Bypass wires: Hi All, Hope everyone... - British Heart Fou...

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Bypass wires

Maxijazz1 profile image
13 Replies

Hi All, Hope everyone okay. Been sometime since I posted, now 7 months post double bypass op and after seeing my consultant yesterday am pleased to say that all is well and have now been signed off from hospital. Only query I have is that I have lost some weight and have noticed that I can feel the wires at top of scar. The consultant confirmed that this was indeed the case and said that if they cause problems or poke through the skin they can remove them. Just wondered off anyone else has this or has had the wires removed. Wishing you all a fab Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

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Maxijazz1 profile image
Maxijazz1
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13 Replies
MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star

I recall someone here having them removed after issues. Unless there is an issue I would leave them there is a risk although minor. Americans tend to have them removed more frequently often for vanity reasons. But then some have plastic surgery to hide the scar. Me, I couldn't be bothered! :)

Maxijazz1 profile image
Maxijazz1 in reply toMichaelJH

Thanks for your reply. I am hoping that things settle as its still relatively early on. I would much prefer to leave them in place but if problems persist will have to consider it. Thanks again

Hometerry profile image
Hometerry in reply toMaxijazz1

That recent tv heart sugery showed them leaving like staples in.

Best wishes on your recovery.

Maxijazz1 profile image
Maxijazz1 in reply toHometerry

Thank you for your response. Much to squeamish to watch the operation!!!. Hope that things will settle down further down the line. Take Care

Prada47 profile image
Prada47 in reply toMichaelJH

Snap Michael

Billyjean123 profile image
Billyjean123 in reply toMichaelJH

Sorry Michael what risk were you referring to? I am having problems with my sternum post bypass causing condritis. Clicking of sternum and thoracic spine which is also painful. Chest X-ray showed protruding wire. Waiting for MRI to look at sternum and graft. Not sure if wire removal will be offered but interested to hear about the risks of removal.

skid112 profile image
skid112Heart Star

hi there,

I am two years post op and have had various issues with the wires and the scarring. The scarring first, I am just about to complete a session of steroid injections into the scar tissue which has made the scar mostly normal. Before this it was raised, sore, red and downright painful, the cortisone injections directly into it haven't exactly been a holiday but the discomfort was worth it, at least I can wear a shirt without wanting to rip it off.

The wires are a pain, I too have lost weight and they do protrude, I have four distinct bumps and depending on nothing at all, they all give some level of pain. The plastic surgeon I have been seeing wanted the scarring issue resolved before he looks at these but assures me its just nerve endings over the wires that are causing the pain. If its suggested to you that massaging them will help, it doesn't, if you don't like the protrusions go and see your GP and get referred

good luck

Mark

Maxijazz1 profile image
Maxijazz1 in reply toskid112

Thank you for your response. Like you I am also having problems with the scar being hypertrophic and have been advised that if it is not settled within a year I will also be referred for the steroid injections. I also suffer the pains relating to the wires especially tying shoe laces or bending forward as they really dig in in places. Its not the protrusions so much its the pain associated with it. Also being female doesn,t help as bras really aggravate. Hey ho though. At least I am still here and eternally grateful for that. Have a fab Christmas and thanks again for help and advice

Best wishes

Angie

skid112 profile image
skid112Heart Star in reply toMaxijazz1

Hi Angie, I missed out massage the scar, it may be painful but it does help. I use rose hip oil, but bio oil or anything similar will help too, I found post shower was the best (and least painful) time.

Good luck

Mark

Maxijazz1 profile image
Maxijazz1 in reply toskid112

Will try the massage had given up trying that as I found the Bio oil aggravating. Off out now to buy rose hip oil. Thanks forr the tip.

wiltsgirl profile image
wiltsgirl in reply toskid112

Hi skid112 was interested to know how long you have had your scar before the injections. I too have keloid scars on my chest and arm and am interested in trying to flatten them. Thanks in advance x

skid112 profile image
skid112Heart Star in reply towiltsgirl

Hi there,

Had my bypass Nov 2016, injections from June last year

wiltsgirl profile image
wiltsgirl in reply toskid112

My GP says I should wait until a year is up to decide what to do, thanks x

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