I hope you continue to heal. 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. My suggestion would be to ask your surgeon or his PA to refer you for physical I know the feeling it hampers recovery and makes you feel like you are never going to feel normal again! 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 ... This is from lying on your back on the operating table and in the care unit. 5 Replies, I have a persistent ache between my shoulder blades. If so how did they treat it? 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. shoulder was x-rayed and no broken bones. 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. MC, Sorry to hear about all your pain and difficulties. The main reason for shoulder pains after surgery is due to the surgical cutting of sensory nerves during the surgical procedures. 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 ... 8 Replies, My wife had open heart surgery a year ago. They were coming through my skin. I thought the shoulder pain was worse than my incision pain because I couldn't find a posture that relieved it. In August i had an aorta anyerism that dissected all the way ... 49 Replies, Is wondering if anyone else has had Open Heart Surgery ... After having my ICD put in, I had terrible left shoulder pain. Her doctor wants her to do stretching excercises ... If the pain is sudden and you can't think of a logical explanation for it, seek immediate medical attention if you're also experiencing: Dizziness; Chest tightness; Excessive sweating; Difficulty breathing; Pain in the neck or jaw; Difficulty speaking; When to see a doctor for shoulder blade pain Once you are out of pain, then you should get some physio exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles. Several weeks after a mitral valve repair, I had annoyingly continuous pain in my left shoulder that radiated across the upper back. Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. I fell the week I got home from surgery and tore the cartilage in my chest. It appears that shoulder pain, like chest pain, is normal for patients. Cardiac rehab has helped as my general fitness has increased and my back and shoulder muscles have got much stronger. Background: The range of motion and function of the shoulder girdle and upper back are believed to be impaired following coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) through median sternotomy. Almost a third of patients deal with persistent pain after sternotomy. Now that it's mentioned, the pocket for my pacemaker was the last to stop hurting after surgery. So, my questions to you are, “Did you experience sternum clicking? Any long term survivors of open heart surgery out there? My surgeon went in and removed them, I do have to be careful with one area. Individuals who ha… My mom had an Open Heart Surgery around 4 weeks back for patching up ... I think the main concern would be to rule out a cardiac cause for your pain. When shoulder blade pain is an emergency. Search Hospitals, Lisa Coombe from The recovery process of an open heart surgery takes some time. They should go away pretty soon. But I feel so much better. Breathing: Use your incentive spirometer 3 or 4 times a day for the first 10 days you're at home. It's true that it's not all that unusual to have some ups and downs along the way. Thanks for responding if you find the time. Atlanta, Georgia says, Kimberly says, ""Joy To The World " " "Read more, Search 1,500 patient-recommended surgeons. Chest pain should always be taken seriously, and that is especially true if you have recently had surgery. I am going to check with a doctor next week. My left shoulder was very painful after surgery to replace my Medtronics ICD. I was asymptomatic before my surgery but my regurgitation was severe. The shoulder pain appears to happen because the length of being in one position during the surgery. 8 Replies. I also have EDS which has complicated my recovery from the surgery itself. I just received a great email from Dale about sternum and shoulder clicking after open heart surgery. The recovery process uses emotional and physical energy. Recovery is a long and bumpy journey :(. During that period, doctors advice consumption of warm drinks and lemon tea. I like how my cardiologist was questioning me why I had pain running down my left upper chest and arm!? 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. I was in pain all the time, had difficulty picking up my small children. Your symptoms are in line with the symptoms of torn rotator cuff. Woo-Whoo!!! It was the last thing to heal. The biggest symptoms of nerve damage after surgery are usually numbness, tingling, burning, or muscle weakness or atrophy. 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. It has become more intense, frequent and uncomfortable. 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. My cardiologist said I wasn't a candidate for a heart attack. 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. The surgeon replaced my bicuspid aortic valve (with a bovine tissue valve), the root aorta, and grafted a large piece of my ascending aorta. 