Residual intercostal muscle spasm

Posted By Diane on October 01, 1998 at 22:43:30:







I had heart by-pass surgery and fem-tib bypass of both legs in 1992 as result of myxodema and hyperlipidemia; cholesterol level of 1050.   Developed pericarditis 10 days after by-pass and after unsuccessful treatment with prednisone, cochicine and I.V. solumedrol, had successful pericardiectomy 3 months after by-pass.  Three months of pericardial pain; sleeping in sitting position, etc. has resulted in permanently stressed intercostal chest muscles.  While the pain is gone, the muscles still continue to constrict. I've tried physical therapy, shiatsu, neural therapy with no success but have had limited relief with amitriptylin- 25 mgs. Is there any way to get these muscles to relax?  My surgeries were in 1992.