Ira Goodman - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

3356 days ago

Hi, I had an ascending aorta replacement 3 weeks ago today. I'm progressing well and having no major issues. But my upper back has been hurting on occasion. ...Read more

Hi, I had an ascending aorta replacement 3 weeks ago today. I'm progressing well and having no major issues. But my upper back has been hurting on occasion. I'm assuming this is just from my lack of full motion and less activity than I'm used to. Has anyone else experienced this and have any tips to help alleviate it Thanks

Tammy Pilcher Hi Ira, yes, upper back, shoulder, etc. pain is common after OHS. I had it too and the nurses at the ... Read more

Tammy Pilcher Hi Ira, yes, upper back, shoulder, etc. pain is common after OHS. I had it too and the nurses at the hospital said it comes from the position we're in during surgery. Mine was manageable with extra-strength Tylenol and lasted the first few weeks after surgery. It does get better. Hope this helps. Take care, Tammy

Jackie Owens I'm one month post op and had terrible upper back pain. I was also told it was from the positioning ... Read more

Jackie Owens I'm one month post op and had terrible upper back pain. I was also told it was from the positioning on the table. My pain is about gone, but extra strength Tylenol worked for me as well as ice packs. I did take pain meds at night if it was too bad. Good luck, it will get better .

Gerald Schaffer I didn't have back pain though I've read it's very common. I have nerve damage in the left hand from ... Read more

Gerald Schaffer I didn't have back pain though I've read it's very common. I have nerve damage in the left hand from a pinched nerve during surgery. It seems most people have something from this surgery. I hope your pain resolves soon. Maybe once you become more active it will work itself out.

Beverley Keddo It will take some time to go but it does get better with time and as your mobility increases - some ... Read more

Beverley Keddo It will take some time to go but it does get better with time and as your mobility increases - some very gentle rubbing may help and lying on a "not too hot" hot water bottle or heat pad. Wishing you a speedy and steady recovery.

Elaine Cutri I had the same issue for several weeks after surgery. They said it was the position during surgery, I ... Read more

Elaine Cutri I had the same issue for several weeks after surgery. They said it was the position during surgery, I don't want to know ;-) . I think the pain was gone by week 8 or 9. I'm at week 20 and feel great, both the back and sternum (had full sternotomy for 4th time). I used Tylenol as needed. A gentle massage and brief nap was helpful too. Best wishes.

Ira Goodman Thank you all for the feedback. The doctors and nurses all did mention the position during surgery, ... Read more

Ira Goodman Thank you all for the feedback. The doctors and nurses all did mention the position during surgery, but I figured the back pain would be gone by now. It is slowly becoming less painful, just slower than I had expected.

Tina Maroon Hi there Ira. I had an Ascending Aorta repair and two holes in the heart and two valve repairs on Jun ... Read more

Tina Maroon Hi there Ira. I had an Ascending Aorta repair and two holes in the heart and two valve repairs on June 9,2015. I had horrible right arm and right shoulder pain. Only now 4 months post op is it finally better but only with Physical Therapy. I didn't have back pain but I did horrible sternum pain and still do have some sternum pain. I sure do wish you well and hope you have a speedy recovery. I know its not a fun surgery to go through. Mine was done at the Cleveland Clinic.

Ginger Marine My upper back hurt, too, but I thought it was the lousy hospital and rehab center beds. Once I was i ... Read more

Ginger Marine My upper back hurt, too, but I thought it was the lousy hospital and rehab center beds. Once I was in my own house, it went away quickly, too. Now just the run of the mill arthritis aches! Give it a little more time.

Steven A Husted yes IRA i had shoulder and back pain after surgery and they gave me a pain patch to put on my back i ... Read more

Steven A Husted yes IRA i had shoulder and back pain after surgery and they gave me a pain patch to put on my back i used this for about 4 or 5 weeks and it helped till the pain went away