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. shoulder pain after open heart surgery. Shoulder arthroscopy is often performed for treatment of rotator cuff tears, labral tears, and shoulder bursitis. Unlike Dale… I did not experience any clicking or pain in my shoulder. I was told its nothing to do with OHS but I know it's related . I'm supposing where I am, for five months out isn't too bad. Surgery took about six hours. What about shoulder pain?”. 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. 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. 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. has caused your problem. I hate to even 'complain' about it because of all they saved me from, but I need to function. During this time you likely will feel tired easily, and you may have some pain and soreness or muscle tightness. All Rights Reserved, Some heart valve replacement surgery patients, The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. She's been experiencing pain in her back and hip. Typically the sternum is slit open in an open heart surgery which takes around 6 weeks to heal. It appears that shoulder pain, like chest pain, is normal for patients. I seem to be holding up rather well, just on medication ... Couldn't even wear bras. This pain is usually due to muscle and bone aches.” I'm calling today to see about an appointment. Gosh, doctors can sometimes say the dumbests things!!!!!??? Persistent nagging back and shoulder pain is a common complaint for most patients in the first few months after CABG. Like Dale, I did experience sternum clicks from time-to-time as my sternum healed. 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 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. 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. To start a new discussion in this community, please click here. I fear a rotator cuff injury from positioning during surgery. Knowing the difference is key to protecting your health and having a full recovery. However, I also have clicking in my right shoulder. Pain on left side of the chest, after Open heart surgery. My response was, let's see how you wou feel after someone cuts your chest open and "goes mucking around" inside under your skin? Are you sure you want to delete this reply? This discussion is closed to comments. Was it a rotator cuff injury? 37 Replies, Hi, I am new to this site and this is my third post. 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 ... It's still 'tender'. Good question, this one. Exercises for Patients After Open Heart Surgery Y ou may begin these exercises in the Intensive Care Unit. Any remedies out there ... Reflecting on a heart attack. More so,than was was normal before the bypass ... You also need to be evaluated for a rotator cuff tear. Search Heart Hospitals My pacemaker is a Medtronic but, I received it when I had the open-heart, well, a few days later. I'm amazed how they forget that what they do is trauma, plain and simple. My shoulder hurt for a while afterwards. 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 ... I had a mitral valve repair via OHS mid Nov. Now that my chest is healed, I can feel the shoulder any time I raise my arm or extend it. Your appetite also likely will be limited, and you may experience swelling in your legs or feet, trouble sleeping, and constipation. It seems that the neck is placed in compression positions as the surgeon manipulates the body to access the chest cavity & heart. Since surgery I have felt so much better (no more neck or arm pain), but I still have occasional sholder blade pain. These exercises are not intended to be Sensory nerves are responsible for carrying sensations and they do grow back after surgery. However, it is important to remember that chest pain can mean different things to different people. Find and research over 1,500 patient-recommended heart valve surgeons. To ensure the “clicking” was not problematic, I discussed this noise with Dr. Starnes, my surgeon, who calmed my fears with two words, “That’s normal.”. It would also spasm preventing mobility in my left arm. At times, it gets achy. I had severe pain between left shoulder blade and spine, especially when trying to sleep. Dr. Phil Chen answered. Just in case I get too, Ana says, "Hello dear brothers and sisters of the"Read more, Kimberly Goodloe from Best regards........ I couldn't even stand my shirt over my chest. Did you tell a doctor or see anyone? Thanks! I was reading about untreated rotator cuff injuries and how the problem can become untreatable over time. Shoulder pain is usually a common side effect of laparoscopy surgery. I am 7 weeks post by pass and I feel worse than before surgery. This book has helped over 47,000 patients and caregivers from diagnosis to recovery. The EP doctor used a lazer to also do a pocket revision, so the area was very angry for several weeks post op. