Battle scar in hols 🙂

[Markyboy1903]

Was very para about my scar especially as it's only 3 months old on holiday but feeling ok now 👍👍👍

[kentishbunny1]

Hello

Wear your scar with pride, you have been through so much, be proud , we are all strong and you are a member of the zipper club, a club I am very proud to be in !

[Gail1967 in reply to kentishbunny1]

Is the zipper club an official club? I see there is a Facebook page but seems to be us based

[kentishbunny1 in reply to Gail1967]

Hi I don’t know if it an official club, it should be !

[northwesterner]

I have just become a member of the zippier club! I was told keep sun off the scar for at least two years and use Maderma cream twice a day right on the scar.

[SerenK in reply to northwesterner]

Can I ask about the cream you use, what is it for?

[northwesterner in reply to SerenK]

The cream is made to reduce the appearance of scars and my surgeon recommended it and said to apply it twice a day but to wait a couple weeks after surgery. It comes in a small tube either cream or gel called: MEDERMA scar cream

[SerenK in reply to northwesterner]

I'll bear it in mind, my skin usually heals well, but never say never.

[Gail1967]

After just over 2 months I definitely see my scar as a battle scar and reminder of how lucky I am to still be here and have my dodgy heart sorted!!! Think the bikini days are over though!!!

[Markyboy1903 in reply to Gail1967]

Yeah I've had mine covered up the last few days as it's hitting over 30° now and not taking any chances

[Hidden]

Just come back from Greece yesterday showed my scar with pride.Many people asked me about it,when I told them they kept giving me ouzo Great holiday but I can't remember much about it.ah ah.xxx

[Markyboy1903 in reply to Hidden]

Lol brilliant! I've just had people stare at mine but I've now had it covered up the last couple of days!!

[Healthyheart1]

Yes as said wear it with pride, also protect the rest of your skin, your in a great club. Be loud be proud. X sheena

[thetidders]

It’s 14 months since my triple bypass & I still put factor 50 sunscreen on my scar. We’re on a river cruise at the moment, at present we’re going through Serbia & it’s been very hot so I’m being very careful. Have had no problems.

Jean

[Markyboy1903 in reply to thetidders]

Yeah I had factor 50 on the first couple of days but now totally covered up. Enjoy your cruise 🙂🙂🙂

[Hidden]

Its a battle honour - a scar to be proud of - I know someone who had a tattoo of a zip put over the scar just to emphasise it. Np on should be intimidated or bothered about any scar that is visible - just proved you are unbeatable

[Markyboy1903 in reply to Hidden]

Yeah I'm getting something similar early next year as I have a copy of my ECG trace from my cardiologist. Hopefully getting it coming from the top of my scar 👍

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Mine is fairly faded a year on. I have done nothing special apart from only using Dove, or similar soap. On discharge I was told exposure to the air was good but not direct sun.

Mark, you do look rather to red. I think you need to be careful not to burn.

[Markyboy1903 in reply to MichaelJH]

Burnt to a crisp on day one and still wearing a t-shirt 5 days later 🙄 that's with factor 30 on as well...had factor 50 on and round my scar hence it being pure white

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Markyboy1903]

Explains the artistic shading! 😁

[Markyboy1903 in reply to MichaelJH]

Yeah it's not a good look 😄

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Markyboy1903]

If you make a template for next time you could create a heraldic vair! 🌝

[Hidden in reply to Markyboy1903]

Yeah, your Sunburn looks worse than the Scar lol!

[Dractrek]

Wear them with pride. I’m in shorts everyday, makes interesting conversation when people notice the full leg scars 🤗

[Hidden]

Mark how's your walking schedule I m one week post what roughly where you walking daily any tips appreciated

Regards

Len123

[Markyboy1903 in reply to Hidden]

Just take one day at a time Len even just walking round the house the first week is more than fine. When you head out just set a goal each like to the end of the road then a bit further the following day but don't beat yourself up if you can't manage it'll take time. It's a marathon not a sprint 👍 I'm now walking 6 miles a day but if I don't feel up to it I have a rest day. I'm now 5 weeks into a cardio workout at the gym which has built my confidence right back up 🙂

How are you feeling anyway?

[Hidden in reply to Markyboy1903]

Ist week out the jubilee walking car park up down stairs can end up knackered sleeping for a few hours learning process but trying not to excert my self bit breathless but doing the breathing exercises know the lungs take a bit of a pounding during the op but can't wait get to rehab

[Markyboy1903 in reply to Hidden]

Yeah you will sleep lot the first few weeks but that's totally fine as you say you're body has been through a lot. The rehab classes are good but don't expect that till at least 8/9 weeks post op

[Grayjay]

Yes take care of it for the first couple of years and you will hardly notice it afterwards.

[sos007]

I had triple bypass surgery 4 years ago. Initially I was somewhat sensitive about it however, my chest is hairy and it covers it up well.

Unlike some of the cavalier responses you have had, I don't agree that you should wear it with pride. For the vast majority of people, coronary artery disease is avoidable. I was 52 years old when I had the surgery and I take full responsibility for having a bad diet and lifestyle that resulted in arterial stenosis, and I am not proud of it.

"The surgery has not resolved your disease, you have simply bought yourself some time, maybe 10-15 years. If you don't make immediate dietary and lifestyle changes - you may end up under the knife again." That's what my cardiologist told me after the surgery. He was absolutely right.

I have since educated myself (I have spent 3 years studying medical journals and reviewing medical studies) about heart disease, cholesterol and various other drugs and medical conditions.

The statins gave me severe muscle pain to the point that I could not move my left shoulder.

About 9 months after my surgery I determined that I would resolve my health problems naturally.

