Question about wiring the breastbone

[sonavogel]

I've been wondering--I thought I saw this on a thread, but now I can't find it (naturally):

Is there any alternative to permanent wires in the chest to reconnect the breastbone? Has anyone either been given or asked for anything less metallic--something that maybe dissolves once the breastbone has had time to knit, or something that can be removed? Or is wiring the only option available to those who undergo OHS?

Thanks in advance!

BEst, Sona

 

[Ross]

I don't think so, but things are a changing all the time.

 

[hensylee]

if so, nobody told us about anything other than wires. they are like bread twist ties.

 

[Lynlw]

Here's a good thread, has Xrays of what some peoples wires look like,also someone has dacron thread instead of the so who knows what will be available when you may need surgerywire.http://valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17868&highlight=plastic+wires

 

[ALCapshaw2]

There are at least 3 different ways to re-attach the Skin following OHS, namely Stitches, Staples, and 'Skin Glue'.

Perhaps you were thinking 'skin glue' could be used to fasten the sternum.

'Al Capshaw'

 

[Lynlw]

There are at least 3 different ways to re-attach the Skin following OHS, namely Stitches, Staples, and 'Skin Glue'.

Perhaps you were thinking 'skin glue' could be used to fasten the sternum.

'Al Capshaw'

Did you mean me talking about dacron or Sonya asking about holding the sternum together?

 

[MikeHeim]

I believe that there have been at least a few people who have had their wires removed after surgery. However, doing so does involve another surgery. I think that they are typically only removed when they cause pain or discomfort - usually during movement. May I ask what prompted your question?

 

[sonavogel]

I believe that there have been at least a few people who have had their wires removed after surgery. However, doing so does involve another surgery. I think that they are typically only removed when they cause pain or discomfort - usually during movement. May I ask what prompted your question?

Mike, it's interesting to me that I can't say for sure why it is bothering me enough to have asked the question. I don't like the idea that (at this point, at least)--with all the extraordinary, ingenious techniques OHS surgery/surgeons have developed for the various operations themselves--there does not seem to be any other way of enabling the breastbone to re-fuse/heal than to chicken-wire it back together and leave the wires in for life.

I cannot believe that this would not cause discomfort for many and perhaps even a degree of outer ridging...? (I mean, that you would be able to feel by running your finger down or across the area.)

At any rate, I'm very glad to have that link again--thank you, Lyn! I will try to find more info on the Dacron sutures/ties and see what I come up with.

Thanks for giving me the three options, Al.

Best, Sona

 

[WayneGM]

Originally posted by sonavogel
I cannot believe that this would not cause discomfort for many and perhaps even a degree of outer ridging...? (I mean, that you would be able to feel by running your finger down or across the area.)

If it's any peace of mind, I can't feel the wires, even when I run my finger down the area....and I'm considered by many to be "skinny" so if anything I thought it would be easy to feel them, or even see them if a held a deep breadth. I can't. I only know they are there because the doc told me they are there. If he hadn't told me, I really would not have known. I've even tried to do the magnet trick, and it didn't work either.

 

[Lynlw]

Mike, it's interesting to me that I can't say for sure why it is bothering me enough to have asked the question. I don't like the idea that (at this point, at least)--with all the extraordinary, ingenious techniques OHS surgery/surgeons have developed for the various operations themselves--there does not seem to be any other way of enabling the breastbone to re-fuse/heal than to chicken-wire it back together and leave the wires in for life.

I cannot believe that this would not cause discomfort for many and perhaps even a degree of outer ridging...? (I mean, that you would be able to feel by running your finger down or across the area.)

At any rate, I'm very glad to have that link again--thank you, Lyn! I will try to find more info on the Dacron sutures/ties and see what I come up with.

Thanks for giving me the three options, Al.

Best, Sona

Most people can not feel them, They are very thin as you saw in the xrays and,Since you can't really cast the sternum like some other broken bones I think that is probably part of the reason, people don't spend alot of time and money trying to improve them, since they work very well and in most people never cause a problem. I guess it is that if it isn't broke....
Justin had a huge infection in his sternum and under it after his last surgery a month ago They had to remove and leave out most of the wires holding holding his sternum together,so had to move his right pec muscle and wrap it around the sternum to help with the healing (muscle is a big source of blood and oxygen that is needed to heal and filled in any holes made when they had to 'clean'the bone) the muscle also is what is stabilizing his sternum until the bones have a chance to heal. Believe me we would be very happy to have wires.
One good thing about being in the mild category, who knows what will be available for holding the sternum together OR if you will even need your sternum open if /when you need an intervention.

 

[Lynlw]

There are at least 3 different ways to re-attach the Skin following OHS, namely Stitches, Staples, and 'Skin Glue'.

Perhaps you were thinking 'skin glue' could be used to fasten the sternum.

'Al Capshaw'

and Steri strips which are like pieces of tape.Justin has had steri strips(either one big long piece lengthwise,or a bunch of smallpieces across the width.) or the skin glue. personally as "Mom" I like the strips when I can see them holding the incision closed.The glue works well,but just makes me a little more nervous...silly I know, but I get that way lol

 

[hensylee]

Several members have had one or more - or all wires removed for one reason or another. Ben Smith had a broken one. It was an out patient removal, I believe. ILoveNY was admitted to hospital for removal of all hers - she's a wee thing and has other problems as well so they put her in a bed. Maybe someone who has had some removed will stop in and tell you about it. I don't know that I can feel mine - I have bumps, but don't think they are wires but are where the bones come together. That area is tender under the scar and when one of the cats steps on it, it is very tender. Also I don't read hardback books in bed because guess where we rest those heavier books?

 

[Susan BAV]

...That area is tender under the scar and when one of the cats steps on it, it is very tender...

