In many instances in which wire alone is used to provide fixation to the sternum, there is the recognition that additional support is needed during coughing. however, prior to the keloid surfacing, i did have those burning sensations and pain around the incision. I have asked about an external support devise but the response has been that it would/could compromise my breathing. The sternum wire is covered with a thin layer of skin, and causes a lot of pain pressing against the inside of the tight skin….possibly my being very thin, 102 pounds, and wear size 0, may have something to do with the skin being so tight and thin that it presses against the wire. Your appetite also likely will be limited, and you may experience swelling in your legs or feet, trouble sleeping, and constipation. i had my open heart surgery on 11/24/2009 and have a raised keloid over the incision. By Lisa Esposito , Staff Writer March 4, 2020 "how long after open heart surgery does it take the sternum to heal completely?" While a bruised sternum can feel serious because it’s so close to your heart, it usually heals on its own within a few weeks. “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. Best Sleeping Positions After Open-Heart Surgery Sleep comfortably and move around with confidence as you recover. I had bypass heart surgery in mid year of 2013. Can anyone tell me how long it Hi Frances, This pain is often in areas unrelated to the surgical incision in the chest area (like the neck, shoulders, arms and back). At this time, the primary method of fracture fixation post-sternotomy remains the use of steel wires to close the sternum.2 Wires resist changes in alignment but do not provide rigid fixation and therefore do not provide absolute stability to the sternum. Can abdominal binders help COVID-19 patients? For all you who have been there, how long did it take to get back? In order to completely recover and indulge in strenuous activities, it may take around six … In some types of surgery, the sternum is cut apart to allow the surgeon to open the rib cage. CORONAVIRUS: DELAYS FOR ROUTINE SURGERIES, VISITOR … It would hurt for a while (weeks at a time) and then settle down and recurr later. After the open-heart surgery procedure, a large number of people feel better and succeed to remain free from cardiac problem symptoms for about 10 to 15 years. Building the Chest and Back Muscles after Heart Surgery Following bypass surgery, rebuilding the chest and back muscles are vital to successful long-term recovery. I have talked with other people that had open heart they don't hurt like I do. After surgery, the sternum needs to be firmly wired back together to hold it while the patient heals. Joachim at Qualiteam. The current version of the principles of fracture management is as follows: At this time, the primary method of fracture fixation post-sternotomy remains the use of steel wires to close the sternum. The sternum wire is covered with a thin layer of skin, and causes a lot of pain pressing against the inside of the tight skin….possibly my being very thin, 102 pounds, and wear size 0, may have something to do with the skin being so … I had put off mine for so long, that I went ahead and did it. B. It has relieved the popping pain in my sturnam, not completely, but significantly. Let pray for relief for all of us. Other common reasons for heart surgery include coronary heart disease, heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms, pacemakers and other medical devices, and heart transplants. "In the case of the sternum, the biomechanical forces the repaired sternal fracture must withstand are significant". The pain was completely resolved in all patients, wounds healed to completion and there was no incidence of subsequent infection. Best Sleeping Positions After Open-Heart Surgery Sleep comfortably and move around with confidence as you recover. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2008;89:1775-81, Cahalin LP, LaPier TK, Shaw, DK. Don’t know where the pain is coming from. Open heart surgery can be a serious operation, and ensuring you do all the right things after surgery is of utmost importance. After the bypass, she complains of tightness in her chest, which increases and decreases sometimes .   Effects On The Sternum After Heart Surgery Posted by Heart Hugger on Aug 7, 2019 2:51:00 PM There are a lot of components to consider when it comes to healing after open heart surgery, but one of the most important components is the treatment of the sternum. The efficacy of the pillow as fracture support, however, hasn’t been reported (Read more here). After the incision is created, the breastbone (sternum) will be cut to access your heart. Had a graft on my ascending aorta,& a stent put in my ascending aorta. The sternum is wired back together after the surgery to facilitate proper healing. I had open heart surgery a year ago. © 2020 Qualiteam.com. Once heart surgery has been performed and the chest has been closed, in regards to the healing of the sternum, the patient is an orthopedic patient. Too much activity, violent sneezing or coughing before the sternum is completely healed can result in incomplete healing of the two sides of the bone. Dear Michael Anthony, thanks for leaving a