Sternum Pain 2 months after CABG

[bb1199]

I am a 48 year old female that had triple bypass surgery in December 2006. I was not experiencing problems at the time I just went in for diagnostic tests since it had been 3 years since any tests had been done. I have a total of 5 stents (one cleaned out with radiation) and have had 2 heart attacks since 2001.
I am back to work since February 1st and have just started experiencing pain in my sternum and pain (at times) when I raise my right arm. The pain is not "chest pains" it is pain in the breastbone and my chest is now experiencing the "tingling" effect that I was told would happen a lot sooner than this.
Is this pain normal?
I also have what I am assuming is a stitch coming from one of the areas on my leg that they removed a vein from. Is that normal?
Should I be concerned about any of these things? I do not go back to my cardiologist until the end of March and will have an echocardiogram done at that visit.
Thank you for any help.

[anacyde]

Your pain two months post op at the sternum area isn't uncommon.  The four bypass survivors in my family still have pain a couple of years out from time to time, usually dependent upon the weather and their level of and type of activity.  I would still mention it.  I would also mention the leg, I don't recall any of them having that happen this much later.  Keep it clean in the mean time and try not to irritate the area.

Sending good thoughts for your upcoming echo :)

[Cindymac]

I am 42 yo female and relate to your info. Went for check up because of high BP. I had bypass surgery 10 days ago. If you have time, I would like to hear more about your recovery. As to when chest soreness improves and when did you stamina start to improve. I know the Doctor goes over all of this with me; but sometimes its better to hear it from someone who has actually experienced the surgery. Thanks in advance for your reply. Cindy

[jessiedijamco]

I am 39 years old and I had a 3 artery bypass 9 days ago because of back shoulder pain whenever i was walking at least 2 minutes. What I had done since I left the hospital is to feel my heartbeat and absorb what ever pain is their and try to find ways to avoid painful positions specially in sleeping.
But I was totally wrong because the more I be concious of this the more worry and pain it will give, the best advice and experience I can share with you right now is move and talk to friends and relatives personally and the pain and worries would be gone.