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sternal wire removal
Two titanium wires are protruding under my skin where the sternum was wired together. Dr. recommends removal of all wires, but I worry about extensive surgery. Maybe just remove the 2 wires? Anyone else have this problem? It doesn't go away by itself.
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Dear Lioness the stents were put into the illiac veins 9/6/18. As soon as I woke up there was much pain in my urethra and still is to this day. Wound up with sepsis within two weeks of this procedure. There was no reason for the urethra to be touched for this procedure. This was not done in a hospital. I have gone to a urologist and after telling him of this, asked for him to look into the urethra and the bladder to see if there was anything inside this area and was refused. The pain continues. Yes, you are right and I should call Mayo for their help. I am not to near a Mayo and I will some how have to find a driver.(Legally blind). My god I am in a terrible position. Holding on tight.
@peach414144 IM SO SORRY FOR YOUR PROBLEM DO YOU HAVE FAMILY NEAR OR FRIENDS THAT CAN HELP YOU OUT I,LL KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYERS HOW BOUT SOME MEDICAL AGENCIES LIKE HOMECARE AGENCY BLESS YOY
What type of doctor does this surgery? Do you have to go under anesthesia?
When they cut the Sternum they cut Bone and Cartilage. I've been told the Cartilage doesn't grow back together like bone does, hence keeping the wire in for the rest of your life. Is this not true? Even 2 years after my surgery I feel my chest is not as strong and simple tasks like opening a door, I can feel my chest twist unless I am straight in front of the knob as I pull the door open. Same thing when opening drawers. Stand in front and pull with both arms. It really is uncomfortable.
Bruce
Texas
@bruce5 I had by pass surgery where they cut into the sternum and after the surgery I still had a pinching area in the surgical area I went back to my surgeon had xrays taken and they found the nerve didn't unite as it should have so I was sent to the anesthist and he injected where it hurt that was 24 yrs ago I have had no problem since . Before the injection it even hurt to breath . so have you talked to your surgeon about this ?
No, I never went back to the surgeon. I figured it was just the nature of the surgery. Iv'e had two side chest openings(both Heart Surgeries) one on 1978, other in 2005. The 2005 surgery required removal of a rib. I'm not in pain, I can just feel my chest is just not as strong. Combination of missing rib and cut sternum, I just have to deal with. It was interesting to hear folks having their wire removed. I've never heard of that before.
Bruce
Texas
I have never either . My wire has always been in there and I wont be looking for its removal . Once on the operating table is enough
Once your sternum is cut like that - wires or no wires- it will never feel the same. I ended up with infection, had wires removed and peck flap surgery and I still have the same issues you describe. It took me few years, but I have learned to live with and compensate where I have to. Consider what the alternative would have been if you had not done the surgery. I wouldn’t be typing this text. Perhaps looking at alternative may help you also deal with this. Stay strong! 🙏🏻
The wires being removed was done by the surgeon who did first surgery, then the peck flap by plastic surgeon
Which department specialty helped you make the decision to have wires removed and who did surgery? Cardiologist?