Question 1

how long after open heart surgery does it take the sternum to heal completely?

Accepted Answer

Six weeks: Six weeks if routine and no complications.

Question 2

does the sternum fuse together after open heart surgery and how long  does it take ?

Accepted Answer

Yes, like bone fract: The sternum is a bone &amp; heals like any other bone. It is "fractured" (cut) at the start of open heart surgery. At the end of surgery, the sternum is usually "sewn up" using metal wires to hold the 2 parts together. Further bone healing (fusion) occurs over the course of 3-6 months (eg, as with a broken arm). Wires hold the sternum together in that time &amp; fuse with bone as it heals. Ask surgeon.

Question 3

would you still have numbness in the sternum area ten months after open heart surgery?

Accepted Answer

Possible : And perhaps forever!
the little nerves may be interfered with by the surgical dissection, or surgical closure done perfectly!
sometimes they gradually return and reinervate the area.
It is not a danger sign.

Question 4

are hernias below the sternum after heart surgery dangerous?  can i proceed with  my workouts, (weights)?

Accepted Answer

Incisional: You are describing an incisional hernia either at the end of the sternal scar or at one of the cheat tube sites. Should be alright to exercise lightly. If the hernia is painful or enlarging, see a surgeon before doing too vigorous exercises.

Question 5

after open heart surgery  what are some challanges people usually face with a broken sternum? i just want to know what to expect

Accepted Answer

Limit use of arms: There is so much you do with your arms without thinking. You push off with hands on thighs to stand. You use arms to adjust yourself in chair or bed. All of this puts pressure on sternum. I limit patients to 10  lb 6 wks then 25 lb for another 6 weeks. And no pushing or pulling for 3 months. Coughing and sneezing can be uncomfortable also.

Question 6

after open heart surgery  i want to punch my heavy bag for excercise. i know it will put a lot of pressure on my sternum. it has been twenty weeks ?

Accepted Answer

OK: Your sternum has healed to almost full strength.  You can start a punching bag routine.  You will probably develop some chest wall or muscle pain as you start the exercise - because you haven't used your muscles to this extent since the operation.  Listen to your body and start gradually and workup to the level that you performed prior to surgery.

Question 7

my mom had open heart surgery in may but continues to have pain all around the area and the doctors say it's her sternum is it possible

Accepted Answer

Chest pain: Absolutely. The sternum was cut opened and it is likely going to remain tender and sore for sometime. Your mother should follow her surgeon's recommendations and rest assured it is normal.

Question 8

hi i'm getting open heart surgery in 2 months i'm wondering if there is anyway they won't have to break my sternum? will i lose muscle after surgery?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: It really depends on what type of surgery you need. It also depends on what your surgeon feels comfortable with. But a lot of mitral, aortic valve surgeries can be done this way. Also closing a hole like an ASD and doing limited bypasses at times. I tell my patients my first goal is to do a good job. My second goal is to do it "sexy". But good job comes first.

Question 9

i had open heart surgery about 5 years ago. my sternum now feels like a mountain range, so i don't much touch that area, but i have just discovered a round bump on sternum in middle of breasts. it's about 6mm, and hard, and i can move it a bit. ???

Accepted Answer

See surgeon: Or same group. From a loose wire to a cheloid or a hard scar with anything in between, the idea being it can be easily dealt with once diagnosed properly. The difference would be that same surgeon group can take care of it, while other providers will be reticent in dealing with it and would refer back to the surgical group.

Question 10

i had open heart surgery two years ago and have a spot below my sternum that bulges out like a 1 1/2 inch lump when i breathe out.  what is it?

Accepted Answer

That can't be --: -answered here. It can only be answered by your cardiac surgeon or a general/thoracic surgeon which means it needs a hands on exam as well as possible imaging.

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Doctor answers about:

Sternum repair after heart surgery

A member asked:

How long after open heart surgery does it take the sternum to heal completely?

A member asked:

Does the sternum fuse together after open heart surgery and how long does it take ?

A member asked:

Would you still have numbness in the sternum area ten months after open heart surgery?

A member asked:

Are hernias below the sternum after heart surgery dangerous? can i proceed with my workouts, (weights)?

A member asked:

After open heart surgery what are some challanges people usually face with a broken sternum? i just want to know what to expect

A member asked:

After open heart surgery i want to punch my heavy bag for excercise. i know it will put a lot of pressure on my sternum. it has been twenty weeks ?

A member asked:

My mom had open heart surgery in may but continues to have pain all around the area and the doctors say it's her sternum is it possible

A member asked:

Hi i'm getting open heart surgery in 2 months i'm wondering if there is anyway they won't have to break my sternum? will i lose muscle after surgery?

A member asked:

I had open heart surgery about 5 years ago. my sternum now feels like a mountain range, so i don't much touch that area, but i have just discovered a round bump on sternum in middle of breasts. it's about 6mm, and hard, and i can move it a bit. ???

A member asked:

I had open heart surgery two years ago and have a spot below my sternum that bulges out like a 1 1/2 inch lump when i breathe out. what is it?

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