting your confidence in many ways.
All the very best on the journey forward.
Thank you so much for this post Anthony. I found it very helpful and informative. It’s great when one’s own experiences mirror someone else’s. I believe my mammary arteries were also diverted and I too know exactly how that feels. I’m 5 weeks post op and found some CZcams vids for cardiac rehab from the British Heart Foundation - which I do daily. Like you I’m afraid to touch the wound or even look at it and I guess it’s the mental battles ahead are going to be as important as the physical. I must be a bit wimpish because some days I just feel like a patient all over again and start behaving like I’m just out of surgery. Other days I feel stronger and realise - a bit grudgingly - that things are improving. I have to say sleep eludes me a great deal and I find the days and nights very long. My family keep telling me to get out more locally and walk and I know they’re right but I just don’t have the enthusiasm for gentle walking around where I live. Anyway thanks again. So great to hear others’s experiences especially ones that are so similar.
Dave in Dublin
Hi Dave
Thank you for your comments. Great you're doing some rehab. It will really help the healing/confidence. I remember some days I wanted to curl up into a ball and wish the whole traumatic event and recovery away. It is surely a mental challenge too. Hang in there, and if you are struggling, talk to your GP. I hoping you manage some walking soon as your weather will be on the improve with Spring and Summer. Be confident you will progress and in a few years not think much about the whole journey. Life will get back on track. All the very best👍
@davidowens6658 Hoping things are going ok for you. This may be of help in your recovery. 'Healthy Hearties' healthyhearties.co.uk/
G'day mate. Thanks for your video's, they have been informative to what I am experiencing and will more than likely experience. I'm 30 odd day's post op, and it still feels like a Viking took to me with a blunt ax. All things considered thou, I believe that I am doing well, as I'd put the pain at around 3-4/10, which is easily tolerated and I stopped the Paracetamol a couple of days back, now I'm only on the cocktail of blood thinners and the like. I've been readmitted back to the hospital twice, but this was mainly due to the cold, as the shivering caused extreme pain in the chest area. So a hint for others, stay warm.
Thank you Paul and the very best for your recovery and healing. One day at a time and with patience you will feel 'normal' again. I'm humbled some of my videos are informative. I struggled to find videos post CABG surgery when I needed reassurance and knowledge. Take care.
Thanks man, I'm three weeks post op double bypass today. Slow and easy.
Take care and take one day at a time with your recovery. All the best with the new 'plumbing' 😀
Thanks brother! Very informative. I’m 90 days from discharge. I have not had any problems… thank God but have experienced a number of different sensations in my chest … or maybe “on” my chest is a better description. I do think it probably is my nerves reconnecting and getting back on order. The quality and intensity of pain and different sensations has been constantly evolving every day … always improving though.
Hi James, thank you for your comment and positive feedback. So glad this has helped in some small way. It sounds like your recovery is going great. Well done👍. Four and a half years on, I still have the odd day with chest tenderness if I overdo it on the MTB or even trimming hedges in the garden 🤣. I wish you all the best in your journey back to a full life.
@@anthonyheywardCABG Thanks Anthony. All the best to you as well! Take care from 🇺🇸!
Thankyou so much for your information it was so helpful x
Thank you for your kind words Linda🙏
Thanks for sharing you story. I had Bypass 3 weeks ago, and Im inpatient to get back bycykling and run marathons again. My take away here is: : “You will be ok again, but Healing will take a bit of time….expect 12 weeks” Im obviously not the patient patient. But I will learn the hard way. Per in Denmark. No worries mate, Ill be back in business like you.
Hi Per
Thank you. All the very best for your recovery, and yes patience is the secret to a good recovery. In a years time, you'll be amazed at your progress and abilities.
Thanks. Great to hear your experiences.
Thank you.😀
@@anthonyheywardCABG just watched a bunch of your videos. Very informative and positive. Im a hillwalker from the UK, had bypass surgery 6 days ago and I'm feeling stronger every day. How are you doing now ?
@@jupitermoongauge4055 hi mate. So glad you've come out of CABG surgery so well, a great start. Keep the pain meds up though if you need. It will make breathing exercises, sleep and moving easier. Be patient with your recovery, your hill walking fitness will be invaluable to get you back on track. I'm very well and probably the fittest and active I ever been. Nothing like heart surgery to keep you motivated to stay active. I'm so pleased that I've been able to provide some relevant info in the videos. All the very best and enjoy the journey back to fitness.
@@anthonyheywardCABG thank you so much for your reply and all your uploads. You have such a calm, matter of fact and informative way of talking about this issue, I'm very inspired. I'm glad you're feeling in such good shape.
@@jupitermoongauge4055 cheers. Not so much calm, but highly anxious 🤣. Take one day at a time. One piece of advice I read somewhere was if you feel sick take it easy and don't exercise, if you just feel tired, get up and do something. I feel this really kept me motivated. Stay safe over there.
