Question:
Post Op Sternum Pain

In the past month I have had a pain that radiates from my neck on the whole left side all the way down to my tummy, right below my left rib..the pain is pretty bad..to the point where I can feel it just breathing..I went to my PCP and she said that I had some sprain damage to my sternum from throwing up and pulling myself up by my arms after surgery..I guess the only thing there is to do about it is take pain pills and don't lift things..has anyone had this happen??    — christine S. (posted on March 28, 2003)

March 30, 2003
I have had alot of pain too in my sternum before and after my sugery. It gets really bad at times especially when I breathe in at times and it radiates all the way down to my left side of my rib cage. My doctor told me that it was nothing serious, and it inflammation of the cartlige and to take ibprofin to help the inflammation. He said this is a condition called costochondritis, and it's nothing serious and should go away by itself, or could stay with you off and on. so, you might want to consult with your doctor and ask if that's what it might be or not? I heard there is other medications that they can give you for that if the ibprofin doesn't work for you. You can also look on the website under costochondritis and it will give you more info about the condition. good luck.
   — Melodee S.