home with Sternum noise question

[Kate]

I had my surgery on the 12th and, aside from a quick, same-day trip back to the OR to stop bleeding, everything went very well. I came home on Friday and am feeling pretty good - sleeping okay, pain manageable, walking for five minutes w/o SOB, eating, etc. Here is my question - every once in a while, I hear a sort of popping or cracking noise in my chest when I move, but it doesn't hurt and often it doesn't seem to be related to the type of movement I've made. Should I be concerned about this? I had minimally-invasive surgery and the cardiologist (or one of his minions) assessed my sternum as being very sturdy when I left and said "I'd know it" if it was moving - seeming to imply that it would hurt alot. The pamphlets they sendt me home with say to call if my sternum is making noise, but I feel so good and am not even sure that's what this is. Any suggestions? Thanks, Kate

[Mary]

Kate,
If the pamphlet said to call if your sternum was making any noise, then you need to call.
There's no sense in trying to second guess where the noise is originating from. Call them, and put your mind at ease. :)

[Ross]

Cartilage! It makes all sorts of funny to gross noises. Call about it, but they'll probably tell you not to worry. It'll go away soon, just not soon enough.

[LLJ]

Yup, Ross, my did that same snap- crackle- pop; mostly when I lifted my arm (s). I also remember having a hard time taking a deep breath for a few weeks.
Laura

[Kate]

Thanks - I called and left a message with the post-op nurse. Haven't heard back yet, but it is helpful to hear that this is pretty common and probably not anything to worry about. Just glad to be over the mountain! Kate

[Ambience]

I had popping, cracking, grinding sensations for up to a year and a half after surgery. Sometimes my scar gets itchy in damp weather, and sometimes if I lay on either arm with my shoulder supporting the weight, I'll feel stiffness similar to the pain I felt after surgery. It's been a year or so since I've heard any type of noise from my chest area minus gas.