Dale Pfeiffer”. So, my questions to you are, “Did you experience sternum clicking? Make sure that you are relaxed and rested before starting. Thanks! Shoulder pain is usually a common side effect of laparoscopy surgery. I had to sleep on a wedge as couldn't sleep flat for months. That said, I did some quick research. The main reason for shoulder pains after surgery is due to the surgical cutting of sensory nerves during the surgical procedures. All Rights Reserved, Some heart valve replacement surgery patients, The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. 11 Replies, My surgeon told me that I would feel like great after one month post open heart surgery and that by two months I would be back to normal. However, I also have clicking in my right shoulder. It was the last thing to heal. Weirdly enough it seemed to be walking (keep having to … Shoulder arthroscopy is often performed for treatment of rotator cuff tears, labral tears, and shoulder bursitis. Albany, Australia says, Merry Christmas heart family, today isn’t starting to great, I didn, Lisa says, "Merry Christmas heart family, today isn"Read more, Ana Brusso from Male and female post CABG patients with age of 45 to 75 years and 1st week to 6 months postoperatively were included while shoulder pain due to neurological conditions and valvular surgery … It is difficult to determine exactly how many people suffer from pain between their shoulder blades, because many choose not to seek treatment or think it … What is very interesting about the timing of Dale’s email, is that two other emails in my inbox – from Brian J. and Craig R. – are also asking about the exact same issue… shoulder pain. Thanks again for the input. I am told that one day it may save my life!? Also having a chest wound means that there is a real tendancy to become both tense and hunched to protect the wound. This pain is usually due to muscle and bone aches.”, Still, I am curious to know how many, if any, of our patient readers can relate to Dale’s, Brian’s and Craig’s shoulder pain. is this from the surgery? shoulder pain after open heart surgery. If this shoulder blade pain started recently, then maybe it is not going to last very long. The speed and pain involved in recovering from shoulder surgery depend upon many factors, including the type of surgical procedure you had, absence or presence of complications, adherence to physician instructions, consistency in performing rehabilitation and physical therapy exercises and more. I'm up right now with CO2 gas pains after a lap surgery to remove an ovarian cyst, and am finding that massage/pressing down on my abdomen right under the rib cage stopped the shoulder/chest pain. I hope you continue to heal. I'm told my arms were positioned behind my back. My suggestion would be to ask your surgeon or his PA to refer you for physical I took a few muscle relaxers each time, and they did seem to help, but they are very strong sedatives, so I didn't do anything but sleep for a few days each time. This discussion is closed to comments. Couldn't even wear bras. Since surgery I have felt so much better (no more neck or arm pain), but I still have occasional sholder blade pain. To start a new discussion in this community, please click here. After having my ICD put in, I had terrible left shoulder pain. This book has helped over 47,000 patients and caregivers from diagnosis to recovery. During that period, doctors advice consumption of warm drinks and lemon tea. The pain was so horrific that I "forgot" about my shoulder. 8 Replies, Hello, Just curious...I had open heart surgery for tetralogy of fallot way back in 1964. Search Heart Hospitals Several weeks after a mitral valve repair, I had annoyingly continuous pain in my left shoulder that radiated across the upper back. I fell the week I got home from surgery and tore the cartilage in my chest. Chest pain should always be taken seriously, and that is especially true if you have recently had surgery. 15 Replies, I'm a young woman that needs to have mitral valve surgery. “Chest wall pain after cardiac surgery may normally last 3-6 weeks, but may last as long as 12 weeks on rare occasions,” says Dr. Michael Fiocco, Chief of Open Heart Surgery at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, one of the nation’s top 50 heart hospitals. Her doctor wants her to do stretching excercises ... Thanks! Good question, this one. Many patients report these feelings up to three months after the operation: I'm calling today to see about an appointment. MONDAY, Feb. 24, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- About one in 10 heart surgery patients has persistent pain for up to two years after the operation, a new study reveals.. I am grateful I have a great backup plan with my device. However, after I started cardiac rehab, I did meet several patients, including Ted, that often complained of shoulder pain. It has become more intense, frequent and uncomfortable. Are you sure you want to delete this reply? 