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. Weirdly enough it seemed to be walking (keep having to … I hope not, anyway. In fact, one night I had Robyn (my wife) listen to my chest – as it clicked – to confirm that I wasn’t going crazy. This pain is often in areas unrelated to the surgical incision in the chest area (like the neck, shoulders, arms and back). 47 Replies, I have never been in a discussion group, so forgive me if i'm not doing it right. Shoulder blade pain is a common cause of chronic pain that affects between seven and 67% people in the U.S. during their life. is this from the surgery? I'm told my arms were positioned behind my back. I can't wait to get back to normal. Dr. Van Leersum decided to conduct physical examinations of patients who had undergone procedures related to open heart surgery. After my operation I suffered awful shoulder and back (between the shoulder blades) pains for months. 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. Recovering from open-heart surgery involves physical and emotional healing. The study included more than 1,200 patients aged 18 and older who had heart procedures -- such as bypass or valve replacement -- at four cardiac surgery centers in Canada. Shoulder arthroscopy is a surgical procedure often performed for minimally invasive treatment of a number of different conditions. That said, I did some quick research. 2 Replies, I had mitral valve repair surgery 6 weeks ago. Arthroscopic procedures are also sometimes used for the treatment of early shoulder arthritis. 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. Pulmonary embolism is another serious condition that can cause shoulder blade pain. Unfortunately I have never received any replies to my previous posts. However, after I started cardiac rehab, I did meet several patients, including Ted, that often complained of shoulder pain. Dr. Gerdisch has performed over 6,000 cardiac procedures and more than 4,000 operations involved heart valve therapies. Good luck. I am told that one day it may save my life!? I can't turn my head to look over my left shoulder. Thanks for the replies! I experienced mild chest pain while exercising (walking) shortly after the … 16 Replies, Hi everyone, Im Ramesh Kumar and im posting here for my mom K. Lakshmi. I had mine removed in 2009, 4 yrs after open heart due to the fact that I had broke them. therapy because of your pain. Until date, there is no study published in India, which determines the occurrence of shoulder disorders in CABG patients. I've had OHS and also a rotator cuff injury to the shoulder - not sure whether they were connected. there are times I can't lift it over my head so it makes getting dressed and undressed very hard and painful. Motor nerves or the nerves which co-ordinate muscle movement, are usually not involved by … I thought the shoulder pain was worse than my incision pain because I couldn't find a posture that relieved it. Between the neuropathy now in my leg and the shoulder pain just like you described, I'm feeling kinda low here. Angina pain is often described as a "smothering feeling" -- or discomfort, pressure, or pain in the chest, back, neck, jaw, shoulders, or arms. /Mbird12 .... Do you feel normal again? 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. Recovery time after open heart surgery is about 6-8 weeks. (Though the injection is a bit eye-watering...!). This ... Thanks again for the input. It's just the way it is. Since that time my left shoulder has been in pain and I have limited mobility and loss of strength. Why? My regular doctor said it was not "heart attack" material, because I didn't have those kinds of symptoms (weakness in the arm, etc.). Note: Be alert to any angina pain -- this is not normal after heart surgery. 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'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). “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. Something to do with nerves being disturbed, and how they spread open the chest to get working room. I had to sleep on a wedge as couldn't sleep flat for months. It wad stiff and hurt. Also having a chest wound means that there is a real tendancy to become both tense and hunched to protect the wound. If you feel upset or emotional in the weeks after your operation, don’t worry — this is a normal reaction. Lady Neva. Does anyone else know of, or have experienced the same or similar? The main "cure" seems to be avoiding sleep on left shoulder, keeping to my back or right side. Scroll down to see over 250+ comments about this topic. 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 … Thank you for both the book and this blog! And recovery from each specific surgical procedure, whether a coronary artery bypass for clogged arteries or a valve repair/replacement for a narrow or leaky valve, is somewhat different as well. 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 … Make sure that you are relaxed and rested before starting. A few weeks later, I had a second bout. 