Carol's Guestbook

Oh you ARE SO HELPFUL . i am really suffering tonight. its more sensitive and painful than ever. I have a call into my surgeons office. I know they are rolling their eyes, because, my ct scan came in today from the check up and its all normal.. They are not really taking me seriously.. They suggested the wire removal. Im now slightly considering it. The pain is affecting my back, chest, arms and i feel very fragile. I actually read this article awhile back. Good night and thank you writing me. Carol

Thank you for the info.. I will look into it. I have been an absoulute warrior,, i swear to get normal again.. I was such an active energizer bunny" Its trying,, i do hope it gets better on its own. or with help from this massage .. Going to try ANYTHING!

Before you see anybody you want to have convincing argument for your request. You should have 6 to 8 sternal wires. They either go through the sternum or around the sternum and between the ribs. The spacing of the pressure points could be 1to 3 inches apart left right and 1 to 2 inches up down. I say this because the pain will most likely be concentrated at these points. They all may not hurt because some may have settled in. Asess the pattern of pain if there is a pattern. A generalized pain does not get much attention. The anolgy of a toothache, when I have a toothache I can tell the dentist which side,upper or lower, which tooth . Some people can not and the dentist must probe each tooth. So you might want to press lightly with you fingers around your sternum to find if the pains match the pressure points of the sternal wires. If you are still unsure go to someone fimailure with the placement of wires, the surgeon ,physician assistant, post operative nurse. Have the professional palpate will you give feedback. I would approach someone fimailure with cardiac surgery a cardiologists may not be as experienced with sternal wire pain. Other causes of pain could be a rare cut or trapped sensory nerve. Some professionals may discount the pain or tell you it will get better soon, as some surgeons will never remove wires. I've read on this site that some have had their wires removed. My surgeon will not remove wires saying in risk of a blind bleed is too great. I hope this helps in some way . Ask me any guesions. Another thing, if you are rolling your shoulders in to lessen the pain, this could affect your posture and your lung capacity. My wire pain was constant for mounths, then gradually lessened, after 3 years I rarely notice them. But they will act up if I've been doing something that overly expands my chest , Paul

Paul, I cannot thank you enough. This does help. I dont want to go through another operation, My cardiologist and My Primary care dr, have both said it is a major undertaking, and risky. I just dont know how i can take the pain ,its really bad these days and persistent. i appreciate you reaching out this way.