Removal of sternum after bypass

[butterfly50]

I had my sternum removed after heart bypass with complications. I feel pain all the time and every time a move my body cracks shifts and pops even with every breath. I also have type2 diadetes is there anyone that can relate to this?

[mrbbq82]

I am a 53 yr old man and had a Radical sternectomy done in August 2007. What life style restrictions should I be aware of ? Driving re air bags ...flights  ? I have dificulty at night with my collar bone moving into my windpipe and rib movement that keeps me very aware of my ICD. My chest feels as if I have a 6 inch square breast plate attached to me and it seems to be affected by air pressure and climate change and so these are the reasons I ask.
Thank you in advance
Greg

[granma12]

I too had my sternum removed after acquiring MRSA.  This was done three weeks postop after triple bypass surgery, which was in Jan 2008.  I still have pain and lots of side effects from that surgery, but no one gives me any info, and cant seem to find it on the internet.  Also applied for S.S. but have been turned down.  I would like to see them work after all this.   vicki

[ed34]

Just as a matter of interest, when they remove the sternum, dont they replace it with a metal structure or anything, to attach the ribs to?