What can be done about breastbone separating and causing considerable pain?

Question

Triple bypass Surgery was 2 years ago and the doctors (family and heart) don't seem to take it seriously that my breastbone is separating. When turning torso and/or wearing restrictive clothing (bra) feels like something inside is pinching and occasionally I can feel the bones move. Can get finger inside the 1/2 inch separation between bones. Top 2 inches of bone seems to be closely attached. There is a knot at top of bone that doctor has said is probably calcification over the end of one wire. Bottom few inches is where the separation is taking place. Would like to know if others have had this problem, if it is a normal occurance, and/or what others with problem have done about it. I'm too young to live with this pain for the rest of my life and it is hard to distinquish between chest pain and heart pain.

Answer 1

It does happen to other people. When they wired the sternum back together they may not have wired it tightly enough or one of the wires broke. and now you have a non-union. It can be surgically corrected. You may have to push your doctor, but after two years it is not likely to heal on its own.

Answer 2

When they performed the By- pass surgery they split your sternum to access your chest cavity,the sternum is a bone and cartilage,and are usually pulled together with "wire" sutures.There could be a problem with that suture line,one could have popped and that's what your feeling etc.Ask your MD for a chest x-ray,to rule this out,and go from there.He needs to understand how uncomfortable and unnerving this has become for you etc. Take care. SW RNP

Answer 3

Molasses - a couple of swigs or Bananas 1 or 2 - both contain magnisium and potassium for muscles.
Try working with the principles taught in The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Davies.
I use a chiropractor and massage therapist with it.