Thank you for this… very helpful
Hi Joshua, thank you for the positive feedback, it means a lot. Take care
Thanks, mate. Aloha🤙
So helpful
Thank you soooooo much
Stay well
💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
Thank you Jackie, you are most kind. Take care.
Thank you. Had aorta replaced 20 days ago.
All the very best for your recovery. Thank you
I’m going on 5 months post op for a 4x cabg. I’m literally still feeling pain and my drs will not give me anything for pain. Very numb chest and I’m terrified to do much. I do go to rehab tho. I appreciate this video
Hi Kimberly
Hang in there. Five months in and I remember still being numb (and weird sensations) across the chest. Maybe a chat with your Cardiothoracic Surgeon for reassurance at least. Keep up the rehab. Take heart (no pun) your pain will eventually disappear and you won't think twice. Really you progress well and quickly.
Well i been searching for this answer for weeks.9 weeks after surgery i'm having same symptoms.clicking and crushing in sternum started around 7 weeks .but thats when i started to get active .and that needling nump leathery feeling in my chest .some days worst then others is very annoying .least i found some one i can relate with .thank you for posting this.
Hi Cyril
Thank you, I'm so glad this has hopefully provided so re-assurance. Time heals, glad you're getting more active. Great progress. Well done.
Thanks for your insights, Anthony! I'm three weeks post-triple bypass. How long did it take you to get back on the bike? I'm mostly a mountain biker, but I really just want to pedal. Thanks!
Hi @LoamReaper thank you for your comments. I started with riding for 10 minutes on an indoor trainer after four weeks. Keeping the HR from going above 125 bpm. After 10 weeks I had permission to ride on the road. I hope you can be linked into a Cardiac Rehab Program for guidance and reassurance. Wishing you all the best with your recovery.
@@anthonyheywardCABG 10 weeks is pretty soon after surgery! My doctors are talking five months. We'll see. I will be starting Cardiac Rehab next month. Thank you, sir!
Thank you!!!!!
Sorry for the delay in responding, somehow I missed your comment. Thank you 👍
My father got bypass surgery in march 2024 he is fit and slowly recovering but during 1 week my father got light pain in chest he is 58 years old
Hi Anthony I had open heart surgery at 54 in May 2022 Sternum pain has not gone away though its somewhat improved
Riding a bike was possibly late sunmer 2022 and enjoyed it but in December 2022 i was diagnosed with Cervical Stenosis I had a bulging disc at my C5-C6 vertebrae I did quite a bit of band resistance and enjoyed it but only because I had a epidural steroid injection I wish the sternum muscles and nerves would get stronger but I may have to wait longer Did you ever consider having the screws removed from sternum ?
Thanks for any advice
David Pocatello Idaho
Hi David
Thank you for viewing my clip and thank you for your comments.
Bulging discs are no fun, been there at 25 with L4.
Hang in there, the sternum pain will disappear, it does take awhile. Six years on and I just started push ups, very low reps. The next day the sternum isn't happy and is uncomfortable. I wasn't aware the screws could be removed, but no-one is going near my chest again with a sharp object😂, happy to leave things as they are.
I hope things progress speedily for you.
10:56 how long before you were released by your surgeon to ride your bike. I wish my surgery had included the titanium bracket on my sternum. He used the wires, and I am still experiencing the popping sounds . I'm at 7 months. A CT scan revealed a one inch separation at top of sternum. I am an avid mountain biker and have been warned to wait a full year before riding. Looking forward to May.
Hi David
I was approved to ride my road bike eight weeks post surgery. Smooth roads only for a few weeks to start off with. Just a thought, do you have access to an indoor trainer you fit your MTB too? Worth checking with your medicos. A good way to get your legs back. After four weeks I was allowed indoor sessions, although they were short to start with. It really helped when I hit the road again.
All the very best moving forward David.
I have chest pain 13 years later. But for some reason i'am still alive.
Hello Anthony. I’ll be undergoing bypass surgery for my Aortic stenosis in a couple of months. I’m really nervous about this and just lost as to what to expect. All that runs through my brain is waking up after anesthesia. How is the pain like? Do you wake up in pain or discomfort. Do they send you home with strong enough pain meds? Is the pain bare able?
Hi Muhiddin
I certainly understand your nervousness before surgery. But take heart it is quite normal to feel anxious. I would suggest making an appointment with your Cardiologist or Specialist and discussing your concerns. I think it would be helpful and I'm sure a lot of patients do the same. My surgery was an emergency and I only got to speak to my Surgeon the night before, he was very understanding of my fear and uncertainty and I found him reassuring and felt this surgery was just routine for him (which it was).
Waking from surgery in ICU I wasn't in pain much at all from what I remember, just extremely thirsty. I was very much medicated for pain. A day or so afterwards I needed to undertake breathing exercises for a few day to re-inflate my lungs (they're collapsed for bypass surgery). There was some discomfort in the sternum doing these but only a dull ache. Also to clear the lungs of any fluid build up, I would have to cough every hour whilst awake, this was also uncomfortable, but definitely bearable with pain medication. Also a small pillow is provided to press on the sternum when coughing to reduce the 'jolting' of the sternum area.
