Today 1 year since my surgery!

[Nadeje]

Hello hearties, I haven't posted for a while but feel that today it is appropriate for me to scribble few words...

Today it is exactly one year since I waited on a bed in a cardio ward of an excellent Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, full of dread and anticipation to be trollied off to the operating theatre to be cut open and undergo AVR.

It went well, I went home after 5 days in a very uncomfortable bed, and forcing down inedible food to begin my convalescence. I joined this group about 3 weeks later and sent my first post full of questions.

I have had lovely, helpful, encouraging replies from some of you for which I was so grateful.

Thank you all! Especially I want to mention 080311(Pauline), TMeditation, Handel, ToffeeT, Fluffybee

So, 365 days later I am well, the valve is doing it's job, I'm still taking Bisoprolol, Apixaban, Furosemide and not having any unpleasant side effects from any of my meds.

The only problem I have now is with my scar. It developed into a keloid (excessive growth of collagen over the scar tissue) , 'lucky' me!! It can't be cured or removed, fortunately it is over my sternum, I don't expose that part of my body at my age of 71 any more, 🤪 but it's uncomfortable, often very itchy, sometimes hurts, however, it's a small problem that I have, knowing from reading other posts here, that I am very fortunate to endure only this.

I haven't read about keloid scars here , so if anyone out there is suffering with it, please get in touch, would like to know how you cope with it.

I am grateful for the new lease of life, for my improved health, and hope to enjoy it for a bit longer. And I will of course continue reading all the posts here!😊Keep safe and healthy everyone!❤

[080311]

Afternoon Nadeje

Happy anniversary, my goodness that’s seems like a quick year to me, so pleased that you are doing so well, I am coming up 5 years beginning of next month and that as gone quickly too.

I am sorry can’t help with the scar problem but hopefully someone will be along to give some advice.

You wrote about new lease of life, and better health. Agree 100% today I was cleaning the bathroom, we have a wet room, I was lying on the floor cleaning under the lip where the tiles meet the wet flooring and suddenly thought I am 73 had open heart surgery and I am lying full length cleaning 😂 way to go Pauline 😂😂😂

So I wish you continued good health and enjoy your new life.

Best wishes Pauline Xx

[Nadeje in reply to 080311]

Haha! That made me laugh, Pauline! Well, good for you! 👏You're 2 years older than me but I wouldn't attempt that! I look wistfully at my oven which is in need of cleaning, but it is floor level! I would have to lay on the kitchen floor, alas! too narrow, nowhere to put my legs!

Anyway, thanks very much for your reply!

You take care and enjoy your good health, strength and agility ( obviously)😊

Best wishes! And I hope your husband is well too. Monica xxx

[080311 in reply to Nadeje]

Thanks for asking about John, he isn’t too bad, as his off days still, suppose he always will, gets really frustrated about what the stroke took away. He was 80 a couple of weeks ago, our sons made a big fuss of him so that was really nice, the one in Australia had planned to come over but obviously that as gone on the back burner.As for cleaning and being on the floor, all the time I was down there I was wondering how I was going to get up😂 xxx

[Gail1967]

Hi- I’m 2 years on from my surgery & I too have a keloid scar that itches- feels sore etc- especially when I’m hot. I also have a numb yet tingly chest either side. I’ve used bio-oil but tbh I just live with it now. For the 1st time this year I have worn v neck t-shirts/dresses at times - I want to be proud of my scar. Will be interesting if anyone else has practical advice- but for me it’s now more about it happened- you have the scar- be proud.

[Nadeje in reply to Gail1967]

Hi, Gail, wow! Someone else!😊You say: it happened, have a scar, be proud...

I totally agree! I'm not embarrassed at all by my scar , gladly show it to anybody, the look of it doesn't bother me, I don't wear low cut garments anyway, but if the weather gets hot , I will, if anyone doesn't like it, they can avert their eyes!🤪

Mine looks like a pale pink earthworm, or a thick string..when it itches it goes quite dark red. And I have no idea how big it can grow to and if the size it is now is going to remain at present stage? Has yours stopped growing by now? You had your op 2 years ago ..🤔

My concern is the pain, itch, and what to apply on it what I am interested in finding out. It seems to hurt even underneath, inside, I can't explain the sensation exactly.

