12 weeks and sternum is "officially" healed

[Der Biermeister]

Or so said my surgeon -- way back when!

This "event" (the total healing) is supposed to occur sometime between the 10th and 12th week.

Who's to argue? To me it feels totally healed. I am supposed to be able to lift anything I want now. Not sure I would try to put that to the ultimate test, but I guess I won't worry about lifting normal stuff.

I haven't read or heard much about how long it takes things like the valve ring, or my bypass connections to be fully healed (scar tissue?). But, I suspect that all has a ways to go. So I am just going to continue to be a wimp!

 

[Marguerite53]

Yes, why not continue to be a wimp. My surgery was 6 days after yours. I'm officially healed. So I"m doing more all the time. Reached across the kitchen sink to slide open a heavy window.....bad idea. First major pop!! Hurt for 2 days. I guess pain and sound will be my guide!! Lifting doesnt' seem to cause any problems, just stretching and pulling for me.

Why not call the surgeon's PA and find out about the other things regarding your bypass. Somehow, the notion of sailing in the open sea sounds pretty invigorating, so since you did that with no ill effect, you're probably okay for most activities.

Marguerite

 

[RandyL]

Yes, why not continue to be a wimp. My surgery was 6 days after yours. I'm officially healed. So I"m doing more all the time. Reached across the kitchen sink to slide open a heavy window.....bad idea. First major pop!! Hurt for 2 days. I guess pain and sound will be my guide!! Lifting doesnt' seem to cause any problems, just stretching and pulling for me.
Why not call the surgeon's PA and find out about the other things regarding your bypass. Somehow, the notion of sailing in the open sea sounds pretty invigorating, so since you did that with no ill effect, you're probably okay for most activities.

Marguerite

I think thats just sore unused muscles( muscles that have done absolutly nothing for 3 months) and also nerves. I wouldn't worry about hurting anything it will just be sore for a while yet until you get those muscles back in shape.

 

[Tom F.]

Careful guys ! My doc said that at about 6 weeks you are mostly healed, but stressed that healing continues for a full 6 mos. post op. Push yourself, but do it carefully.

 

[Superbob]

I second what Tom said. I was told 6 months, too, and that makes sense.