Sternum wires

[Jessiebrown]

Hi all this is my second post,I’m nearly 2years after ohs new acceding aorta/valve and mitral valve repair,I am still having trouble with my breathing but my main problem is dreadful sweats on and off all day and night none of the docs seem to know what it is, I have only had them since my opp, I wondered if anyone has had their sternum wires removed as I wondered if these sweats are a reaction to the metal I am allergic to strange things and just wondered if this could be the problem, I also have dreadful burning pains in my shoulders /neck and upper back,I would appreciate any feedback,hope you all keep well and safe

[Fitandfearless]

Hi Jessie - I had my sternum wires taken out because they were sticking out so much, but not because I was reacting to them. It’s not a nice procedure, don’t take it lightly.

Re your sweats - have you been tested for infective endocarditis?? That gives you sweats but usually at night. Worth checking. And I’m guessing you’ve ruled out menopausal hot flushes??!! 🧐🤪

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello... Sternal wires are either stainless steel or titanium, and a reaction to these is extremely uncommon. Where this occurs it is either in the form of excessive scar tissue or infection. Have a chat with your GP as I would think sternal wires are not the issue. Good luck.

[Thanksnhs]

Hi I have really bad sweats, mostly at night,and my feet throb and ache like really bad pins and needles , I still attend clinic regularly and I have asked my consultant about it as it can be so bad I need to get up and change my jammies, I am well past the menopause, my surgery was in July and all she keeps saying it is side effects from my meds and it should get better, no joy so far, she never mentioned it could be the sternum wires or anything like that, mabe your gp could do some bloods to see if they could find out the cause, char

[080311]

Hi Jessiebrown

Since my surgery I to have sweats it can run down my face and neck on occasion. I live in Scotland and since my op don’t feel the cold! It’s 4 years and each winter is the same, I said thought maybe they had done something to my thermostat when I was on bypass 😂 it’s my husband now that says we need to put the heating on not me. Everyone I have asked doesn’t know why this as happened. As Char said my feet are the same they ache and feel as if pains and needles are going to start but they don't sometimes they feel as if they belong to someone else 😩 have had blood tests they can’t find a reason, so I just plod on.

Never heard being allergic to the metal could cause it.

Having the wires removed must be very difficult as new bone grows over the wires so they would have to go through that new bone first. I remember my surgeon said 18 months after surgery our sternum will be stronger than someone who hasn’t had surgery.

Best wishes Pauline.