Posted by Carl Plaskett on June 03, 2001 at 22:09:51:
In Reply to: Sternum after maze. posted by Rob Johnson on June 03, 2001 at 15:54:38:
Great to read that you are doing well Rob. The open chest procedure worked pretty good for you!
As far as your sternum movement goes, I think it has something to do with how much you are doing things to move it, AND the fact that it is going to take 2-3 months to heal under normal conditions.
I had worse than normal conditions, initiated by a choking/coughing fit on day 4 as I was downing the last bit of espresso and chocolate from a celebratory cup of Cafe Mocha my wife had bought me from the Starbucks at the CC. After passing out,I got to stay another 2 days.
Beginning on day 12, at home, I developed a terrible cough because of a sinus infection and post nasal drip.This lasted over 2 weeks and my sternum moved so much I was sure the wires had broken and had X-rays to check. It was OK, but I still feel it sometimes now, over 4 months later. It does not interfer with any activities and I am now finding it feels better now that I am getting some aerobic workouts on my bike.
Don't worry, but don't rush it by doing anything which stretches that part of your chest.