Life after open heart

[penney44]

I had a triple bypass in Dec. I was 44 years old, I wonder, the scar from where they broke my sternum still is very bothersome at the very top of my scar, I still sleep in a wedge position, is this normal? Also my leg where they took the veins in my leg still swell alot around my ankles and still do not have feeling in the front of my leg, that is still very bothersome, and also my hair is falling out by the handfuls is this normal after heart surgery? It is hard to find anyone my age going that has gone through bypass surgery. I will say on a lighter note, I feel better than I have in years. Any info would much be appreciated.

Penney

[penney44]

Thank you for your comments. How are you feeling after surgery? The doctor glued mine also, it is still very bothersome to me. Hang in there.

[penney44]

Thank you so much for your input, really helped.

[wrapper]

Hi Penny. I had aortic valve replacement done 3 weeks ago. My hair is falling out too. I was told it was from the anthesia. But I take a blood pressure med also Toprol XL. I was told that is a side effect. My scar does not even bother me, but I had no stitches or staples. My surgeon glued mine. After 3 weeks, you can only see a little red about 9 inches long.My right leg gets to hurting me also. every since I had the cardiac cath done. I was told to give it time. Rhonda

[jim62]

That scar will be bothersome for some time, but it will finally get better.  Watch out if you get it out in the sun--be sure to put on some high spf sunscreen.  I got mine sunned too soon, and it still stands out after about 5 years.  You're sleeping is probably normal.  Just got to sleep however you can get comfortable enough to sleep.  The leg swelling should go away pretty soon, but it may never get normal feeling back.  Mine is kind of sensitive (for lack of a better word) yet.  Not painful by any means, but just feels kind of tingly or numb or something.  You'll get used to that, and probably won't even notice it before long.

Can't help you on the hair problem.  I didn't have any when I had my surgery, and still don't.  I guess I came out even on that one.

Just give it time--maybe up to a year or so.  You'll be just as good as you were before--however good that was.   EEEEEK!!