That is exactly what I was thinking about adding here... Same experience.

 

[sonavogel]

That area is tender under the scar and when one of the cats steps on it, it is very tender.

Well, that would definitely leave out wrestling with my dog on top of me in bed!

Lyn, I want to thank you again for the reality check about what might be available when/if my "waiting room" time runs out. While I was, of course, envisioning myself, I was also reacting to some of the threads I've been reading on others' experiences, thinking of them.

It's important for me to gain as realistic a view and understanding of what it's like to have gone through OHS--to be a survivor in good health, yet with all the additional considerations that did not exist before OHS--so that I don't begin to idealize (romanticize) the experience, turn it into something less life altering (in all the aspects that entails) than it is.

This forum is an unbelievably wonderful resource for that.

Best, Sona

 

[Marguerite53]

Hello. I am one who has no wires. My surgeon used the Dacron thread. I think his opinion was that it causes fewer problems and is stronger. I had no problems healing. If anything, I think it feels abit like I'm wound up too tight, but that has changed and mellowed with time. I'm 15 months out.

As far as the cut goes, when/if I go back in (bovine tissue at 52) I'm going to request that they NOT use the glue. My scar has hypertrophied and is still quite painful. I've googled and read and read and remember there were studies done that suggest that the glue inhibits the natural bonding of the healing cells and confuses things enough to cause the scar to heal improperly. I suppose it would be interesting to see how many of us with hypertrophied, tender, painful scars had stitches, glue or whatever else there is. I'm very fair and it's highly likely that my scar would have responded as it has no matter what was used, but still, I'll be leary of the glue. My husband thinks I'm impatient with my scar. He's sure it will eventually mellow down to that pretty white line so many of you have. I'm doubtful.

Back to the sternum closing....I'm actually quite surprised that more of us aren't walking around with the thread instead of the wires.

Sona. Best wishes to you. Waiting is tough. It was almost 3 years for me. So many questions, so many stories, so much information to process. For me, now, it's like a dream.....far away. It was never scary, always life-sustaining and it was certainly immeasurably helpful to have this wonderful community "watching my back" so to speak.

Marguerite

 

[Lynlw]

Hello. I am one who has no wires. My surgeon used the Dacron thread. I think his opinion was that it causes fewer problems and is stronger. I had no problems healing. If anything, I think it feels abit like I'm wound up too tight, but that has changed and mellowed with time. I'm 15 months out.

As far as the cut goes, when/if I go back in (bovine tissue at 52) I'm going to request that they NOT use the glue. My scar has hypertrophied and is still quite painful. I've googled and read and read and remember there were studies done that suggest that the glue inhibits the natural bonding of the healing cells and confuses things enough to cause the scar to heal improperly. I suppose it would be interesting to see how many of us with hypertrophied, tender, painful scars had stitches, glue or whatever else there is. I'm very fair and it's highly likely that my scar would have responded as it has no matter what was used, but still, I'll be leary of the glue. My husband thinks I'm impatient with my scar. He's sure it will eventually mellow down to that pretty white line so many of you have. I'm doubtful.

Back to the sternum closing....I'm actually quite surprised that more of us aren't walking around with the thread instead of the wires.

Sona. Best wishes to you. Waiting is tough. It was almost 3 years for me. So many questions, so many stories, so much information to process. For me, now, it's like a dream.....far away. It was never scary, always life-sustaining and it was certainly immeasurably helpful to have this wonderful community "watching my back" so to speak.

Marguerite

Justin has had both glue and steri-strips part of his sternum was open 6 times now,the main part has been opened 5 and the bottom below the sterunum was open 1 extra to remove his pacer, (the first surgery was a thoracotomy) SOOOOO I can say for Justin, they heal the same whichever they use. most of his scar is flat with a couple keloidy sections. (well usually when they heal, this new one is still small and flat)
I personally think it has more to do with what a good job the surgeon does lining the 2 sides up perfectly or as good as possible, then glue or strips,I've seen both n kids that look like everything wasn'treally straight to start with,IF that helps

 

[Cooker]

I personally think it has more to do with what a good job the surgeon does lining the 2 sides up perfectly or as good as possible, then glue or strips,I've seen both n kids that look like everything wasn'treally straight to start with,IF that helps

I agree. From what I have read it seems that the closing job has a lot to do with the appearance of the scar. Or you could just cover it with hair like I did

 

[Lynlw]

I agree. From what I have read it seems that the closing job has a lot to do with the appearance of the scar. Or you could just cover it with hair like I did

Maybe that is why the barber shop thought you were a senior? What color is all that chest hair?

 

[WayneGM]

Perhaps the closing job is a factor, but I think there are inherent traits of the patient at play, too. After my surgery, all the nurses and others who inspected my incision remarked on how great a job Dr. David does with the the incision. It was very straight and very evenly sewn up. However, I am just prone to scaring and forming keloids so mine has healed as a very straight, but dark, and somewhat thick, noticable scar. I doubt it will fade enough to blend in to my normal skin tone. And if I live to be 200, I'd never grow enough chest hair to hide it.

Oh well, so since it's impossible to hide, I show it off as a badge of honour

 

[Susan BAV]

I don't know why some scars are worse than others. My surgeon did a beautiful job on mine and it was very thin and clean early on. But, for my dark hair and dark eyes, my skin is pretty light and I tend to freckle and I tend to get thick shiny scars with a bit of the keloid look, though not as bad as many keloid scars I have seen on others.

I was just trying on clothes yesterday and came home with nothing but disappointment because I just can't wear anything, hardly, aside from high-necked items... without that horrid pink scar peeking out and scaring people. I'm in a bit of a gloom over it.

I think I might try to get a tan and maybe that will help it to fade or at least blend somewhat. It'll probably just freckle and be more horrid looking.