I met with my thoracic surgeon addressing the issues I’m having with my cardiac sternum wires… my sternum is completely healed, but I am having tissue absorption and the wires that are holding me together are now starting to pop through the surface of my skin, causing me great pain all the way down the middle of my chest. I have a surgery scheduled in December to have the wires removed but unfortunately, I am self-pay and have no medical insurance. I already paid $141,000 completely out of my pocket to get my mechanical valve put in to save my life. Unfortunately, that has left me in a financial conundrum. Anyone that knows me, knows that I am a very proud, but humble individual. I’ve never asked for help in my life and I’ve never borrowed a dime but I cannot cover the expense. I have absolutely no ego so there’s no chance of that getting shattered, but it’s a hard feeling to explain that I’m asking for help to begin with. I’ve never had to do it, and I do not wanna do it but unfortunately, I don’t think there’s any other way around it. If there’s anybody out there that is willing to help contribute in any way, I will be forever thankful.