The conclusion the doctors reached was that I lifted too much and put strain on my sternum. Funny, I could have told them that when I went in. I did, actually. So I have painkillers, which didn’t do much.
I still think there’s something more wrong than that, but they didn’t, so I’m home.
I hope you feel better soon Steph. I can’t imagine the pain you must have, only that it must be awful. Can you do anything with one of those front-zip workout bras, to take some of the strain off without irritating the incision scar?
Glad you’re back and doing better. Love your blog and your activism! Stay healthy and positive.
Steph, take your pain medication and REST. Be sure your pain is incisional/sternal pain, and/or pain that increases in intensity with breathing. If it(the pain)stays the same even with a big breath than it could be something other than muscular/structural. Be sure it’s not “chest pain,” and if you have shortness of breath with exertion, you should report back to your doctor. I see many patients who are put off/sent home in the ER due to vague symptoms. Later they are admitted and more sick than they should have been. Better safe than sorry. If you continue to hurt, GO TO YOUR CARDIOLOGIST. Don’t piss around. Have a great day! Hope you feel better soon.
It was something that increased when I took big breaths. They ran lots of tests on my heart in the ER, so I know it wasn’t that.
OH Dear lord…you’re making me weak!!!! Take care, Steph! My mother had quadruple bypass last November…so I can’t relate, but I understand the discomfort to some degree. Don’t try to do too much…REST and be well.
Steph
Thanks so much for your blog. I just went through valve repair surgery two weeks ago today. I have so many questions and yours is the only blog on the internet to tell the story from the patient’s point of view. Thanks and keep blogging! I’d love to hear from you directly.