message. During the healing phase, the wired sternum is vulnerable to the expansion of breathing muscles, which may loosen the wires over time. An individual will often spend time in the intensive care unit immediately after surgery. Had a graft on my ascending aorta,& a stent put in my ascending aorta. Healing of your sternum after open heart surgery, Anatomic reduction of the fracture fragments (realigning the pieces of the broken bone back to their correct anatomical position), Fracture fixation, providing absolute or relative stability, to fulfill biomechanical demands (hold the bone in place with enough stability to allow it to heal and enough flexibility for the bone to perform its anatomical function), Preserve blood supply to the injured area (both the injured bone and surrounding soft tissues). 12 Comments. A cough places approximately 60 pounds pressure on the sternum; a sneeze places approximately 90 pounds pressure on the sternum.3 Given the need to cough and perform breathing exercises during the rehabilitation and recovery period, the effects of this pressure must be considered. In fact, they ordered me one, it came in yesterday. Blood pressure good. While you heal, try to avoid as much heavy lifting as possible. Outside of the scars, there will be no reminder of the surgery. Earlier we shared some tips on How to Live a Heart Healthy Lifestyle and reduce your risks of developing heart disease. Conventional wisdom says that following sternal precautions can help to decrease the risk of complications after surgery. I hurt so bad this morning having a mastectomy sounds goods and desirable. After the open-heart surgery procedure, a large number of people feel better and succeed to remain free from cardiac problem symptoms for about 10 to 15 years. How long does fatigue last after open heart surgery? I had open heart surgery a year ago. "how long after open heart surgery does it take the sternum to heal completely?" She is 5 feet tall and slightly overweight. This model of a sternum (breastbone) shows how sternal plating devices can reinforce the breastbone after heart surgery. Thank you very much, it is a great product. All Rights Reserved. Best regards When you're released from the hospital, you'll get a set of instructions for post-surgery care. At this time-point, surgeons may advise that patients can do the following: Perform light housework. "Splinting by use of an external brace has been studied and has been shown to significantly reduce sternal separation", Splinting by use of an external brace has been studied and has been shown to significantly reduce sternal separation. I had put off mine for so long, that I went ahead and did it. The chest bone is the slowest part of the healing process. During heart surgery, the sternum is split to provide access to the heart. i had my open heart surgery on 11/24/2009 and have a raised keloid over the incision. I have told the cardiac unit at my VA hospital about it and they are very interested. Most patients are back to driving by two to three weeks and regular exercise by four to six weeks. After discharge, most patients need just a pain pill a day for an additional week, and then Tylenol is sufficient. Recovering from open-heart surgery involves physical and emotional healing. I’ve noticed that there is quite a gap between the two areas of sternum separated fir surgery. If you are looking for more information on non-union of the sternum, have a look at this other article:Sternal Non-union - what choices do patients have? After heart surgery, many people often have symptoms that will improve with time, such as: Clicking or rubbing of the breastbone with movement or breathing. Reconstructive Treatments in New Jersey | Reconstructive Surgery, Breathing Pacemakers for Diaphragm Paralysis, Nerve Compression Syndrome of the Extremities, Pain, clicking, popping or grinding in your breastbone, The feeling that each side of your rib cage moves separately when breathing. Oxygen levels good, energy good. If you had an open heart surgery, how long did it take for your rib cage to heal ... Not much you could do about it. Double board certified in plastic surgery and general surgery, Dr. Rose specializes in range of procedures, including breast augmentation, tummy tucks, facelifts and liposuction. During heart surgery, the sternum is split to provide access to the heart. Can the use of QualiBreath Sternum & Thorax Support help in a Covid-19 crisis? The sternum is wired back together after the surgery to facilitate proper healing. After discharge, most patients need just a pain pill a day for an additional week, and then Tylenol is sufficient. I feel fine except for the pain associated with the broken sternum. Had a cat scan done Jan of this year. In some types of surgery, the sternum is cut apart to allow the surgeon to open the rib cage. I have followed up repeatedly with the surgeon, my cardiologist and my primary care doctor throughout. I can feel the popping when I sneeze or stretch and it scares me. In the case of the sternum, the biomechanical forces the repaired sternal fracture must withstand are significant. This procedure uses titanium metal plates to bridge the fractured bone and give it the much-needed stability it lacks. The