I just sneezed...

[Chuck_S]

I just sneezed, and it did not hurt :D ! Actually over the last couple days I noticed that things seemed to be getting better after sneezing.

I return to work on Tuesday (9/6), Doctor's note says no pushing/pulling/lifting for 3 months. It will be 8-weeks that I have been on leave from work, I am excited to return to my normal routine.

Yesterday I was at the play ground, and the boys were not playing teather ball too well. I found it so difficult not to just jump in an whack that thing :rolleyes: . I attempted to try, but you really need to swing quickly to make contact with that ball.

I do have a question here, somewhere. Ahh, at what point will my chest stop reminding me that it was broken? I am never in pain (sneezing was the last thing that hurt), but the sternum is still noticable. I often forget that I had surgery, but the chest feeling will remind me.

Kind of wordy this morning,

Chuck S

[geebee]

It could take a good 6 months before your chest will stop with the creaking & groaning. However, you should see fewer reminders after about 3 months.

Again, one of those things where everyone is a little different.

[hensylee]

it'll get better, but you may always know that something isn't the way you were born. If my cat steps on my spot where bones are joined, it still hurts and lets me know somebody messed around there. I am 5 1/2 yrs out.

[901]

I'm 9 weeks out and just noticed today that I forgot to put my pillow under the seatbelt while driving. This is the first time that I have been able to drive without feeling iritation from the belt crossing the scar. I also have a pretty sensitive left shoulder incision where the pacer was installed and it didn't hurt either. :) It was a short trip, so I think I'll still keep my pillow handy for longer trips.
I still notice pains in my chest that are usually about 2" left of the primary incision and only in one spot. Usually these show up when I'm moving my chest muscles in a non-routine way. My right shoulder is better but still feels kind of numb. I think there must have been some nerve damage from the heart/lung hookup incision.

[rbl1999]

Hi, Chuck, I had my surgery a week after you did and am just about at the same point. I also have noticed that the "sneezing" is better. I still have quite a bit of shoulder pain from all the manipulation during surgery but am having PT for that, I have also started cardiac rehab which I highly recommend, it has made me feel so much better and stronger. I am just so very thankful that it is behind me and now our lives can really move ahead!!!! All the best Rose

[MitralMan]

I can tell you 8 MONTHS post-op, it's like I never had the surgery (except for the scars, which are actually pretty cool).

I try to milk it for all its worth, but my kids tell me (along with my wife) that my heart is better than new.

And they're RIGHT!

:)

Welcome to the other side of the mountain!!

[Big-Chuck]

yeah, we really do belong to an exclusive club. We are the few who God gives a new heart to more than once. I still, 3 months later, am still elated that I finally have a heart that beats normally. And 2 more days of taking coumadin and I am done with it.