You were spot on with your comments and advice from your own open heart surgery. My story about the back pain is much the same. I have scoliosis from the neck down and my pain focused right between my shoulders. It hurt literally to breathe in and out. I was prescribed Robaxin muscle relaxer. It did help take the edge off and the good news is after about six weeks the pain started letting up. I am currently seven weeks out from open heart. I had a mitral valve prolapse regurgitation repaired. This was supposed to have been robotically. However, when they did the heart Cath it showed I had a blockage on the widow maker. Therefore, I had to have the traditional sternum cut. I had a wonderful surgeon, but I was not at all prepared for all this surgery would require. Like you said lots of tubes, drains poking and prodding they have you up and walking very quickly. I spent two nights in ICU and was discharged the very next day! I am so very thankful my husband took good care of me. I slept in my recliner for three weeks. He spent the first few nights sleeping in the recliner across from me my sternum has healed well the big knot at the top that you were talking about does disappear like they tell you it will. The nurse recommended I get scar tape as it keeps it moisturized but don’t use it until your incision is healed. It’s good for old scars and new so important to drink water !water !water!. You may not want to because you’ll run to the bathroom a lot, but it is necessary. I was put on Lasix due to swelling and walking helps with that too. Another common occurrence with open heart surgery is some fluid buildup around the lungs. I had a small amount the bottom of each lung theLasix addressed that also.
I was told in advance that open heart surgery affects the entire body and all the systems. That is so true. I’ve been told that it would take six months to a year for having total body healing. I’m praying mine will be six months. My scar is a reminder that I am a survivor and God chose to save me. Every day you get stronger, you have to keep that in mind some days that doesn’t seem possible, but it is . Oh, just remember to add this. Another big issue for me is the extreme chest sensitivity. Men dob not experience this only women. At six weeks it’s still a problem for me. I can’t stand for clothing. Anything against it . I’ve worn loosec, button up shirts . As for a bra, that’s been a big issue. They want you to wear a bra to hold the sternum tightly so it heals well. If you have large breast, that is a bigger concern . I have bought every type coming and going, and I am still struggling. The problem isn’t so much the bra as it is the sensitivity and soreness of my breast. I put a bra on for an hour and they swell and ache and hurt . at this point, I put one on and pace myself with it. I’ll wear it for an hour and take it off put it back on and so forth the surgeon said it could take three months or so for the sensitivity and the breast issue to go away. Another issue I am having is the constant runny nose and coughing. I am curious if anyone else has had this problem? My surgeon did not know why I would be having this issue. Anyway, I enjoyed reading your post and I’m sorry if I rambled hopefully, something I said will help someone and perhaps someone out there that’s had open-heart surgery can tell me if they have had this cough and runny nose .
Bless any of you as you have this life saving and miraculoussurgery.