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329165 tn?1515471990

After OHS... is this normal?

I am now 3 1/2 weeks post-op.  (OHS to fix mitral valve)  I have been experiencing muscle weakness for the past 2 weeks.  It started about 2 weeks after op (Sternotomy) and I had xrays done, but GP says it is normal.  My left hand/wrist is the worst.  It becomes completely "numb" or weak at times to the extent that I drop things and can not control my wrist/arm/hand for a good few hours and then it returns to normal!  My right arm is sometimes just weak and I get needles and pins in my left thumb and finger.

Is this normal?

I walk about 500m twice a day and I don't have any symptoms while walking.  I sleep on my side, holding a pillow in front of me.  Can this be the cause of my muscle problems?  does it make sence to anyone.

I still have chest tightness and I am sore most of the times.  How long will I have this chest/sternum pains?

I try not to do to much or to pick up anything heavier than 2kg's, but with a 2 year-old and a 5-year old in the house it is not always that easy.
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329165 tn?1515471990
Thanks Ireneo.  Pre-op I thought I had a good idea of what they are going to do and that I would recover in 6 weeks and have this great new life and energy and I'll feel soooo good.  What a shock to find out that even at almost 4 weeks post-op I still have pains and discomfort and I still don't have energy and feel 80 years old some times.

I just feel a bit feverish at times, but I don't think I have a high temp.  My BP is just very low (ave 90/60 and resting HR 110) and I don't know when and how this will improve and if it is normal.  Before my MV problems I used to be so healthy with normal BP and normal heartrate.

Would love to hear from you soon :)
Take care.
Helpful - 0
187666 tn?1331173345
It's good to hear from you. Sorry you're not feeling great. I can ask my friend who had her valve replaced about nerve problems. I would guess with all the cutting and pulling they have to do, some nerves are going to be injured to some degree. That will take time to settle down. Incisions cause numb areas, pulling and pushing during the surgery  can bruise nerves and cause aches and zings of pain.

The chest thing will take months. My friend felt pretty normal after a year. Yes, that's a long time. But it's major surgery. She was doing activities in less time than that but still got tired more easily than before and had aches and pains.

Right now I would worry about the fever. Do you just feel hot or is your temp up? It may be a simple virus or something related to the surgery. Any hot spots near the incision? Trouble breathing or coughing? If the temp is up there (over 100), check with your doctor please. I'll get back to you about the recovery time. I owe my friend a letter/email any way. Hugs to you and your pillow.
Helpful - 0
329165 tn?1515471990
Have muscle weakness again today and I feel feverish.  I have terrible Insomnia!  Anyone have any advice for me?
Helpful - 0
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