Michele's Journal

Rita Savelis  Yes, this is part of the healing process. I got out of breath for a long time after surgery. And I still am very aware of my sternum/rib cage, although it's not really pain. Let your doctor know how you are feeling the next time you see him/her, but know that recovery can take a long time, and each person has their "normal".
It can very difficult 10 months later to have support from family and friends because as far as they are concerned you made it through surgery and you are fine. OHS stays with you, physically and emotionally, for a long time so you need outlets where you can express yourself. This site can be helpful, but it can also be difficult when others seem to bounce back more quickly than you.
But it is through others with similar experiences that you can find listeners.
I also found therapy helpful as a place to work out what I had been through.
I hear you Michèle. Wishing you some peace.

Rose Madura  I would assume it is all part of the healing process. You've had major surgery and recovery is different for everyone. I too have some sternum pain still and I'm 8 months out. I agree with Rita - family and friends seem to be done talking about it but to me and my husband, every day is a day to thank the Lord for the technology and faith to know that it will get better - month by month.

Phyllis Petersen  Sorry to hear you are having these problems. Hopefully, they can find the problem and resolve it easily.

Heath Knight  Have you looked into going to a Osteopathic doc for the pain. I was having a lot of chest/rib/back pain for almost 3 months and went and saw this type of doc. It helped tremendously. Hopefully this helps.

Barbara Wood  Hope all goes well & they find the cause of your sob and soreness. I have no advice, but I've had the TEE procedure twice & it is not a big deal, not painful at all. Best wishes Michelle.

Michele Lamb  The pain in Left/central where the scar is, stinging and very sore, could it be nerve pain, I find some days are worse than others, but the pacemaker doesn't help in the left shoulder area, very sore also. The pace maker specialist said I should give it a while longer and see if it gets any better, if not he will make an appointment with the cardiologist.
All so long and drawn out in UK we wait so long to see doctors. NHS has become so overworked we are struggling here. Our doctors and surgeons are good but unless you pay privately and it is expensive!! We have to wait on NHS.

Gerald Poulton  Hi Michele, I would suggest you go to your doctors for a check. I am 7 weeks post surgery and have no real pain and although not as fit as I was before, I dont really have a lot of exhaustion.
As for the heart beat, how fast is yours and what kind of valve did you get ? I got an Edwards Bovine tissue valve, my resting heart rate is faster than it was before but I understand that is normal. As for hearing or feeling your heart beat, my heart beat also feels a lot stronger and louder, especially when I fill my lungs and hold my breath. I visited my internal medicine specialist and he said it is normal, the tissue valve is louder than your own and you also dont have the leak or regurgitation anymore so it is more open and close and definite than the woosh we had before. Take care and when you in doubt, check it out

Michele Lamb  Hi Gerald I have a tissue valve, apparently they last about 10 years then they have to replace it.. maybe age has something to do with it. I am a young 69 I like to think, although don't feel it these days.. the tightness and being out f breath is causing me to feel anxious !!

Gerald Poulton  Hi Michelle, a young 65 here 😀Did you have the OHS or the TAVR ? I can understand the chest tightness and out of breath would make you anxious, If you are concerned again I would make a doc appointment to be on the safe side. I get out for long walks every day and no real issues.

Gerald Poulton  The good news is a tissue valve at your age should last a lot longer than 10 years, but, after 6 months the pain and feeling exhausted, chest is tight and sore, doesnt sound right and I would def. go to your doctors for a check up. When in doubt check it out snd take care of you 👍

Rita Savelis  I hear you Michele. I didn't have much energy 4 months after surgery. It took a lot longer to recover.
I still feel out of breath after exertion.
My chest felt tight for a long time, even if I wasn't in pain. It still feels tight often (2 years later).
Cardiologists say I am fine, so I have accustomed myself to these symptoms.
I think you will eventually feel better, but it is still very early. Take it easy. Take care.

Laura Jacobs  I am so sorry that you are not feeling well. I hope you see someone that can help you figure out what is going on.

Michele Lamb  Thank you everyone for your replies, it does help to hear what people think outside the family, As they think I am making a fuss, but to be honest I am generally a strong person and have just had enough of being dependant on my husband to do things I Just want to be normal again.. Frustrating indeed. Whatever normal is !!