outsdr | Sternum Surgery in Pictures!

Here are some pictures I took during my hospital stay. I'm putting them behind a cut because they're obviously explicitly showing wounds, etc. There is no nudity or flowing blood, nor is there gaping wounds, etc.

Shortly after leaving surgery. Hurray! The wrist guard is to protect the arterial IV from any damage or pulling.

The tube draining the fluid buildup around my heart.

The surgeon went through the same incision as the original surgery; however, it looks like he trimmed the old scar tissue (which had been stretched from the sternum spreading) before stapling it closed. And there are a lot of staples! The incision also seems to extend further at each end than it did originally.

The neck IV. Convenient, yet painful.

The lovely support stockings I had to wear. Elegant and timeless.

The chest tube being prepared for removal.

Removing the neck IV.

Sutures are out.

Plucking free the sutures.

The removed IV, bandage, and cardio lead. I was unable to capture the IV being pulled free, as it required concentration and following the nurse's directions to make it go smoothly. It was quick, yet painful, and slightly uncomfortable. I didn't feel the lead pulling through my vein, really; mostly I felt it as it pulled through my skin. Still, not an experience I want to have again any time soon (if ever!)