Severe pain 2months postop cabg

[momsgirl40]

My 83 year old mother underwent a triple bypass. She bled heavily during surgery and was given "a lot" of blood product. She done remarkably well three weeks post op then, severe pain in her chest going in a diagonal direction. She is currently 8 weeks post op. The pain is constant and very severe without pain meds. She has made at least five trips to the ER and one hospital stay for CT, X-rays, blood tests, and all come back normal. Cardio doc doesn't seem concerned and that it is normal?  This just doesnt seem "normal".  We about have to keep her knocked out with Norco every four hours- sometimes five. Other than mild hypertension she has no other health problems. I might add her blood pressure drops too low (s-below 45) at times..other it may be too high. (180/100).  Can anyone give me a clue as to what questions to ask her doctor on our next visit.?  Is this "normal" pain?

[ed34]

Hi,  two months is not very long. I underwent a triple bypass and I was 47 years old. The pain I endured was FAR greater than I expected. I was on strong pain medication for three months which is the kind that kills your appetite and makes you feel nauseous. After three months I was able to go onto normal pain relief, but every 4 hours. I will never forget the discomforts from the surgery. It wasn't until 12 months that all discomfort went away which is not uncommon. There were many times I truly believed that I would never get better and be out of pain.

[Arti Sharma, M.D.]

Hello there,
Many people may experience discomfort after a triple bypass surgery. During surgery the ribs are pushed out of the way and cartilage may be torn. Considering your mothers age she may take more than normal time to recover. The commonest cause of fluctuating blood pressure could be that your mother might be on beta blockers. Calcium channel blockers and nitroglycerine dilate the blood vessels and lowers the pressure. Other causes are a leaking aortic valve/heart failure etc.Only clinical examination can detect the exact cause. I do hope it helps. Wishing your mother a speedy recovery.
Take care and keep us posted.