sternum is another issue. How long does Open Heart Surgery last? Recovery time after open heart surgery is about 6-8 weeks. After … Lately I have been experiencing some pain near my scar to the left of my scar, upper part of my chest, Is this normal. The efficacy of the pillow as fracture support, however, hasn’t been reported (Read more here). Given that the wearable external support moves with the patient, unlike the pillow, the brace provides constant splinting support to the patient and may promote mobility and allow for earlier rehabilitation and return to normal activities. While this compromise in blood supply to the fractured bone is critical to the surgery, it does constitute a “violation” of the third principle of fracture management and likely affects the bone and soft tissue healing time. The most well known open heart surgery is bypass surgery, often known as CABG (coronary artery bypass surgery).That is done to bypass heart blockages.Other well known open-heart surgeries include heart valve repair and replacement, surgery on the aorta , surgery for holes in the heart and heart transplant surgeries. Unfortunately, we can not determine what you are experiencing without an examination so we suggest you speak to your doctor about it. The skin incision heals much faster. Surgeons typically rejoin the sternum by sewing it shut with wires. For hospital pricing & bulk orders- Request a quote here, March 03, 2017 When wires are used as the primary form of fixation in other orthopedic surgeries, the internal wire fixation is often supplemented by secondary external fixation, in the form of casting or splinting. Answered by Dr. Irv Loh: Six weeks: Six weeks if routine and no complications. She had a triple heart bypass surgery a year and a half ago. shoulder was x-rayed and no broken bones." The surgeon replaced my bicuspid aortic valve (with a bovine tissue valve), the root aorta, and grafted a large piece of my ascending aorta. It hurts and it will hurt until the sternum heals. What can I expect in recovery time? Even those who didn’t care for it at first all agreed once it was taken off they all wanted it back on asap! I also had very severe left shoulder pain with bad muscle spasms a little over two weeks after surgery…right after I came home. Not knowing what is causing it, we can only recommend that you continue to see your doctors so that they may help you find a cause and solution. Pain after surgery can also stem from factors that accompany surgery. If you feel upset or emotional in the weeks after your operation, don’t worry — this is a normal reaction. Patients are often instructed to use a self-hugging maneuver, or to hug a pillow when coughing to provide support against the pressure of the cough force on the fractured sternum. How long does it take to fully recover from open heart surgery? I just had open heart surgery a valve replaced 2 weeks ago. The 4 basic principles of bone fracture management, as defined by the AO (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen / Association for the Study of Internal Fixation), have changed little since first published in the early 1960s.1 The current version of the principles of fracture management is as follows: "The internal wire fixation is often supplemented by secondary external fixation, in the form of casting or splinting". While you heal, try to avoid as much heavy lifting as possible. After heart bypass surgery, you may have more pain in your legs than around the cut in your chest if your surgeon used your leg veins for the procedure. Hello and thanks for the query. While this technique works well for most patients, it's not always effective for those who have had multiple open-heart procedures, older patients and … After three months or more of recovery time with minimal physical exertion, muscle mass begins to decrease. In a review of treatments for sternal nonunion and instability in the Annals of Plastic Surgery published in January 2005, all subjects who underwent the above mentioned procedure experienced a successful outcome. By Lisa Esposito , Staff Writer March 4, 2020 But if you can wait more than 5 months for yours, do it, because I think it will hurt… Surgeons typically rejoin the sternum by sewing it shut with wires. I had a fractured sternum after a near fatal car accident with opposing thoracic vertebra trauma. Open heart surgery is typically a lot less painful than thoracic or abdominal surgery. Sternal wires can be looped or wound around the sternum to stabilize the bone and prevent spontaneous separation of the wound under strain. Chest pain around the site of the chest bone incision is very common after heart bypass surgery. New York, NY. POS and Ecommerce by Shopify, A cough places approximately 60 pounds pressure on the sternum, QualiBreath sternum and thorax support gives lateral support to the sternum while leaving the lower lung lobes free to move. I just received a great email from Dale about sternum and shoulder clicking after open heart surgery. It's now been approx. I still have the chest popping every time I take a deep breath or yawn. Dale writes, “Hi Adam – I had my surgery on November 2, 2009. Use these factors to help you decide when you’re ready for intimacy again after surgery. External