Sternum Non-Union worries

[chrsfrm]

HI everyone. 3 weeks ago I had my sternum rewired as it was clicking and clearly not joining after my CABG x3. The surgeon said the wires had pulled through my soft bones so he used a cable tie system for the second attempt. Whilst I realise it is early days, I do still feel some popping and clicking, so am not confident that the sternum is bonding. He said he couldn't open me again for a while if I needed further treatment, nor would I want that. The next step would/may be solid plates screwed to each side of the sternum bones. Anyone experienced this and what test I could have to check all is OK eg, X-Ray but plastic cable ties may not show up? Thanks.

[Sina-6491]

No not exspireanced clicking or anything like that. But mine is still uncomfortable after 10 months.

Not really, really painful all the time. But discomfort when I turn or carry stuff etc.

It aches like someone has fallen on my chest a lot of the time.

So I can't really advice lovey, but I'm sure some of our friends on here will be able to advice soon enough.

Remember you may wait a while for feedback at the weekend. So please don't think you'll not receive a great reply. Cause you will, it just may not be until Sunday night or Monday 😆

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi chrsfm, you're not having much luck are you. Ten months on from mine I still feel some movement, i definitely have two or three protruding wires but nothing like your experience. As you say it's very early days at three weeks, I would suggest a few more weeks are needed to axe a whether the ties are working but may be worth a call to the cardiologist

[Dazzler142]

Hi there,

I said within 4 days of the op i was clicking and cracking..i still am nearly 3 weeks later.

I was told in hospital it was ligaments

It sends shooting pains when they happen.i have not been behaving though at times so suppose only myself to blame

I hope you get sorted out,please let me know

Good luck

Jenny x

[skid112 Heart Star]

Yes, I can relate to the shooting pains as well, a GP I saw at the time dismissed my thoughts it was the wires protruding and interfering with the muscle post op, this has proved to be correct. They do settle down, its a big operation, some big muscle mass has been cut through and needs time to re align. I have had neck and shoulder ache, my sternum still sends signals all is not fixed even 11 months in. In another group I belong too someone has just had surgery to shorten some of the metal to alleviate pain, though the wait time for this is minimum two years.

Ongoing monitoring of your own situation is required, usually your body is correct but give it a little more time to settle post operation