[44F] Experiencing widespread sharp pain and numbness post open-heart surgery

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the following conditions could be causing your symptoms:

• Post-surgical Pain: After open-heart surgery, it's common to experience chest pain and discomfort. This can sometimes radiate to the shoulders and arms.

  • Treatment typically involves pain management with medications. Physical therapy may also help improve mobility and alleviate pain.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition is characterized by numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and arm, caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist.

  • Treatment often involves wearing a wrist splint, especially at night. Severe cases may require surgery.

• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): Given your history of CHF, some of your symptoms, such as difficulty breathing and fatigue, could be related to this condition.

  • Treatment typically involves medications to manage symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. Lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, are also important.

• Blood Clot: Given your history of blood clots in your heart and lungs, it's possible that a new clot could be causing some of your symptoms. However, this would typically also involve symptoms such as swelling, warmth, and redness in the affected area.

  • Treatment typically involves anticoagulant medications to prevent the clot from getting bigger and to stop new clots from forming.

Please remember that this is not an exhaustive list and other conditions could also be causing your symptoms. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

1. Continue taking your prescribed medications as directed by your doctor.
2. Try to rest and elevate your painful areas, if possible.
3. Apply a warm or cold compress to your painful areas for 15-20 minutes at a time.
4. Try gentle stretching exercises to help alleviate muscle tension and pain.
5. If you're experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, try wearing a wrist splint, especially at night.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Chest pain that is severe, worsening, or lasts longer than a few minutes
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath that is severe or worsening
• Signs of a blood clot, such as swelling, warmth, and redness in one leg or arm
• Any new or worsening symptoms

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care.