Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Re: Fractured Sternum Wires
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.
Re: Fractured Sternum Wires
by Shanon-Michael, Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
Posted By Shannon Michael on April 25, 1999 at 02:02:47
I had a mitral valve repair, and a PFO repair (not planned) about six weeks ago. Although my surgery began as a minimally invasive procedure, the surgery team had to go to median sternotomy when they realized they were also going to have to repair the PFO.
I had awful chest pain about five days ago -- after a nearly perfect recovery period with no complications, so I went to the ER. On x-ray, they can see a fractured sternal wire at the bottom of my sternum.
Now, I have to figure out what to do. It is hurting pretty badly, tho it has settled down some. My questions are:
1. Is the bone likely healed enough to not need re-wiring?
2. Is it general practice to remove the fractured set of wires?
3. Will removing the wires set my recovery back significantly?
4. Is it likely that the midline chest pain will disappear over time? What would be a reasonable amoung of time to wait? I feel like I have broken bones, because there is a bit of a grating or crunching feeling.
Thanks very much.
Shannon
I had a mitral valve repair, and a PFO repair (not planned) about six weeks ago. Although my surgery began as a minimally invasive procedure, the surgery team had to go to median sternotomy when they realized they were also going to have to repair the PFO.
I had awful chest pain about five days ago -- after a nearly perfect recovery period with no complications, so I went to the ER. On x-ray, they can see a fractured sternal wire at the bottom of my sternum.
Now, I have to figure out what to do. It is hurting pretty badly, tho it has settled down some. My questions are:
1. Is the bone likely healed enough to not need re-wiring?
2. Is it general practice to remove the fractured set of wires?
3. Will removing the wires set my recovery back significantly?
4. Is it likely that the midline chest pain will disappear over time? What would be a reasonable amoung of time to wait? I feel like I have broken bones, because there is a bit of a grating or crunching feeling.
Thanks very much.
Shannon
After my open heart surgery, I did not lift anything over 10-15 pounds for 6-7 weeks. I had discomfort along my incision for about 12 weeks - after that I sarted playing hockey again - no more pain. Give it time to heal, just like a broken bone - 6-8 weeks. Good luck
Follow Ups:
Fractured Sternum Wires CCF CARDIO MD - MTR 4/27/1999
(0)
Fractured Sternum Wires Shannon Michael 4/26/1999
(0)