Persistent Sternum pain post CABG

[GQJ]

My Father, 71, had bypass surgery 14 months ago.  About 3 months post-op he developed persistent sternum pain that gets worse as the day goes on.  Graft failure, infection, gall bladder, and shingles have been ruled out.  Pain medication works for about an hour.  He has had nerve blocks, the sternal wires removed and radio frequency on the thoracic nerves.  Nothing has worked.

He describes it as debilitating burning, pressure pain. He is beginning to despair.

Please help!  Thanks

[GQJ]

Yes, he was on a 7 day steroid regimin, that didn't help.  He has been observing his sternum for a few days and he does believe that it is unstable.  He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Thanks again for all your help.  I hope your wife gets well.

Best Regards,
Greg

[Archibald S Miller III, MD,FACS]

I should have a doctor reference for you in colorado by next week. Sorry for the delay.

                                         arch miller ms md facs

[redbug08]

Has the doctors also ruled out inflammation? That, can cause a lot of pain. My wife is going through the same thing. She is taking meds for that and a  pill for rib cage pain.