After Heart Surgery

Posted by pinkpam @pinkpam, Apr 2 7:39am

I am 9 weeks post mech. value and arties. I try to yawn but way down at the lower level of my lungs it hurt and turns into a half yawn. Will this go away over time?

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gloaming | @gloaming | Apr 2 10:39am

Probably, yes. It might feel different for a long time, maybe forever, but you will learn to yawn again as both your mind and body adapt to, and accept, the new 'you'.

Debra, Volunteer Mentor | @karukgirl | Apr 2 1:13pm

Hi @pinkpam , may I ask if you had open heart surgery or was your valve surgery through an artery?
I ask because 9 weeks is just past the 8 week mark that a lot of standards live around as the magical time frame for healing.
If this was open heart, through the sternum, it may take longer to heal depending on your own unique self!
Many times after open heart surgery, most patients develop pleural effusions and/or atelectasis and these usually heal on their own with no intervention.
But to be certain, you may need to bring this up to your cardiologist or FP at your next visist...a chest X-ray could help confirm or rule out anything unusual.
When do you see your doctor next?