Feel wires in my chest

[Lisp27]

It has been 10 months since my successful valve replacement surgery. I am now doing more at home exercises, not only for my mental health but to build up my muscle strength.

I'm concerned that I can feel the wires, in my chest, over my scar area.

Has anyone else experienced this? Should I stop my exercise?

I'm anxious to go to my GP, particularly at this time during the pandemic.

Any advice or comments about your experience would be most welcomed.

Thank you

[Fredders]

I can still feel the wires in my chest bone in a couple of places and I had my surgery nearly three years ago. They wire your sternum together after the op and they stay there unless there is any problem with them. I was told it can take a year before the sternum is rock solid again so would avoid heavy weight lifting for now 🤪 but unless you are getting any pain or you feel like a wire is poking out, I wouldn’t worry about it. If you are concerned you could always ring the cardiology department where you had your op, they’re usually better placed to advise than a GP.

Wendy

[Lisp27 in reply to Fredders]

Thank you for your reassurance x

[080311]

Hi, had my op nearly 4 years ago, I can’t feel any wire but one side is higher than the other, can’t see it to look at but can feel it. When I saw my surgeon for the check up after surgery he told me new bone would grow over the metal and in 18 months my sternum would be stronger than his. As Wendy as already said if you are concerned give the cardio department a ring,

Hope your recovery continues well it’s ever onwards and upwards 😊

Best wishes Pauline

[Lisp27 in reply to 080311]

Thank you for the advice x

[Smarticus]

Just to add after 10 months you should be fine to excersise, avoid things like dumbell flys or simmilar for a while though in case it agravates the healing process. They say the bone knits after 6 months... I have two issues, one that I can feel the wire right at the top of my sternum (like the end is poking out under the skin) and sometimes my sternum clicks, like cracking knuckles. I spoke to my surgeon and consultant (with x-rays) and they weren't bothered by it. If it worrys you as others have said speak to your GP. HTH

[Lisp27]

That is very similar to my experience. Excuse the graphic description, but I worry about the wire coming through my skin!

I only lift very light dumbells, but I may stop this until my Echo check up at the annual review.

Thank you for sharing your experience x

[Smarticus in reply to Lisp27]

Hi, I did as well, it didnt feel "right" for some time, I guess it is just bent over to make the end of the wire? I have like a small nodule? of skin at the exact point where it is. I dont notice it any more and the scar is just a "war wound". Keep on with exercsising, just work within your limits, try to avoid overhead presses (BP) and anything that places strain on your sternum for a while. HTH

[Becksagogo]

I had open heart surgery two years ago and have finally just had a CT scan to check my sternum. It has been so painful and the wires feel as though they are going to come through my chest. I understand that they can snip the wires back if they are causing pain; I 'll have to wait for the results of the scan.