Concerns over sternal discomfort post Heart Transplant

Posted by exhcmposttx @exhcmposttx, Dec 7, 2023

I am approximately 2.5 months post-heart and I am experiencing extreme discomfort in my upper sternum and clavicle. I feel as though I am choking and my rib cage is rising into my esophagus. I can't sit, stand or lie down and get any relief. Sleeping is difficult. As with almost all things, my transplant team assures me it will get better with time. There is no clicking, popping, or sliding involved, just tightness and pressure. Did any other heart recipients experience this and did it resolve itself?

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Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Jan 27 9:14am

@exhcmposttx, I want to congratulate you on your recent heart transplant! I am wondering how you are doing at nearly 4 months? Will you have a 4 or 5 month checkup with your transplant team? (As a liver/kidney recipient, that was what I had). Have you been able to feel relief from the pressure that you were feeling with your rib cage that made it difficult to sleep?