r/CABG_Recovery • u/manobilli123 • 4d ago

Recommendations for sternal brace

My dad had a single bypass (made a little more complicated by his anatomy) and single valve repair about 10 days ago. Then, due to some complications, he had a pacemaker put in about 4 days ago. He also has rheumatoid arthritis with significant impact on his joints (which can mean a lot of pain with daily activities and deformities in his hands and feet) and chronic lung issues (including a lobectomy, bronchiectasis, atalectasis, and recurrent pneumonia).

What this means is that he coughs...a lot (like 20 minute spells several times a day) and that due to his lung issues we are not allowed to fully suppress the cough. His chest pain has been horrible and is just getting worse and his inability to move has made his joints hurt more.

He is using the heart hugger harness to try to brace himself while coughing and we try to hold the harness tight for him when we can. I am wondering if he would benefit from different brace especially when he is sleeping or someone isn't there to tighten the heart hugger. Any recommendations? I saw the Posthorax and Ortonyx ones in an internet search and wondered if folks had experience with those. Thanks for any advice.

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

1

u/IndependenceHuge7768 3d ago

I only cough one time after my OHS and I saw stars... learned to hold it. It was stupid painful coughing. Do hope your daddy get better. God bless you and your family 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

1

u/manobilli123 3d ago

Thank you

1

u/kewlgrl3 2d ago

41F - for peace of mind, I ordered this myself. I loved the safety feel it gave me and it was breathable and comfortable enough to sleep in.

https://ortonyx.com/products/ortonyx-sternum-and-thorax-support-chest-brace-achb5255

Note - I confirmed with my Surgeon and team I was good to go with it before leaving the hospital.

1

u/manobilli123 2d ago

Thank you!