Hi Stephanie,

I know what you mean, I to was scared, terrified in fact.

I had a partial sternotomy(sp), with an epidural as pain management, which was stopped the day after surgery by my surgeon!!, I was in pain, my gorgeous nurses called the pain team, and got it started again!!!!!! they were wonderful and looked after me so well.
Yes it was painful after I left hospital, but nothing I couldn't cope with, I've had period pain that was worse, but I get bad periods!!!
just remember if you need to cough, use a pillow to brace your chest. Don't lift anything, or do anything to strenuous,
Rest lots, I aslo did short walks, I mean short, around the pool, which was tiny, so maybe 2 minutes 3 times a day. My physio's told me to do some exercise, but not to overdo it!!!!!
This is all I think of at the moment, but if I think of anything else I will let you know, and I'm sure other people will be along with their thoughts.
take care,
Kate