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Ongoing neck and shoulder pain

sandra63
0 Recommendations

I am 2 years post mitral valve repair. I have had pain in my neck, upper back, and shoulder since surgery. I have had massage, and am now in therapy for what the dr believes to be rotator cuff issues, and possibly a bulging disk in my neck. I also have the start of a bone spur on my right shoulder. I have talked to 2 other people who are also 2-2 1/2 years post surgery and they are having the same problems. We are in our 40's and 50's and all 3 of us are still in the work force I am 46 yrs old and am a hairdresser, so my job doesnt help. My question is this; is anyone else out there going through any of these problems. I have also talked to 2 other gals that are 8 and 15 years post surgery and they too have had on going neck pain.

Explore topics in this discussion:

Surgery Bursitis Pain Advil

2 replies

Marilyn37

I am 9 months past mitral valve repair (which didn't hold--but that is another story) done roboticly. I have always had some issues with my shoulders as a place I hold tension, but with nothing like the intensity it has been since surgery--especially the right shoulder blade area.The incision for the robot was under my right arm.

I am a psychologist and spend a lot of time typing reports so that doesn't help. This pain even limits typing to respond to internet sites such as this. I have mentioned this to my cardiologist and to the cardiac surgeon and they say that there is absolutely no connection. My body says otherwise.

I do think some of the cardio rehab exercises have made it worse. Have found a wonderful massage person who uses hot stones. That feels so good, but the effect doesn't last long.

I am usually headed to bed (and to read a good book) with my ice pack and "warm thing" (microwavable rice pack with lavender scent) by 8:30. This is the only way I can be comfortable.

My internist who has been out of maternity leave will be back next week and I hope she can shed some light on the relationship. It helps to hear that others are having this problem also--though my sympathy goes out to you all. This is no fun!

What is everyone else doing to help? Marilyn

TSL

I'm 2 1/2 years post aortic valve repair, and have the same problems. I had my rotator cuff repaired, but not only still have shoulder pain there, but also have bursitis under the scapula ('wing bone')....

I've been told when they do major heart surgery and crank open your rib cage, the torque puts pressure on a lot of the muscles and nerves in the neck, back, etc. My back hurt worse than my chest after the surgery, and hurt bad for over 6 months. Plus I was told they cracked 5 ribs, which is considered 'normal' for those procedures. Once you damage nerves, they don't come back. We will most likely be dealing with these issues for the rest of our lives.

The best therapy I've found is Advil for inflammation and pain, plus rotate ice and heat. The ice relieves inflammation, and the heat relaxes muscles. Moist heat works best as it gets down deeper into the muscle tissues. They can be alternated on a 20/20/20 cycle. 20 min. ice, 20 min off, then 20 min heat, 20 min. rest, etc. There are hot pads made to be used with a moist sponge for the moist heat, but DO NOT use anything moist with a heat pad not specifically made for that purpose. For the ice packs, they can be made inexpensively by filling heavy duty zip lock bags with a mixture of 3 parts water, 1 part rubbing alcohol. I double-bag them to help prevent leaks. The rubbing alcohol keeps the water from freezing solid - it makes a thick slushy mixture that conforms to the body and makes them the most comfortable ice bags ever! They can be made in any size from 'sandwich' to 2 gallon. I keep several in the freezer at all times. Be sure to wrap them in a towel so they don't sit directly on the skin, or that can damage the cells.

Good luck to everyone!

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