Only two discussions with my cardiac surgeon with both accompanied by his PA.?? The first happened?? during heart cath recovery while processing the news of blockages that couldn't be stented.?? She arrived first and presented the need for bi-pass and detailed what was involved.?? When he arrived, the discussion was about when it could be scheduled.
The second was post surgery day three.?? She had visited both day 1 & 2 and on the morning of day 3 they came together and he related that the nursing staff were going to celebrate a rare three day dismissal she had suggested on day 2 was possible.??
That's it.?? Post surgery calls and three visits were all with his PA.
Only one post op (two months) visit with cardiologist with another in two weeks at 4.5 months.?? I don't think he has a PA.
Original Message:
Sent: 9/2/2024 11:30:00 AM
From: Victor Fabry
Subject: RE: Hello
Arlyn,
I have learned to never have consults or discussions with anyone other than a MD.
Vic
Victor Fabry, Founder
Greylock Advisors, LLC
Healed Hearts of New Jersey
Original Message:
Sent: 9/2/2024 8:07:00 AM
From: Arlyn Stewart
Subject: RE: Hello
Before sternum healing, straining ones arms can cause the wires to wear into the bone and thus loosen.?? My surgeon's PA related they had recently had a patient require follow up surgery to install a sternum plate with screws after wires had loosened due to failure to observe weight and motion restrictions.???? I suspect it is rare, but given the warnings... it is no doubt a thing.
Original Message:
Sent: 9/1/2024 2:50:00 PM
From: Michael Brown
Subject: RE: Hello
loose wires? I wouldn't think so. My doctor listens and taps to detect air or fluid pockets that may develop.
And I did ask my surgeon on my 30 day post op follow up about the wiring process as I was curious about how it's done and if the wire is left in or later removed. He said they use surgical wire that has a needle built in to one end. The needle is strong enough to punch thru bone. With a surgical plier, they inserted four wire wraps in my sternum. The two at the top and bottom went thru the bone on each side and the two in the middle went thru the 'meat'. They pull them tight and knot them in a similar method to surgical sutures. The are permanent and are only removed if they cause severe discomfort later on. They won't set off any metal detectors or security wands, which I can confirm.. :). But one of the wires coming loose is not impossible, just highly unlikely.
I can, btw, feel the lump where my wire wraps are on my sternum if I press firmly. Eventually, bone will grow over the wire, just like it does if you have surgical screws in a bone.
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Michael Brown
Retired
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-01-2024 12:42
From: Arlyn Stewart
Subject: Hello
Follow up visits will/should include listening with a stethoscope for clicking of the sternum to detect loose wires.?? Concern that the healing process is going well was a concern I had that is likely typical given the variety of pains and nerve tingling involved.?? Assurances during the visits of no clicking were helpful.??
Original Message:
Sent: 8/31/2024 10:19:00 AM
From: Karen Friedel
Subject: RE: Hello
Hi. Yes, he just had his visit with the surgeon last week, and was given the all clear. His surgeon just said it's his chest healing. And yes, the surgeon seems like a great guy, we met him as an emergency patient, but they always seem in a rush. But, you all know how it is, he was still worried about it. Thank you for all youf answers. I think it make him feel a little better to know it's not uncommon. He has cardio rehab starting in a couple weeks & a visit with his cardiologist right after that, so it's another chance for him to ask questions.
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Karen Friedel
Cleveland GA
Original Message:
Sent: 08-30-2024 10:28
From: Karen Friedel
Subject: Hello
Hi. I'm Karen. I'm the wife of a man who had triple bypass about a month ago. He was complaining of pain on the right side of his chest & since he's gotten the all clear from his Dr. I didn't want to call them. I remembered being handed the brochure for this group & decided to see if there was anyone else having that trouble. Sure enough, lots of people do. So, I will check in here from time to time, since I doubt my husband will.
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Karen Friedel
Cleveland GA
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