Sternotomy wires

[KaysyP]

I am 4 weeks on from Surgery to repair Mitral Valve and seem to be making a good recovery. I am worried about the sternal wires. Zi have rad about the bump at the top of the sternum but I have a bump at the bottom which appears to be wires - is that normal

[MumaLines]

Hi Kaysy

You’re still in early days after 4 wks as there is a lot of healing going on with your sternum. I noticed a huge difference after 12 months.

xx

[Max1019 in reply to MumaLines]

we all heal differently and our expectations are often not met because of this. It’s about building a new life, learning to know your body again.

In this situation ‘ time is a healer’ and that varies from body to body.

You should get offered cardio rehab and you can talk over your concerns with them. Enjoy life today, one step at a time.

[Bishop1]

Good morning KaysyP.Hope you feeling well today.

Bypass in 2020.

Made a great recovery. About 6/8 weeks I had an E C G

and showed the wire sticking out of my sound

Told not to worry as it will fall off

It turned into a white spot and after a few months it disappeared

You have a lot of healing to do.

Good Luck and spe on y recovery

Have a good day

[Hidden]

Dear You,

4 weeks ? tut your a wonder person and are just beginning on your journey of recovery.

Now be good and follow all the steps of slow re-hab { your walking, your breathing } and you will so see that as your body recovers so will scars flatten and damage mend.

Presumption on my part { with your forum name } but if you are a lady I can fully understand the wound site being a worry compared to us men { really hope that does not sound sexist }

In my case the wire is still quite prominent because I have little fat in that area, but the scar is lumpy and raised along it because I suffer with keloid scaring.

My Nurse told me about creams etc that can help { something you can ask about later on your journey } but its something that never bothered me { man talk }

Take care, you are doing so well.

[Anon2023]

hi. I had a huge lump at the top of my sternotomy which I thought was wires etc. it disappeared after a couple of months. Fingers crossed that yours will too. If not, mention it at your review. The technique of the surgeon may be different which means they may have started or finished at the other end. I’m sure that you will be fine but if you are at all worried give the surgeons secretary a call and just ask the question. Btw there are tons of silicone scar gels that you can get to help with the scarring, if you are bothered. I’ve used dermatix and nourisil md and found that they really softened the scar. They are quite expensive and now I just use Aveeno moisturiser x

[Jako999]

I lost a stone and a half post op and it won’t go back on I’m now only eight and a half stone. I’m now 9 months post surgery and have more lumps and bumps then flat bits, I can feel every wire may be if I put some weight back on they will disappear? I also find if I roll my shoulders back or stretch up I get strange noises and a squelch/crunchy feeling in my chest but I’ve been told it’s all fine😳