Pain at 3-4 weeks.......why now?

[ruthienc1]

In the last week or so I've acquired pretty noticeable pain on the right side, to the right of my sternum and also my right shoulder blade. There's nothing visible and I have no fever, but it hurts like crazy, particularly when I try to get settled in bed. It's a bit tender even though there's nothing to see. What I can't figure out is where this pain came from since I've been careful about the lifting restrictions, etc., and everything was fine before. Any input would be helpful! Also, the pain (and an odd, not painful, clicking inside near the top of the sternum) seem related to breathing in.........So far I haven't called my doc since the surgeon is in Boston and I'm in NC, plus, when I went to my cardio here everything was fine and both x-ray and echo were okay (pleural effusion gone).

Ruthie

 

[Cooker]

Ruthie dear??.this is so very common?.my right shoulder HURT?.it took months to clear up??they stretch you every which way and PULL you open?..It is normal and it hurts?..I even went to the chiropractor to help speed along shoulder recovery?.BUT NOT AT 4 WEEKS??.

 

[tobagotwo]

A few thoughts...

Most people have difficulty sleeping on their left sides for some time after surgery. You may be sleeping nearly always on your right side, which over time may be causing pain from pressure points or uncomfortable positions and lasck of movement.

If you had xrays taken of your sternum, take them to a bone doctor, who would be far more able than your cardiologist to detect any knitting issues in the sternum.

They do have you splayed out in the most uncomfortable positions for a very long period of time during surgery. If it was a full sternotomy, some positions would be reminiscent of a freshly cracked crab. This plays merry heck with your muscles and ligaments. If you recently began using those more frequently, you may be getting some backlash from the tendons.

If you feel no extra swelling or tenderness on the wound, and especially no heat or hot spots, it's probably not infection. Check your temperature, just for the heck of it.

I'm betting it's the sleeping-on-the-right-side issue, myself...

Best wishes,

 

[Bina]

Try to sleep on your back, elevate your head (of bed) and put a pillow under your knees.
This helps me to keep my back, shoulders, and sternum all in line and straight, while giving my right shoulder a rest.

 

[Susan BAV]

Check your posture. It's not uncommon to subconsciously favor what hurts and this can cause other pain(s) to develop.

 

[rocksoldier]

i'm so sorry ruthie. if the pain gets to be too much-see your doc. of course i am a major wuss.... but the pain could impede your progress or even set you back. trish

 

[WayneGM]

You've gotten some great advice and insights so I don't really have anything to add other than, if in doubt get checked out.