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Open Heart Surgery Done To Replace Aortic Valve. Experiencing Sharp Pain In Chest. Any Relief?
Question: Three years ago I had open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve. I was 50. The mechanical valve is working great and didn't have any blockage. With that said here is my problem now. Just out of the blues I started having very sharp stabbing pains in my chest. They only happen when I move. Not every time though. Usually when I turn to one side or the other or when I stand up. Also I sometimes feel pain when I walk hard or ride the riding lawn mower. When I get these pains they hurt real bad, but quit as soon as I readjust myself. My Cardiologist and GP say my heart is great and that since the pains are generated by me moving and go away quickly that it is not my heart. Both said there is nothing wrong other than maybe a pulled muscle. This is very painful, and after my problems in 2010 I get a little bit paranoid. Problem is they don't say what I need to do to correct the problem. ALSO, if I am about to move up or around I can press in real hard on my chest and there won't be any pain. So it appears to be something to do with my pecks. I can't keep going through life with the pain or pressing on my chest when I move. My BP is great, heart rate is great, no blockage, valve working great. I wonder if it is from being cut open and ribs being cut open. But why is it just now starting now, and WHAT CAN I DO? I'm so frustrated. I'm thinking maybe I need to go to a sports medicine doctor or some other specialists. Any ideas?
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
In the absence of any cardiac cause for your problem,it appears to me that either it is some nerve pain or may be the wires,which have been used to close your sternum bone, have loosened and might be piercing some of the muscular structure in the chest cavity.
In my opinion, you must get a plain X -ray chest or a CT chest done to look for the position of wires.
You may even get a coronary angiogram done, although the chances of blockade being the cause for your chest pain, looks very remote.
I hope it helps however; you may revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks
Thanks for the query.
In the absence of any cardiac cause for your problem,it appears to me that either it is some nerve pain or may be the wires,which have been used to close your sternum bone, have loosened and might be piercing some of the muscular structure in the chest cavity.
In my opinion, you must get a plain X -ray chest or a CT chest done to look for the position of wires.
You may even get a coronary angiogram done, although the chances of blockade being the cause for your chest pain, looks very remote.
I hope it helps however; you may revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
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