chest muscle pull after cabg

[hockeygoalieman]

I'm 50, one week post CABG. All is going well until I think I pulled a muscle on the right side of my chest, about midway down, due to constipation straining 2 days ago. Now I have severe pain when inhaling, so it makes coughing hard and painful. Luckily, I have very little fluid and lungs are clear. I am still able to cough up mucus a few times a day, but was wondering how long this pain will last? It seems to have gotten worse today so that it makes it hard to even walk and/or twist.

Not life-threatening for sure, and am otherwise very pleased with my results (minus the constipation!)

Thanks in advance.

[kenkeith]

Sometimes the sternum does not properly mend, and there can be a problem for months until corrective treatment.  You are only one week post cabg but it is possible there has been some slippage.  If it doesn't get better in a few months or so you may want to see your doctor for a followup visit to be assured there isn't a problem.  Something to keep in mind.