how long for discomfort at base of sternum

Here I am, posting again, and hoping for any input anyone can give.
Four and a half months ago, I had repair of 8 cm paraesophageal hiatial hernia, along with toupet wrap and collis procedure to lengthen esophogus. I am 70 years old. Normal, slim weight.

I still have a tight, uncomfortable feeling at the base of my sternum; sometimes it aches into my mid back. The surgeon said he put some stitches in there that dissolve but some that will remain there and that is probably the reason. I find if I get in positions of bending, any twisting, and even just the pressure of sitting for long periods can make this worse. Some days it mostly goes away and other days it is very uncomfortable. Ability to do housework is limited because I must try not to bend. Can anyone tell me if you experienced this and how long it may last.

I know few of you can relate to this, but my hernia repair was done laproscopially and then surgeon had to convert to open surgery in order to complete the collis procedure. So, I have a 5 inch midline incision through the core muscles. It seems I am more sore in the abdomen muscles now after four months than I was at two months. My abdomen feels tired, heavy, and weak and it still hurts to get in and out of bed. Abdomen is somewhat uneven now. Surgeon says there were a lot of muscles cut through and this is to be expected. He said to wear the binder longer for the soreness and discomfort. If anyone out there has had any kind of open abdominal surgery, can you tell me what your experience was.
Also, there is a little puffy ridge under left breast. Not sure why this is there.
I am doing well in most ways: eating well, swallowing okay, energy returned. I am prone to muscle aches (fibromyalgia), so I imagine all that was done to me has aggravagted this. I am just getting concerned that at four and a half months I still have the discomfort at the base of my sternum and into my back / and also, if all my discomfort from the open procedure is to be expected. I am thankful for the progress I have made and doctor seems to think I am okay. I would sure appreciate if I could compare notes with anyone who has gone through similar things. Getting a little "down" --- went through this surgery, my husband has recently gone through cancer, we had deaths of parents, and still overseeing my 91 year mother who is in assisted living and she is very unhappy there. I wish I could get my mind at peace about this recovery. I am willing to be patient and wait it out, but am just fearful if there is light at the end of this tunnel. Thanks in advance for reading this and for any replies. Happy Easter to all.