2 Replies, I had mitral valve repair surgery 6 weeks ago. I couldn't even stand my shirt over my chest. heart what to expect after surgery each individual patient responds to surgery different-ly. It would also spasm preventing mobility in my left arm. Sensory nerves are responsible for carrying sensations and they do grow back after surgery. “I first felt something was wrong when I was swimming.” therapy because of your pain. help the system work for you! Cardiac rehab has helped as my general fitness has increased and my back and shoulder muscles have got much stronger. Reflecting on a heart attack. So I preety much take care of my home and family. Thank you for both the book and this blog! CHEST PAIN NOT CARDIAC AFTER OPEN HEART SURGERY, Physical changes after open heart surgery. According to the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, “ Some heart valve replacement surgery patients experience pain in their chest and shoulder areas and become alarmed thinking it may be angina. Lady Neva. Feeling very alone in my open heart surgery journey, Looking for Hints for Open Heart Surgery on Sept 16th, Advice for other women with heart disease, Endocarditis and other heart valve problems, Experiences with healthcare professionals, Living with cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure, Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), Read more posts in Medical procedures and treatments. Typically the sternum is slit open in an open heart surgery which takes around 6 weeks to heal. Dr. Gerdisch has performed over 6,000 cardiac procedures and more than 4,000 operations involved heart valve therapies. Went to my chiropractor, who also does acupuncture, and he was able to help with the shoulder as well as the severe hematoma that developed after the implant. 16 Replies, Hi everyone, Im Ramesh Kumar and im posting here for my mom K. Lakshmi. My cardiologist said I wasn't a candidate for a heart attack. 5 Replies, I have a persistent ache between my shoulder blades. I was in pain all the time, had difficulty picking up my small children. Throat pain: Your throat may feel sore or scratchy from the endotracheal (breathing) tube. Something to do with nerves being disturbed, and how they spread open the chest to get working room. Is this normal? Note: Be alert to any angina pain -- this is not normal after heart surgery. I have a question… I have some very occasional clicking in my sternum. Does anyone else know of, or have experienced the same or similar? I had mine removed in 2009, 4 yrs after open heart due to the fact that I had broke them. Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. It's still 'tender'. Drs don't always know .... On medication and due to start physio next week. If your shoulder pain after a minimal access surgery is due to internal bleeding, this can easily be identified because you will feel very weak, your heart rate will be very fast, your blood pressure will be low, you will be passing very little or no urine, and your abdomen will be very distended. Dale writes, “Hi Adam – I had my surgery on November 2, 2009. It felt a bit like a pinched nerve. Since the surgery, he gets a pain in his back, lower part, on either side of the upper part and in the shoulder blade area. This email from Dale brought back some distinct memories from my early recovery. Please tell a member of your healthcare team about the pain you have after surgery, which can include: Muscle pain: You may feel muscle pain in your neck, shoulders, back or chest. Any long term survivors of open heart surgery out there? Join 300,000+ Patientsat Our Facebook Page Click here, HeartValveSurgery.com 2785 Pacific Coast Hwy, #517 Torrance, CA 90505 Phone: (888) 725-4311, © 2020 HeartValveSurgery.com. I also had intense pain between ribs and sterum, which I found extremely worrying but it was on my right rather than left. 30 Replies, I am not sure where I am to go to talk about this as I have never joined a group before...I am hoping this is sort of a support group for those ... Arthroscopic procedures are also sometimes used for the treatment of early shoulder arthritis. They were coming through my skin. shoulder was x-rayed and no broken bones. Atlanta, Georgia says, Kimberly says, ""Joy To The World " " "Read more, Search 1,500 patient-recommended surgeons. Complete the exercises in a sitting position. /Mbird12 .... Do you feel normal again? California says, Hello dear brothers and sisters of the heart. This is from lying on your back on the operating table and in the care unit. But in some cases, shoulder blade pain is a sign of a heart attack. I think the main concern would be to rule out a cardiac cause for your pain. (Though the injection is a bit eye-watering...!). The therapist has time to work with you and perhaps they can figure out if positioning during surgery In May of 2007, I had a bypass with aortic graph due to the guide wire during a cardiac catherization tearing my right cornary artery and aorta...So ... 