Hi again!
The major part of the healing in most cases takes place in the first 6-8 weeks and almost near healing by 3-6 months. Beyond this time healing is very slow, though it may still continue. One may also like to know that healing is never perfect and can be delayed by a number of external factors like infections, mal-nutrition, smoking etc.
Hope this information helps.
Take care!
S. Kaul, MD thanks for your input. Cardiovascular wise, I am definitely progressing much faster than I anticipated. For example, I am already walking 4 miles daily (2 in the AM and 2 in the PM) after only approximately 4 weeks post surgery. I can walk without any chest pain, difficulty breathing, palpitations, etc. I consider myself very lucky. Additionally, 2 days ago, I walked for an hour and a half (5 miles total) first thing in the AM. Today is the beginning of my 5th week post surgery. By the way, I did not have a heart attack and was totally surprised that a quadruple bypass was necessary, especially since I played in a softball tournament in the Florida heat the day before without any distress or discomfort. Apparently, I had left main blockage without any symptoms. An EKG revealed 1-3 mm depressions of the ST segment even though during the test I did not have any symptoms whatsoever. The EKG resulted in an angiogram, which then resulted in a quadruple bypass. I was told my heart is now actually stronger than it was prior to my bypass surgery. I hope that my physicians are correct , especially regarding playing softball once again in 5 months. I recently viewed CT images of sternal fractures that revealed complete healing did not occur until one full year after surgery. As a result, I decided to consult with an orthopedist who specializes in bone abnormalities. Are you sure and does your experience indicate sternal fractures can actually heal in 6-8 weeks?
Hi there!
The question here for you to return to normal activities and sports is not of sternal fracture or incision but of a by-pass graft. The sternal fracture should heal in 6-8 weeks and should be good to go in 3-6 months. However the decision for you to return to normal activities and sports is best taken by a cardiologist/ cardiothoracic surgeon after a detailed clinical evaluation, when it is thought appropriate.
Hope this helps.
Take care!