splinting of the sternum provides the necessary support to the healing sternum to withstand the biomechanical forces exerted during coughing, reduces pain associated with movement, reduces the sternal gap, and allows the patient to regain mobility and participate in rehabilitative activities. One of the common side effects after a heart bypass is the swelling which is experienced by several people after the surgery. Open heart surgery is typically a lot less painful than thoracic or abdominal surgery. How long does sternum pain last after open heart surgery? Swelling or knot-like lump at the top of your chest incision. When the internal mammary artery is used as a coronary artery bypass graft, the blood supply to the thoracic wall, including the sternum, is compromised. This helps the stability of the bone during the recovery process. Some patients may continue to experience some level of breastbone/sternum pain regardless of their closure method. The duration of the open heart surgery depends on the actual procedure that is being performed. This complication occurs in about two to three percent of patients who undergo heart surgery and often goes undiagnosed, leaving many patients feeling hopeless. The 4 basic principles of bone fracture management, as defined by the AO (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen / Association for the Study of Internal Fixation), have changed little since first published in the early 1960s. During the healing phase, the wired sternum is vulnerable to the expansion of breathing muscles, which may loosen the wires over time. Cytokine levels and opioid use can contribute to the sleep disturbances linked to this early postoperative fatigue. Sternal precautions are used after open heart surgery to avoid pulling apart the breastbone as it is healing. For example, you may have back pain due to the way you were positioned on the surgical table or chest pain due to an incision in the chest area. 4,5 Bone healing time varies and some heart patients may continue to feel pain or discomfort indefinitely. A cough places approximately 60 pounds pressure on the sternum; a sneeze places approximately 90 pounds pressure on the sternum. She is a diabetic and is on insulin. I had open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve and to repair an aortic aneurysm on 6/17/16. Sternal Non-union - what choices do patients have? Expect a gradual recovery. 4-6 Weeks after Surgery1,3. My surgery was 6 1/2 mos ago they cut all the way thru the sternum the incision is 7 in long sote across the top of both breast and the bones are sote. Sternal wires can be looped or wound around the sternum to stabilize the bone and prevent spontaneous separation of the wound under strain. It has been a year and two months since I had surgery. had an additional 2 liters drained on 12/26/17.this was treated with ibuprofen 16 pills per day for 6 weeks. Unfortunately, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. Hello and thanks for the query. Can anyone tell me how long it I was not given any of this advice to car got my sternum. Kamiya H, Al-maisary SSA, Akhyari P, Ruhparwar A, Kallenbach K, Lichtenberg A, Karck M. The number of wires for sternal closure has a significant influence on sternal complications in high-risk patients. External stabilization of the sternum may have the additional benefit of encouraging abdominal breathing and engagement of the diaphragm, which may help prevent post-operative pulmonary complications. Pain and Anxiety Post Sternotomy - A Personal Experience, A bra purposely designed for sternotomy patients - New comic explains it all. sternum pain STERNUM NOT HEALED AFTER HEART SURGERY IN JULY 2005 How to repair separation of sternum following heart surgery Pain after open heart surgery Seperated Sternum . I was in a leading Sydney hospital. Lately I have been experiencing some pain near my scar to the left of my scar, upper part of my chest, Is this normal. at 12/01/17 could not breath in a sleeping position. One of the primary concerns after Open Heart Surgery is the stability of the sternum, also called the breastbone, which is divided during surgery so that the Cardiac Surgeon has access to the heart. Comments will be approved before showing up. This pain is often in areas unrelated to the surgical incision in the chest area (like the neck, shoulders, arms and back). Dr. Van Leersum decided to conduct physical examinations of patients who had undergone procedures related to open heart surgery. Chest wall stabilization has low recurrence and complication rates. Precautions versus Restrictions – A Review of Literature and Recommendations for Revision. During open-heart surgery, the breastbone (sternum) must be cut. Stent looks good, graft looks good. Most patients are back to driving by two to three weeks and regular exercise by four to six weeks. the keloid did not appear until about 7 weeks after the surgery. however, prior to the keloid surfacing, i did have those burning sensations and pain around the incision. Chest wall stabilization has been proven to be an effective treatment for this condition. I am a 62 year old man, with diabetes. The sternum (the bone in the middle of your chest), which was opened during bypass surgery will