Post OHS sternum metalwork discomfort

[ronnyharry]

Year or so ago I had AVR and triple bypass, for quite some time I did not have much pain, more recently I have discomfort (not continuous just when I make some stretches or movements) around the site of the metalwork that holds my sternum together. I lost quite a lot of weight so the staple/bolt is quite pronounced and feels like a smartie or hex headed bolt sub-cutaneously. Otherwise I am pretty good and have raised my exercise level substantially, does anyone else have this kind of minor soreness, like skin rubbing over a protusion? Best wishes to everyone 😊

[Hidden]

Dear ronnyharry

Yes I have similar and when I raise my arms there is a pulling to the scar and you can definitely see the wires,

Mine itch { did } like mad to the point of making the scar a bit sore { red } so the Dr gave me some cream with a local pain killer in it { lidocaine } and it worked a treat.

He also said that I could have the staples { his words } removed, but I thought better of it, my idea is to get as many miles between me and that hospital !

Take care

[ronnyharry in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much, yes, my wife suggested having the staple removed and I thought, uh no thank you, I am happy just being reminded that I am alive by the occasional twinge, thanks again, take care

[Chappychap]

I've got something similar.

My conclusion is that it's a small price to pay for the huge benefits I've derived from bypass surgery, so when these twinges occur I just ignore them and press on.

Congratulations on losing weight and cranking up the exercise. I know it's not always easy, but it's the way we'll dramatically reduce our risk of a future heart attack or stroke.

Good luck!

[ronnyharry in reply to Chappychap]

Thank you so much, yes. I am much more aware of lifestyle impacts on our health so make my modest efforts with pleasure. Nowadays I start my day at 7 with a 15 minute stretch routine from the bodyweight warrior (YouTube), followed by 15 minutes meditation and rounded off with 35 minutes running on the spot with Burpeegirl (again YouTube). This routine does change so that I do not get bored but I find the early morning prebreakfast routine easy to follow. My diet has drastically changed, much more towards vegan with a plant-based wholefood centre. The moments of pain remind me that I am lucky to be alive and not to backslide, after all I have got grandchildren to look after 😊 Thanks again, take care, Ron

[MountainGoat52]

I too have small boney protrusions near my collar bone where the sternum did not go back precisely and initially there was definitely a wire sticking up which seems to have been encapsulated by bone. I make sure I wear nothing tight across this area.

My main problem is related to the stress that the chest muscles were put under during the op, particularly on the left side. I still get muscle aches four and a half years after my op. The car seat belt (driver's side) rubs on the muscle, so I have a pad on the belt. I massage the muscle which helps.

These are minor issues when I consider the benefits. 😀

[ronnyharry in reply to MountainGoat52]

Dear GWP, thanks very much for your thoughtful reply. 100% in agreement with you, now I take any slight discomfort as a flag waving saying 'hey you are alive and actually kicking'. The nerves are obviously damaged and as the regrowth is very slow the twinges are likely to abate at a similar rate. Have a great day cheers Ron 👍

[MountainGoat52]

Nerve damage indeed... I have a numb ankle and a numb wrist where the donor vessels were harvested. Initially I had a large cluster of thread veins spring up on my ankle as well, but they have receded somewhat. All battle scars! The actual scars are still a visible reminder, but a positive one. I am just waiting for the next nurse or doctor to attempt to take my pulse in my left wrist. 😂

[ronnyharry in reply to MountainGoat52]

Yes, battle scars. I used to rely on a polar chest monitor, thanks to my son I now sport a wrist fit device, very affordable and from my experience pretty good, the one I have is the Huawei band 4 which cost about £20 it has lots of functions besides heart rate and blood oxygen levels, it also has records of sleep quality. Anyway that's bye the bye, we are very lucky indeed, I wish you all the best, any time you fancy you can return to this chat, onwards and upwards Ron

[MountainGoat52 in reply to ronnyharry]

Onwards and upwards indeed! I now climb Munros... honest! Not bad for one of 70 years young. 😀

I don't own any "worry gauges" except for my BP monitor and Oximeter. They are only used when I remember.. and on that score, I have a shocking memory. 😁

All the best,

Gerald

[zebedee69]

Hi, I am nearly 4 years post triple by-pass. I have lost weight since then and my staple / bolt also protrudes, although I do not have an issue with this. I go to the gym often and tend to do cardio and weight lifting with no issues. I work 13 hour shifts and find that sometimes the following day I do get soreness around this area, but I just rest an it resolves itself. To be honest I am quite proud of my scar, I don't hide it, more celebrate the fact that I am still here.

Kudos to you for loosing weight and upping the exercise, long may it continue xx

[ronnyharry in reply to zebedee69]

Bravo to you zebedee 😊

[ronnyharry]

Had my 75th a few weeks ago, can't believe it I still feel just as crazy as I was 60 years ago. I understand what you say about worry guages, cheers Ron