7 months and going

[jlolkok]

Hello Everyone,
My first post, just found this forum a wek or so ago. Wish I had found it 7 months ago. But what I've read so far has put my mind at ease about a few things, mostly the questions about coumadin.
I actually had a heart attack on Aug. 21, 2008. Walked to my mailbox, around 100 yds round trip and took aout half an hour to do so. Went to e-room and had a cath done next day. Imagine my suprise when my cardio walked in and told me my valve needed to be replaced! I was sure they had me confused with someone else, but no, it was me.
Had OHS on 08/25/08 and was not fun. That was a Fri. and Monday afternoon I went home. Took 10 days to get up and walking, but been going strong since.
My question is, just exactly how long did it take for the sternum to cease giving you fits???? I still have a few problems when I cough or sneeze, and a bout with a sinus infection was a real joyride!! Anyway, not complainig, but any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for all of the Q&A in these forums, I no longer have to talk just to people who just don't understand!


AVR 08/25/08 w/2x bypass grafts.
Stent placed 05/02

 

[Freddie]

Man did you hit the nail on the head saying "I no longer have to talk just to people who just don't understand!"

If your still having problems with your sternum, now this is just my thought.....try giving yourself a hug to hold the sternum while you sneeze or cough - maybe you'll be able to cough into your shoulder.

Everyone heels differently, but at 6 months your bone should be healed but it may need a little more support when you sneeze.

As for myself, I don't recall having any "fits". Yes, I did have a bit of pain when I sneezed or coughed, but hugging myself when I felt one coming 'on' seemed to relieve some if not most of the lingering pain that can occur.

Hang in there...it will get better and subside.....it all takes time

 

[Karlynn]

Welcome! I'm glad you found us!

Your sternum should be fairly well healed by now, but you may still have some never sensitivity that would cause a sinus infection or cold to knock you around a bit. I was thinking that maybe the sternal wires were bothering you, but if you are not constantly bothered (even when not coughing or sneezing) I'm thinking it probably isn't that.

We have a saying here - when in doubt check it out. You may want to give your cardio a call just to see what he/she has to say.

 

[WayneGM]

Welcome to the VR community. Glad you found us. Better late than never. As other have said, your sternum is healed by now, but will probably be sensitive for awhile yet. It was a year before I was feeling "normal" again. I'm two years out now and sometimes when I sneeze, I still get a sensation/sound like cracking your knuckles. It doesn't hurt, but it's annoying.

 

[jlolkok]

RE:7 mos replies.

RE:7 mos replies.

Thanks for the info. The knuckle popping sensation is right on the money, just sometimes scares the crap out of me. And I will give myself a "hug" when sneezing or coughing.
Appreciate the info and look forward to a lot more discussions!!!!

 

[DeWayne]

I don't worry to much about a little sternum pain. At times over 49 years after my first surgery that I would feel twinges. Now at 20 months since 2nd I tend to feel it when the weather changes at times, nothing real bad, but you know its there.

 

[Bina]

Welcome to the group!
At 7-8 mths I still had a lot of uncertainty about my sternum; sensitivity, wires, itching, etc.
I knew the bones were basically healed,but everything else took longer to heal so I was careful.

 

[jlolkok]

me again

me again

I just love this place. Everyone knows!!!!!!!!!