It doesn't itch nonstop...but I have days when it's bothering me from the moment I wake up. Why that is I haven't yet discovered, what it reacts to???

You say it itches when you're hot, same here, sweat irritates it, that's for sure.

I also tried Bio oil, that caused redness around the scar...I can't put anything on it basically...

Initially, (it started changing it's appearance and developing about 2 months after my surgery, it looks worse now than after the op!) when I was examined by a nurse she gave me leaflet, said it can't be cured, and prescribed silicon gel, I applied the strips I had to cut out from the main piece tightly on the scar, it supposed to prevent it's growth. And to be used for 3 months! No detailed instructions how to use it😩...I struggled, it made the surrounding skin itchy and red, I gave up after 6 weeks.

I normally don't wear a bra, and didn't prior to my surgery, but as the keloid started developing I noticed when my boobs move, their weight pulls on the skin and stretches it downwards and it does hurt. I have to wear one now.

I know it can't be cured or removed and it's a small price to pay for having the chance to live longer and healthier life with the new valve and not suffer the symptoms I had before my op.

Thanks for your reply, I appreciate that.

Be safe! Monica

[Gail1967 in reply to Nadeje]

I can relate to all of that- i wear bralet style tops as can’t tolerate any normal bras though as seems to irritate the area. It has started to settle & keloid has stayed the same. Pic (if allowed is top half of scar)

Scar

[Nadeje in reply to Gail1967]

Thanks Gail! Thank you for the pic, it looks very neat!😊👌And yours has an even thickness all over, at least in the section that I can see, mine is irregular, the thickness of keloid is more prominent (almost like a bubble) in places, and then there are bits where the scar is normal not affected by keloid. It is thickest right between my boobs.

Thank you so much for your input! 🤩😊 Monica

[Gail1967 in reply to Nadeje]

Yes sounds same- mine thick between boobs but then goes to a perfect bit- didn’t think that was an appropriate pic though!!! I’m just over 2 years & it def looks less angry. I had an op on my neck 40 years ago & had to have scar redone due to keloid a few years later so think that’s just my skin!!!

[AShaw]

Hello. I had my triple by pass about year and half ago. All went well. From time to time my scar itches like mad. I asked local chemist for help and she recommended ViraSoothe - chickenpox relief cooling gel. It’s usually for kids. But it did the job. Just thought you might want to try it. Good luck.

[Nadeje in reply to AShaw]

Thank you!!!💜 Any advice is helpful! I have tried petroleum jelly and Bio oil, neither was suitable, I will ask in pharmacy for that gel. You didn't mention if your scar is keloid.🤔 Monica

[AShaw in reply to Nadeje]

Sorry just now read your question. No my scar isn’t as pronounced as yours. Good luck with the gel.

[TMeditation]

Well done on what sounds like a strong recovery. I remember getting real joy in putting considerable distance between myself and my op - yes, I survived I would think 😄. I haven’t suffered with my scar in the way you seem to have but I did have a skin doctor’s recommendation of a sun cream to protect against keloid scarring - La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50+. It’s a bit pricey but you only need a little and I bought mine from Boots. I realise you already have this problem but it might help against further scarring. I hope everything continues to go well for you - you certainly sound like you’re on the up and whilst scarring can take some getting used to, well - you’re still the same person inside - nothing can change that. 😊Sue 🙏

[Nadeje in reply to TMeditation]

Hi Sue and thank you for your post!😊I was asked if I've had keloid previously but I have never had any injury or surgery, have no piercings neither! Just as well!

I'm just unlucky as people who mostly develop keloid scarring are African, Hispanic or Asian and aged between 18 and 30! And it affects more males. Well, I don't belong into any of these groups.🤣

Thanks for recommending the cream, but sun won't ever shine on my chest, I am confident of that! 🤣

Seriously, I don't sunbathe any more as I did in my youth, can't tolerate it really, so I have to take Vitamin D supplement.

I hope you too stay well!

Monica 😊