Post-surgery rib pain

Posted By Bev on October 23, 1998 at 22:31:45:







My mother had aortic valve replacement surgery in May, and the intensity of the rib pain on the left side has increased with time.  The cardiologist said this is an frequent result from the "splitting" of the ribs to reach the heart, and it often does not go away.  We are concerned, though, that the intensity of the pain grows with time instead of lessens.  Is the pain a sign of healing and a kind of re-fusing?  Is it normal for the pain to intensify over time instead of lessen?  Could the surgery cause arthritis to settle in?  She is 75 and does have osteo, but had no rib pain prior to the surgery.  Pain medication often does not help significantly.  Should we be conderned?  Thank you.