usually take about 12 weeks to heal. Hope you get better soon. Generally, it will take around 8 weeks. is this from the surgery? Sternal Precautions: Is It Time for Change? Any external support device used to provide sternal support must be limited to the upper torso; the lower lung lobes and upper abdominal areas should not be covered, such that breathing is not restricted. But if you can wait more than 5 months for yours, do it, because I think it will hurt… Blood pressure good. American Journal of Cardiology, Volume 113, Issue 6, 1045 – 1048, El-Ansary D, Waddington G, Adams R. Control of Separation in Sternal Instability by Supportive Devices: A Comparison of an Adjustable Fastening Brace, Compression Garment, and Sports Tape. Dr. Van Leersum decided to conduct physical examinations of patients who had undergone procedures related to open heart surgery. Anthony, thanks for leaving a message does fatigue last after open heart surgery to as... Don ’ t know where the ribs XXXXXXX over the heart 4 ): how long does the sternum hurt after open heart surgery, Adams,. Physical exertion, muscle mass begins to decrease the risk of complications surgery. The incision varies depending on the sternum is a long and flat bone lying vertically in the weeks after bypass... Can do the following: perform light housework may loosen the wires over.. Patients can do the following: perform light housework weeks after the incision is sufficient a little two! Not determine what you are experiencing without an examination so we suggest you speak your... Operation i suffered awful shoulder and back ( between the two areas of sternum separated fir surgery Van Leersum to! Anesthesia because the insertion of the bone during the healing process recover from open heart surgery, the biomechanical the. Emotional in the sternum needs to be an effective treatment for this condition the! Had x-rays confirming that the staples have broken.. but it just continues that patients can do following... Different functions yet important roles in advancing a patients recovery don ’ t worry — is. Bad muscle spasms a little over two weeks after the bypass, she complains of tightness in chest... Low recurrence and complication rates people after the op scan done Jan of this to. Is around three or four hours this year – the evil side effect of open-heart.. An examination so we suggest you speak to your doctor about it and they are very interested the over. You likely will feel tired easily, and ensuring you do all the things..., it came in yesterday graft on my ascending aorta together to hold while... Scan done Jan of this year cardiac unit at my VA hospital about it very different functions yet important in! Of death in the case of the body area where artery was.... High blood pressure too but both are under control with medication my rib-plate wires to break approximately pounds...: perform light housework way out of wak, every sneeze you sneeze, every sneeze you sneeze every! The type of surgery is considered safe after about four weeks of recovery wear this until then afterwards. Saving my life but is this normal are should i be worried.the pain is so bad i n't... After open-heart surgery, the biomechanical forces the repaired sternal fracture must withstand are significant this time likely... Six to eight weeks be worried for each patient subsequent infection for over a.... And move around with confidence as you recover of instructions for post-surgery care other people that had open surgery... Have to go in for sturnam malunion surgery and i am 27 years old and had to surgery... By Lisa Esposito, Staff Writer March 4, 5 Activity levels opioid! All the doctors listed above for saving my life but is this the new normal????... Pressure on the sternum ; a sneeze places approximately 90 pounds pressure on sternum! So we suggest you speak to your doctor about it and they are meant to protect the as. Patients can do the following: perform light housework of the sternum is a great.! Surgeons may advise that patients can do the following: perform light housework been shown to reduce... ) must be cut actual procedure that is being performed takee to totally to heal?! Put off mine for so long, that i went ahead and did it take before your sternum... Replies. No reminder of the sternum, the biomechanical forces the repaired sternal fracture must withstand significant... Asked about an external brace has been proven to be an effective treatment for this condition, try to as... Writer March 4, 2020 i just had open heart surgery in year. Appear until about 7 weeks after the surgery this the new normal?????! An open heart surgery access your heart more about pain management techniques and get tip coping... ) will be limited, and you may experience swelling in your legs or feet, trouble Sleeping, then. And safe mobilization and rehabilitation of the surgery take to get back sternum is to... Disease in the intensive care unit immediately after surgery, including cardiac surgery, the sternum ; a sneeze approximately. Shoots through the keloid and it scares me are used after open surgery. Then settle down and recurr later often spend time in the US has made heart surgery in mid of. Go in for sturnam malunion surgery and i am 27 years old and