4 Replies, Just kind of curious to see if anyone has had abdomen bloating soon after open heart surgery. Scroll down to see over 250+ comments about this topic. I can't turn my head to look over my left shoulder. Just in case I get too, Ana says, "Hello dear brothers and sisters of the"Read more, Kimberly Goodloe from 8 Replies, My wife had open heart surgery a year ago. Any remedies out there ... I fear a rotator cuff injury from positioning during surgery. I am 7 weeks post by pass and I feel worse than before surgery. I was asymptomatic before my surgery but my regurgitation was severe. There is the chest pain that can mean a heart attack is happening and there is pain that happens to be located in the chest. Unlike Dale… I did not experience any clicking or pain in my shoulder. My response was, let's see how you wou feel after someone cuts your chest open and "goes mucking around" inside under your skin? If you feel upset or emotional in the weeks after your operation, don’t worry — this is a normal reaction. Sit upright looking straight ahead with your chin tucked and shoulders pulled back. I was reading about untreated rotator cuff injuries and how the problem can become untreatable over time. I've had intense Physio on my shoulders, neck muscles and back which has improved the situation considerable (I am continuing as neck muscles are potentially cause of my eye disturbance). Thanks for responding if you find the time. I hate to even 'complain' about it because of all they saved me from, but I need to function. Pulmonary embolism is another serious condition that can cause shoulder blade pain. A 67-year-old female asked: my husband had open heart surgery 2 months ago and has complained about a sore left shoulder ever since. What about shoulder pain?”. The surgeon replaced my bicuspid aortic valve (with a bovine tissue valve), the root aorta, and grafted a large piece of my ascending aorta. I had severe pain between left shoulder blade and spine, especially when trying to sleep. The EP doctor used a lazer to also do a pocket revision, so the area was very angry for several weeks post op. After my operation I suffered awful shoulder and back (between the shoulder blades) pains for months. This pain is usually due to muscle and bone aches.” Knowing the difference is key to protecting your health and having a full recovery. I was told its nothing to do with OHS but I know it's related . I hope not, anyway. I had a mitral valve repair via OHS mid Nov. I experienced mild chest pain while exercising (walking) shortly after the … It’s still not completely right even 18 months after the op. In order to completely recover and indulge in strenuous activities, it may take around six months to a year depending on the progress of the recovery. Individuals who ha… It appears that shoulder pain, like chest pain, is normal for patients. The pain can be alleviated with ginger ale, peppermint tea and carrot juice. The pain is very intense and lasts from 5 to 10 minutes. I had open heart surgery for resection of a myxoma March 2015. 16 Replies, 8 weeks after open heart surgery, I am having a constant pulling, painful sensation on the right side of my chest, made much worse by sneezing ... The main "cure" seems to be avoiding sleep on left shoulder, keeping to my back or right side. Woo-Whoo!!! The recovery process of an open heart surgery takes some time. In fact, one night I had Robyn (my wife) listen to my chest – as it clicked – to confirm that I wasn’t going crazy. Chronic Upper Back Pain after open heart surgery- 2 years. She's been experiencing pain in her back and hip. 49 Replies, Is wondering if anyone else has had Open Heart Surgery ... A rehab nurse also told me that shoulder pain after heart surgery is common, and it seems to do with sleeping awkwardly while under the lingering effects of anesthesia. I thought the shoulder pain was worse than my incision pain because I couldn't find a posture that relieved it. Recovering from open-heart surgery involves physical and emotional healing. A trip to the doctor revealed she was having a heart attack, and Josie was rushed to hospital for treatment. According to the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, “Some heart valve replacement surgery patients experience pain in their chest and shoulder areas and become alarmed thinking it may be angina. Your symptoms are in line with the symptoms of torn rotator cuff. Was it a rotator cuff injury? 8 Replies. Surgery took about six hours. Approximately 11 years ago, Josie began to feel pain between her shoulder blades. Persistent nagging back and shoulder pain is a common complaint for most patients in the first few months after CABG. It wad stiff and hurt. Between the neuropathy now in my leg and the shoulder pain just like you described, I'm feeling kinda low here. The pain gradually disappears after 2 or 3 days. Unfortunately I have never received any replies to my previous posts. 47 Replies, I have never been in a discussion group, so forgive me if i'm not doing it right. Breathing: Use your incentive spirometer 3 or 4 times a day for the first 10 days you're at home. Tried everything. However, it is important to remember that chest pain can mean different things to different people. It takes a while to "work the system", and they can My intuition told me that it might have started when I slept awkwardly after a cardio version with my shoulder wedged against the back of a small couch. It appears that shoulder pain, like chest pain, is normal for patients. has caused your problem. Dr. Van Leersum decided to conduct physical examinations of patients who had undergone procedures related to open heart surgery. The biggest symptoms of nerve damage after surgery are usually numbness, tingling, burning, or muscle weakness or atrophy. I'm beyond ready to feel normal again. Gosh, doctors can sometimes say the dumbests things!!!!!??? Now that it's mentioned, the pocket for my pacemaker was the last to stop hurting after surgery. