I had a bypass in March of 07 and an infected sternum in aug.08 noe my pacemaker is moving and I have littlke use in my shoulders. Will my arms come to use again?
Q: What are the complecaton's of a sternumectomy?
Answers (4)
1/24/11 12:37am
My sternum was removed in Aug 07 and ICD implanted in July '07
I have full range in my arms but not much endurance
Greg A Heenan
3/12/09 7:01pm
Patrick, my sternum was also removed in November 08. What does your doctor tell you? My symptoms are the same as yours. I can drive but an very leery of lifting anything more than 10-15 pounds, riding a bicycle or anything that causes my chest to flex. I can put my hand in the middle of my chest and rock the sides of my rib cage independently of each other.
5/17/10 6:22pm
Sternectomies seem to be a very rare occurrance and the standard answer seems to be you can lead a normal life.....I am three years post op and my life is far from "normal" but I do have a life and THAT I am grateful for IF you are interested a lady out of California has started a web page two or three days ago and so far there is a lady from British Columbia, Yvonne from California and myself, Greg from Kitchener,Ontario,Canada
http://sternectomysupport.webs.com/
5/17/10 7:41pm
Hi Patrick,
Please visit http://sternectomysupport.webs.com
We have created this site for individuals like yourself to come and share their stories and speak with others who have undergone this rare procedure.
Hang in there!
I hope to hear from you there!
Yvonne
(Gregs friend)
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By Patrick Doty— Last Modified: 01/24/11, First Published: 02/06/09
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John,
It is nice to hear that others are out there that have had this procedure. My father is still in the hospital recovering from his sterectomy and we could not find any information, so my new friend Greg and I started a website for individual like yourself and Greg to share their stories for some support to others.
Please visit and sign up as a member, share your story and join in on our discussions (forum). This week we are discussing walking after a sternectomy.
Thanks so much,
I hope this helps
http://sterectomysupport.webs.com
Yvonne