I radically changed my diet and lifestyle and over the next 10 months lost 40 lbs to achieve my natural body weight. As a result I was able to stop ALL of the medications I was given, the beta-blocker, the blood pressure pill, the statin, the blood thinner and the baby aspirin.

I am now in the best shape of my life, all of medical conditions (leaky valve, back pain, sleep apnea, GERD) have resolved, and my blood work is now optimal.

If you haven't already done so, you should modify your diet and lifestyle to address your CAD.

The Mediterranean Diet is considered the best diet for health. You should also walk daily for at least 30 minutes and ideally up to 60 minutes, if you are able to.

Make these dietary and lifestyle changes immediately.

Avoid all sugars, simple carbohydrates and processed foods.

Increase your intake of legumes, vegetables, fruits, avocado, nuts and seeds, and have cold-water fish such as salmon, 2-3 days per week.

Watch these 3 videos:

youtu.be/ZSpB-j5DL9E(Not working as expected?)

youtu.be/K3ksKkCOgTw(Not working as expected?)

youtu.be/klnYh7SZRic(Not working as expected?)

Good luck.

[Markyboy1903 in reply to sos007]

My scar wasn't brought on from bypass surgery mine was from a hole Ive had in my heart since birth and was opened up to close the hole before I had any serious problems later in life.

[sos007 in reply to Markyboy1903]

I see - well then - I wish you well and I'm sure over time you will become desensitized as I did. I still encourage you to pursue the dietary and lifestyle advice - it can only help you.

[Heather1957 in reply to sos007]

Sorry but I have to say this is a miserable reply!!

I don't want to type more in case I offend people but I find the reply totally patronising.

[sos007 in reply to Heather1957]

I find people who don't mind their own business arrogant.

[Hidden in reply to sos007]

Think I'll go and have a big fry up followed by a big cream cake.Get a life pal.x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Sounds lovely. Can I come (please) ??? Lol

[Ianc2 in reply to Heather1957]

Have you got a rather fine scar down the middle of your chest?

[Heather1957 in reply to Ianc2]

I have , I posted a picture a few weeks ago on my 2 year 'anniversary'. Luckily it disappears into my cleavage so it isn't AS noticeable 😁

[Markyboy1903 in reply to Heather1957]

I had to take a few hours to digest what he had said! I'm very fit and active and as a type 2 diabetic I have to watch my carb and suger intake or I'm in trouble..as I had to point out my OHS was for an ASD hole closer not through heart disease...I was born with my condition and there is nothing that could have prevented it

[Heather1957 in reply to Markyboy1903]

Fortunately most people on here are supportive which I found invaluable before and after my op.

As you say your op wasn't associated with your life style but for those of us who maybe have been a bit naughty, we don't need to be admonished like children.

Usually the experience is enough to shake us up and make the necessary changes.

I hope you continue to improve and the op was a complete success.

[Markyboy1903 in reply to Heather1957]

Thank you I don't judge anyone on here if you have been as you say naughty going through OHS either way is a very scary experience. I have had 3 heart operations in less than a year and do have 2 stents. My family has a serious history with heart problems and I've seen it all. My own mother has had 3 heart attacks 🙁 Im in full agreement about all your comments here 👍👍👍

[Heather1957 in reply to Markyboy1903]

OMG 3 ops!! You've definitely gone though a lot.

As well as having a questionable lifestyle history I too am a type 2 diabetic and my dad died at 52 of a heart attack and heart problems run in his side of the family.

Sometimes I need a kick up the backside and know there are people here who will do that but in a far more supportive way (thankfully)

[Markyboy1903 in reply to Heather1957]

My diabetes has been miss managed over the year with my meds.... I was on for 2 years and shouldn't have been at all because of my congenital heart defect!!! All settled now though 👍 Yeah had first surgery last November and last one in march! I'm totally drained from it all but stronger mentally. Same I'm 45 and have my full life in front of me and feel like I've had a second chance now as my CHD was only discovered 2 years ago!

[Hidden in reply to Markyboy1903]

You are right, we are not here to judge but to support. Thankfully the majority of people here are very supportive.

Sorry to hear that you’ve been through so much recently. Hopefully you can now focus on a full recovery, and put this all behind you.

I certainly wouldn’t be bothered about people seeing the scar. I’m not going to hide mine, except from the sun - no worries there though, not this year anyway 😁.

[Heather1957]

I went on holiday abroad 4 months after my op and used complete sun cover over my scar and kept applying. I like to sunbath as it clears up my psoriasis but also wanted to protect the scar area - a few hot holidays later and it is still covered when needed.

Other than that I hope you enjoyed the holiday.

[Hidden]

I went to see my doctor for the first time yesterday after surgery seven weeks ago wearing a sundress 😃 I feel quite proud of my scar it proves I’m a survivor ❤️ I had to smile when my doctor said that I needed to invent a story like I’d been attacked by a shark or something equally exciting 😬 but open heart surgery was exciting enough for me thanks very much 😉. I too was told to protect my scar in the sun. Have a great holiday.

[Heather1957 in reply to Hidden]

Good for you. Being a survivor IS something to be proud of - beats the alternative.

[Hidden in reply to Heather1957]

It sure does Heather 😇

[Markyboy1903 in reply to Hidden]

Awesome yeah I couldn't wait to show it off after I'd had mine done but was a bit paranoid here in holiday but seemed to be over it now and wearing factor 50 and showing it if with pride 🙂

[Inamoment]

The scar is magnificent, really impressive. The sunburn isn't, what were you thinking?

[Markyboy1903 in reply to Inamoment]

Ha ha yeah I thought I had it covered but no 🙁🙁🙁 all good now 6 days in as it's tanning well 😉

[Hidden]

Hi Gunsmoke. How are you today lol?