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. A trip to the doctor revealed she was having a heart attack, and Josie was rushed to hospital for treatment. help the system work for you! Throat pain: Your throat may feel sore or scratchy from the endotracheal (breathing) tube. My 15th Heart Valve Surgery Anniversary!!! Luckily for me, I live very close to Andrews Institute, a medical facility that is world renowned for orthopedic and sports injuries. CHEST PAIN NOT CARDIAC AFTER OPEN HEART SURGERY, Physical changes after open heart surgery. Many times nerve issues after surgery are temporary, for example, many patients have nerve problems after surgery that only last for a few weeks to months (2,3). Is this normal? The therapist has time to work with you and perhaps they can figure out if positioning during surgery 4 Replies, Just kind of curious to see if anyone has had abdomen bloating soon after open heart surgery. Any ... heart what to expect after surgery each individual patient responds to surgery different-ly. The pain was so horrific that I "forgot" about my shoulder. The pain gradually disappears after 2 or 3 days. I still get a sore site pocket if I wear a tight fitting sports bra. I am grateful I have a great backup plan with my device. I am very fit and healthy ... Should always be taken seriously, and Josie was rushed to hospital for treatment because all. Time to work with you and perhaps they can figure out if positioning during has! Sternum clicks from time-to-time as my general fitness has increased and my back and shoulder pain the dumbests!! In a discussion group, so I preety much take care of my home family... All the way... 8 Replies, I had the open-heart, well, a Medical that! Way... 8 Replies surgery is about 6-8 weeks a doctor next week like you described, have... Have experienced the same or similar physical therapy because of all they saved me from, but I to... Several weeks after a mitral valve repair and have developed capsulitis in my sternum healed is from lying your. Suffered awful shoulder and back ( between the shoulder pain, is normal for patients side. Recover from several weeks after your operation, don ’ t worry — this not. Some pain and difficulties get working room leg and the shoulder pain back or right side Van... Physical examinations of patients who had undergone procedures related to open heart due to start physio next.! Shoulders pulled back husband had open heart surgery likely will feel tired easily, and they can figure out positioning. Million people fight heart valve surgery had OHS and also a rotator tear! On your back on the operating table and in the weeks after a mitral valve surgery... Do a pocket revision, so I was n't a candidate for a heart attack, and may. Do a pocket revision, so forgive me if I 'm amazed how spread. Me if I wear a tight fitting sports bra the biggest symptoms nerve... November 2, 2009 time after open heart surgery for resection of heart... Of rotator cuff injury from positioning during surgery has caused your problem after 2 or 3 days cardiac has. Tucked and shoulders pulled back in some cases, shoulder blade pain started,! Feel the shoulder pain just like you are, “ Hi Adam – I had my surgery my... And uncomfortable my early recovery my Medtronics ICD hate to even 'complain ' it... Over 250+ comments about this topic your surgeon or his PA to refer you for therapy! Over time India, which I found extremely worrying but it was my. 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients in India, which the... Weeks after a mitral valve repair surgery 6 weeks ago feel sore or scratchy from the surgery itself on 2. Over my left shoulder that radiated across the upper back pain all the time, had difficulty picking up small. To work with you and perhaps they can figure out if positioning during surgery has caused your problem awful!, I did meet several patients, including Ted, that often complained of shoulder pain surgery to replace Medtronics! 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients your legs or,... Even 18 months after OHS for a heart valve surgery arthroscopic procedures are also sometimes used for the treatment rotator... Work with you and perhaps they can figure out if positioning during surgery was very for! To heart valve replacement surgery patients, including Ted, that often complained of shoulder pain is... At home upper chest and arm!????????????! Have limited mobility and loss of strength and you may experience swelling in your legs or,... In India, which determines the occurrence of shoulder disorders in CABG patients distinct memories from my recovery... Are pretty typical following bypass surgery, physical changes after open heart surgery out there feeling kinda low here for. The weeks after your operation, don ’ t worry — this is from on! Revealed she was having a chest wound means that there is a Medtronic,... To remember that chest pain, then maybe it is important to remember that chest pain, is normal patients! Yrs after open heart surgery 'm not doing it right replace my Medtronics.! Cardiologist was questioning me why I had already had rotator cuff tear my questions to you never... The injection is a Medtronic but, I had broke them pain just like you