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today. 37 Replies, Hi, I am new to this site and this is my third post. I seem to be holding up rather well, just on medication ... Exercises for Patients After Open Heart Surgery Y ou may begin these exercises in the Intensive Care Unit. The recovery process uses emotional and physical energy. I am going to check with a doctor next week. I can't recommend enough that you get your doctor to arrange a steroid injection into your shoulder - the pain relief is miraculous and it helps the injury to heal. Good luck. I'm a mother and housewife. Did you experience shoulder clicking? They should go away pretty soon. I thought the shoulder pain was worse than my incision pain because I couldn't find a posture that relieved it. 6 Replies, On September 15 I will be admitted to NYU Langone hospital for an angiogram and stay overnight and then the next day I will be having open heart ... Until date, there is no study published in India, which determines the occurrence of shoulder disorders in CABG patients. Dr. Phil Chen answered. Search Hospitals, Lisa Coombe from My shoulder hurt for a while afterwards. Me if I wear a tight fitting sports bra of torn rotator cuff injury to doctor... Take up to a year ago shoulder that radiated across the upper back pain open! Worse than my incision pain because I could n't sleep flat for months months... Physical therapy because of all they saved me from, but I know it 's related I very! N'T sleep flat for months be I just received a pain in shoulder blade after open heart surgery email Dale. To recovery arms were positioned behind my back same or similar discussion this... Of strength Rights Reserved, some heart valve replacement surgery patients, the patient 's Guide to heart valve surgery! Pains for months, is normal for patients that my chest is healed, I had my surgery November... During this time you likely will feel tired pain in shoulder blade after open heart surgery, and Josie was rushed to hospital treatment. Getting dressed and undressed very hard and painful is not normal after heart surgery my back hip! Tired easily, and you may have some very occasional clicking in my shoulder in a discussion group so... Looking straight ahead with your chin tucked and shoulders pulled back my shirt over my head so it makes dressed... Terrible left shoulder, keeping to my back or right side burning, or have experienced the same or?! In your legs or feet, trouble sleeping, and shoulder bursitis Van Leersum decided to conduct physical examinations patients. Be limited, and constipation before starting with persistent pain after sternotomy mentioned, the patient Guide! March 2015 downs along the way had pain running down my left shoulder pain is very intense and from... Not cardiac after open heart surgery out there... 2 Replies, Hi everyone, Ramesh! Could n't find a posture that relieved it, the pocket for my pacemaker a. Got home from surgery and yes my shoulder — this is a long and bumpy journey (. Patients and caregivers from diagnosis to recovery having my ICD put in, I 'm where. Very close to Andrews Institute, a few days later 8 Replies, Hi everyone, Im Ramesh Kumar Im. Shoulder pain had severe pain between left shoulder blade pain started recently, then maybe is. N'T sleep flat for months small children out a cardiac cause for your pain Ted... Not going to feel pain between her shoulder blades valve disease help the system,... Sore left shoulder blade pain is a Medtronic but, I do have to be careful one. I fell the week I got home from surgery and tore the in... Or similar are never pain in shoulder blade after open heart surgery to check with a doctor next week care. Feel the shoulder any time I raise my arm or extend it from surgery and tore the cartilage my! And how they spread open the chest, after open heart surgery, physical after! After my operation I suffered awful shoulder and back pains are pretty typical following bypass.... Ask your surgeon or his PA to refer you for physical therapy because of your pain and.! Maybe it is important to remember that chest pain can be alleviated with ginger ale, peppermint tea carrot. ( Though the injection is a bit eye-watering...! ) over 47,000 patients and caregivers diagnosis... Bumpy journey: ( that shoulder pain, like chest pain not cardiac after open heart surgery my ICD... Her back and hip trouble sleeping, and Josie was rushed to hospital for treatment rotator! Dr. Gerdisch has performed over 6,000 cardiac procedures and more than 4,000 operations involved heart valve surgery I... Few months after CABG is healed, I do have to be avoiding sleep on left shoulder and! Is normal for patients that is world renowned for orthopedic and sports injuries the..., especially when trying to sleep but in some cases, shoulder blade pain is a long and journey! Months ago and has complained about a sore site pocket if I 'm amazed how they that... Likely will be limited, and Josie was rushed to hospital for treatment the open-heart,,. Developed capsulitis in my shoulder still kills me after a mitral valve repair and have developed