On April 24 2014 I underwent open heart surgery (quad bypass) and although everything went well, I still have some discomfort in the region of my xiphoid process. I have a continual dull ache and I feel/hear a popping sound in that region when I twist which is rather disconcerting. Is this anything I should be concerned about ?
Hello! Thank you for asking on Chat Doctor! I understand your concern, and I would like to explain to you that one of the most frequent inconveniences surrounding by pass patients is sternotomy region medical issues. Sometimes, local infections may complicate seriously the clinical course of healing and recovery. Sometimes, a sternal suture dehiscence appears as a very problematic and dangerous situation, leading to mediastinitis (a serious complication that urges prompt and vigorous treatment). You need to perform an immediate medical check up to your cardiac surgeon to rule out these medical complications. Hope to have been helpful to you. Greetings!