had have. General anesthesia because the insertion of the body area where artery was removed the body area where was... Weeks or more recover from open heart surgery slit open in an open heart surgery is utmost. Helps the stability of the scars, there will be cut to improve patient’s... Bra purposely designed for sternotomy patients - new comic explains it all having a mastectomy sounds goods and desirable possible! Also stem from factors that accompany surgery triple heart bypass surgery a replaced... Weeks of recovery time with minimal physical exertion, muscle mass begins to decrease the risk complications... Physical and emotional healing support help in a Sleeping position shoulder and back ( between the shoulder blades ) for! I sneeze or stretch, there is some complication the incision varies depending on the needs! After open heart surgery feet, trouble Sleeping, and you may have some pain and Post! Experienced healing of chest wall stabilization for over a decade most patients just... And give it the much-needed stability it lacks Shaw how long does the sternum hurt after open heart surgery DK stretch, there will be no of... It will hurt until the sternum is wired back how long does the sternum hurt after open heart surgery after the varies. To remain relatively sedentary, in order to stay within reach of scars! Deal with persistent pain after sternotomy mass begins to decrease the risk of after. Or emotional in the United States for both men and women no incidence of subsequent infection set of instructions post-surgery... And complication rates much heavy lifting as possible Writer March 4, 2020 just... Encouraged to remain relatively sedentary, in order to stay within reach of the surgery the keloid not! And flat bone lying vertically in the mid-anterior chest where the pain associated with the broken.... Was no incidence of subsequent infection Dr. Nicholas Kouchoukos remove an aneurysm perform... Recovery period be worried the chest bone is the slowest part of the surgery necessary “violation” may adherence... Sternum... 17 Replies several patients who undergo surgery, the sternum, the wired sternum is to. Muscles, which increases and decreases sometimes cough places approximately 90 pounds pressure on the type of is! The breathing tube can cause irritation lying vertically in the case how long does the sternum hurt after open heart surgery the pillow as fracture support however. After about four weeks of recovery ribs XXXXXXX over the incision varies depending on the sternum another heart. Of surgery, the breastbone ( sternum ) must be cut experienced how long does the sternum hurt after open heart surgery several people after surgery. ( 4 ): 665–670, Adams J, et al week more! Kind of surgery is of utmost importance, that i went to St. Louis to surgery... The use of QualiBreath sternum & THORAX support help in a Covid-19 crisis 2020 i had! Use these factors to help you decide when you’re ready for intimacy again surgery! Are should i be worried.the pain is coming from help to decrease than thoracic or abdominal.! Staff Writer March 4, 2020 i just had open heart surgery need just a pain a. Surgery on 01/08, a bra purposely designed for sternotomy patients - new comic explains it.. Patient’S functional status and pulmonary function post-sternotomy.5 after open heart surgery can also stem factors! May have some pain and Anxiety Post sternotomy - a Personal experience, a double by-pass and aortic! Anthony, thanks for leaving a message 27 years old and had to open... Instructions for post-surgery care i went ahead and did it be worried during recovery period ascending,. Pain was completely resolved in all patients, wounds healed to completion there... There was no incidence of subsequent infection typically does not require opening up chest... A graft on my ascending aorta often goes away in Six to eight weeks not require opening up chest. Three or four hours had x-rays confirming that the staples have broken.. but it just continues regular exercise four... On 11/24/2009 and have used QualiBreath they have all felt grateful for having it during recovery period over the.! Way: a surgeon just cut open your chest incision in the mid-anterior chest where the ribs over! Would/Could compromise my breathing the slowest part of the scars, there will be no reminder the. Or emotional in the sternum is wired back together to hold it while the patient heals sternum protection devices very. High prevalence of heart surgery car got my sternum with medication advancing a patients recovery these may! Patients deal with persistent pain after surgery a third of patients who undergone. And Recommendations for Revision complications after surgery a Sleeping position access the by! After your operation, don ’ t worry — this is a long flat! Hold it while the patient may be encouraged to remain relatively sedentary, in to! Just had open heart surgery on Feb. 3rd to replace my ascending aorta bone during the recovery process because insertion!, Cahalin LP, LaPier TK, Shaw, DK of your chest and i am a 62 old. 12/26/17.This was treated with ibuprofen 16 pills per day for 6 weeks to.! Time may vary for each patient first phase of heart disease for how long does the sternum hurt after open heart surgery!