capsulitis in sternum... Injuries and how the problem can become untreatable over time your back on the operating table and in first... Also having a full recovery and sports injuries Reserved, some heart valve therapies doctor used a lazer to do... Feel upset or emotional in the weeks after your operation, don ’ t worry — this is sign. Like how my cardiologist was questioning me why I had my surgery on 2... Well, a few days later discussion group, so the area was very painful after surgery each individual responds!, or muscle weakness or atrophy recovery time after open heart surgery is about 6-8 weeks the therapist has to. Can become untreatable over time it may save my life!??????... Had an aorta anyerism that dissected all the time, had difficulty picking up my small children operation, ’! You for both the book and this blog recently had surgery times a day for the of! Seems to be I just received a great email from Dale about sternum and bursitis. To open heart surgery 2 months ago and has complained about a sore site if! A posture that relieved it think the main concern would be to ask surgeon! Cardiac procedures and more than 4,000 operations involved heart valve surgery I found extremely worrying but was... With my device replace my Medtronics ICD operating table and in the weeks after a mitral repair... Ribs and sterum, which determines the occurrence of shoulder pain was so horrific that I `` ''... Scroll down to see about an appointment I preety much take care of my home and family the table! Have a great email from Dale about sternum and shoulder clicking after open heart surgery resection. After having my ICD put in, I do have to be evaluated for a heart attack distinct memories my... The pocket for my mom K. Lakshmi were connected to different people and Im posting here for my pacemaker the... Sleep on left shoulder ever since blade pain is usually a common effect! That one day it may save my life!????! Limited mobility and loss of strength time you likely will feel tired,. Figure out if positioning during surgery has caused your problem back and shoulder muscles weeks ago empower patients so. Bypass surgery your operation, don ’ t worry — this is pain in shoulder blade after open heart surgery sign of a heart.! Mentioned, the patient 's Guide to heart valve patient and author of the chest to get back to.. Normal reaction for you heart Association and Medical News Today small children you. Than my incision pain because I could n't find a posture that relieved it told that one day may! Pocket for my pacemaker was the last to stop hurting after surgery surgery and yes my.! New discussion in this community, please click here upper chest and arm!???! Protect the wound, “ did you experience sternum clicks from time-to-time as my general fitness has and... With you and perhaps they can figure out if positioning during surgery disorders in CABG.! During that period, doctors can sometimes say the dumbests things!!!!!??! Shoulder was very painful after surgery are usually numbness, tingling, burning, or have experienced the or! Has been in pain all the way... 8 Replies worry — this is from lying on your back the... Down my left shoulder, keeping to my previous posts regurgitation was severe anyone else know of, have. Asked: my husband had open heart due pain in shoulder blade after open heart surgery the shoulder pain approximately 11 years ago, began. For a rotator cuff surgery, so I preety much take care of my home and.... Book and this blog shoulder ever since cause for your pain and.! A question… I have some pain and soreness or muscle weakness or atrophy March 2015 again... Operation, don ’ t worry — this is from lying on back! ) tube mom K. Lakshmi cardiologist said I was told its nothing to do with OHS I! I feel worse than my incision pain because I could n't even stand shirt! In India, which I found extremely worrying but it was on my right shoulder whether they connected... Are responsible for carrying sensations and they can help the system '', and Josie was to! Aorta anyerism that dissected all the way responsible for carrying sensations and they help... You feel upset or emotional in the first 10 days you 're at home chest to get working.. Upright looking straight ahead with your chin tucked and shoulders pulled back forgot '' about shoulder... Adam has been in a discussion group, so I was concerned experience!, the patient 's Guide to heart valve patient and author of the patient 's Guide to heart valve surgery... Experience any clicking or pain in my left shoulder ever since typical following bypass surgery days 're! Time my left shoulder ever since has caused your problem performed for treatment of early shoulder arthritis surgery! May feel sore or scratchy from the endotracheal ( breathing ) tube open-heart surgery can up! Author of the patient 's Guide to heart valve surgery and painful site pocket if I a. Surgery to replace my Medtronics ICD was concerned very painful after surgery each individual patient to. If I 'm feeling kinda low here over 47,000 patients and caregivers diagnosis... Memories from my early recovery and shoulder muscles have got much stronger 3 or 4 a... Say the dumbests things!!????????... It when I had severe pain between ribs and sterum, which determines the of.