My nursing staff where very attentive about administering enough pain medication when I was moved from ICU. If I woke throughout the night due to chest discomfort I was allowed pain medication to help me sleep. The discomfort during the night subsided after four or so nights in the Ward. Recovery is quickest when we are not in pain, so no need to be a hero, ask for pain medication when in hospital.
On discharge I was given a range of medication including a small supply of some strong pain medication. This was good to have especially for the long car journey home of 5 hours.
The Sternum discomfort does ease, I think mine took about 2-3 weeks. I also had both Mammary arteries harvested which compounded my chest discomfort around the pectoral (chest) area. I don't think with your surgery you'll have this issue.
The discomfort is certainly bearable and going about your day recovering eg: walking/moving will help take your mind off it and before you know it, it will be gone.
I hope this helps in some small way and hope it provides some reassurance.
All the best for your upcoming Surgery, and again, please chat to your surgical team about any worries you have. They will understand.
@@anthonyheywardCABG hello
I really appreciate the feedback. I already feel more confident. You answer was very thorough, detailed, and informative. I appreciate this. I think I’ll get through day by day as you’ve stated. Hope everything’s coming along very well on your end as well.
Thanks 🙏
@@muhiddinmuhiddin8030 hi, how was your surgery ? How are you feeling.
@@nav6728 My post surgical status was complicated with fluid volume overload, acute kidney failure, ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome, and blood loss anemia. I was put in a medically induced coma after surgery due to my severe pulmonary insufficiency, requiring intubation. Was in a coma for 3/4 weeks, and then had to be put on ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). Eventually I woke up, and am thankful to be alive right now because things could’ve gone haywire. All praise to the most high 🤲🙏📿. Wasn’t in too much pain after waking up because I was drugged up with ketamine and opioids, but I still needed to recover. Was in ICU for almost three months, and didn’t start feeling like myself until about 4 months post surgery after I got home for the first few weeks. If you’re about to go through something similar make sure it’s the only option you have, to live. If there are other alternatives, I would recommend try those first. I feel much better now tho. I’m able to resume daily activities without any issues.
For 1 and 10 mos. Now since my operation still feel the numbness and like blade cut pian in my left chest occurs again but tolerable pain and just for a second or two il see my doctor this week
Hi Jay, I hope all goes well for you.
How long did you have sternum clicking and how long did it take to heal for you? I'm 7 weeks post op today
If I remember correctly, about six to eight months.
Thank You Sir@@anthonyheywardCABG
Hey mate did you have any back shoulder pain
Hi John, I think I had some upper back discomfort. Most likely from the sternum being opened up and jostled around. I can't recall it lasting too long and the pain meds probably masked it to some extent.
It's been a month now but still chest is paining a lot not able to wear clothes on it nor able to touch the chest . It's painful what can I do to realive pain
Hi Roopa
Sorry you are in discomfort. I would suggest contacting your Doctor or Surgeon so they can investigate and provide options help.
Sir my father had a cabg surgery on 9th of Feb 2024. Within a month he developed wound infection on the lower part of the incision and doctors had to do a debridement procedure followed by a Vac application (NPWT). There is a sharping chest pain on the right side of the chest and it occurs when he moves, breathes or even tries to sit. Consulted the doctor he said it is muscle or bone pain. But it's extremely unbearable he screams. Is this normal to happen.... Will the pain subside... Kindly reply we are extremely worried
Hello, I'm sorry to read about your father's condition. I'm not medically trained so can only relay my own experience. The pain did ease for me, very gradually, it did take a many weeks, whilst on pain medication. After this I experienced discomfort across my chest and a 'clicking' sternum (when moving) for approximately 18 months. I hope the Doctor can manage your father's pain with medication management until things improve. If the pain persists, please contact his Doctor to seek answers. All the best.
Thank you sir @@anthonyheywardCABG
How long were you short of breath post op?
Hi, I actually wasn't short of breath after the op. The first day after surgery I was given a spirometer device to use to re-inflate my lungs and expand them (painful but worth it). This really helped with my breathing. Maybe a good idea to touch base with your medical team if you have shortness of breath. I hope all goes well for you.
Im to have open heart surgery within days, my left main artery the widow Maker is 90 percent blocked, im terrified of the ventilator and the pain. I've held off the doctors for a little over a week, had 3 more attacks, they said I could die suddenly that's freaking scary, im so upset this is happening to me, I've prayed to God to please take this from me but here I am, i don't want to die but I don't want to suffer either, im on Suboxone wich doesn't let any opioids work, so I don't know how they will control the pain. I've never been so scared in my life.
Hi, I empathise. I was traumatised and scared shi*less the five days leading up to my emergency surgery. I questioned my survivorbility. Take heart you'll be in good hands. Many thousands of bypass patients, myself included are living proof. You'll come out the other end some much better off. This operation will be something your Surgeon does many times a week. All will be well. But certainly understand your fears.