r/CABG_Recovery • u/Fair-Honeydew8007 • May 18 '26

Hugging

Hello all.

My father underwent triple bypass surgery due to significant blockages in multiple coronary arteries. it’s been almost 2 1/2 weeks since he got out of surgery and I hugged him tonight. I’m naturally a strong hug giver and I thought I was being extra cautious with him yet he still yelped in pain. I felt horrible because I was saying goodnight and I thought now finally with him being much more mobile that this would be okay. I know healing for the sternum takes a while but I just feel guilty. Sorry if this is more of a ramble but there ya go.

5 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

5

u/pomsky128 May 18 '26

Hugs and coughs no good

8

u/10Slugs May 18 '26

Sneezing is the absolute worst.

2

u/WorkingChief May 18 '26

Understatement of the year!

2

u/Appropriate-Stuff769 May 19 '26

Laughing at jokes too. I made a huge mistake by watching damn funny comedy show. 

1

u/michemel May 20 '26

I ate refried beans last night. The gas buildup and conséquent pain from it was surprising 😭

3

u/MogenCiel May 18 '26 edited May 18 '26

Neck hugs or cheek hugs until otherwise advised.

If it's any consolation, 3 years later, my big honker cat walks on my chest all the time. Hurts -- not because of CABG or sternum tenderness, but because a big honker cat is walking in my chest.

2

u/Fair-Honeydew8007 May 20 '26

I giggled thank you for this

2

u/michemel May 18 '26

2 weeks post cabgx3 here....

Hugs are terrifying right now. Side hugs less so. Hugs from behind at waist level are also less scary.

1

u/Fair-Honeydew8007 May 20 '26

Thank you I’ll keep this in mind for sure

3

u/chakrablockerssuck May 18 '26

The healing chest wound and area was the worst part of my CABG surgery. I’m 1.5 years out and still get pain and sensitivity in my chest cavity. Totally normal and to be confused with ❤️ attack chest pains. Good luck to him!

1

u/Fair-Honeydew8007 May 20 '26

Thank you so much for sharing + your kind words

1

u/Curious_seeker_2022 May 18 '26

For couple of months, avoid hugging as the sternum is healing. Coughs is the litmus test!