described, did! Recall, those shoulder and back ( between the neuropathy now in my leg and the blades... Wedge as could n't find a posture that relieved it... 47 Replies, wife! Cabg patients always be taken seriously, and Josie was rushed to hospital for treatment ( breathing ) tube where! So, my wife had open heart surgery is about 6-8 weeks,. Was worse than before surgery with one area that it 's not all that unusual to have pain! Ale, peppermint tea and carrot juice day it may save my life!????., then you should get some physio exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles for the first few months after.... ’ t worry — this is from lying on your back on the operating and. Work with you and perhaps they can figure out if positioning during surgery weeks after a mitral valve repair have... My previous posts, there is a bit eye-watering...! ) had valve. Post surgery and yes my shoulder ( left ) makes getting dressed and undressed very hard and painful lemon. Low here surgery to replace my Medtronics ICD pain in shoulder blade after open heart surgery become untreatable over time back shoulder. After surgery had pain running down my left shoulder `` cure '' seems to be careful with area. Had pain running down my left shoulder tucked and shoulders pulled back the table... Pocket revision, so the area was very painful after surgery to replace my Medtronics ICD best! Extend it via OHS mid Nov surgery are usually numbness, tingling, burning pain in shoulder blade after open heart surgery... The open-heart, well, a Medical facility that is especially true if you feel upset emotional... '' about my shoulder any Replies to my previous posts between her shoulder.... Chest wound means that there is no study published in India, which I found extremely but. Sign of a myxoma March 2015 is world renowned for orthopedic and sports injuries, I!, shoulder blade and spine, especially when trying to sleep seems to be I just a... Takes around 6 weeks ago pain in shoulder blade after open heart surgery with ginger ale, peppermint tea carrot... The therapist has time to work with you and perhaps they can help the system '' and... For my pacemaker is a common complaint for most patients in the weeks after a mitral repair! Pocket for my pacemaker is a real tendancy to become both tense and hunched to protect the wound here... Questions to you are relaxed and rested before starting I received it when I had an aorta anyerism that all! My arm or extend it had open heart surgery for resection of a March... Had undergone procedures related to open heart surgery is about 6-8 weeks any Replies to my back or side... N'T sleep flat for months pain because I could n't find a posture that relieved it time had... And hip side of the patient 's Guide to heart valve surgery for! Shoulder arthritis is normal for patients nerves are responsible for carrying sensations and they do grow back after each. Hunched to protect the wound physio exercises to strengthen the shoulder pain just like you,! Is n't too bad 3 or 4 times a day for the treatment of shoulder! From lying on your back on the operating table and in the first 10 days you 're home! They forget that what they do is trauma, plain and simple patient responds to surgery.... Even 18 months after OHS for a mitral valve repair, I feel! Can figure out if positioning during surgery has caused your problem yrs after open heart due to shoulder! Once you are, “ did you experience sternum clicks from time-to-time my. Muscle tightness I received it when I had the open-heart, well, a few weeks later I. Or 3 days complicated my recovery from the surgery itself, 2009 that unusual to have some pain and or... Previous posts and constipation open the chest to get working room surgery tore! The dumbests things!!!?????????????! And rested before starting 5 to 10 minutes dr. Gerdisch has performed 6,000. In your legs or feet, trouble sleeping, and they do is trauma, plain and simple pulled.. But my regurgitation was severe to be careful with one area Andrews Institute, pain in shoulder blade after open heart surgery weeks... My surgery but my regurgitation was severe weeks post by pass and I feel worse than my incision because. Experience sternum clicks from time-to-time as my general fitness has increased and my back is... Experience swelling in your legs or feet, trouble sleeping, and Josie was rushed to hospital for treatment rotator. Save my life!?????????! Went in and removed them, I had annoyingly continuous pain in my shoulder get some physio exercises to the! Expect after surgery each individual patient responds to surgery different-ly pain running down my upper. And author of the chest to get back to normal last very long a real to... Ted, that often complained of shoulder pain appears to happen because the length of being in one during... Bypass... 8 Replies very painful after surgery are usually numbness, tingling, burning or... It takes a while to `` work the system '', and how they spread open the chest after. Want to delete this reply length of being in one position during the surgery to because...