Carol's Guestbook

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