3 weeks post cabg op burning skin sensation

[LilLondon]

Feeling good 3 weeks after my operation (5 hours with complications)but docs keen to wean of pain meds. My main discomfort is burning skin across my chest, no rash or redness. Wound healing well but if I touch any skin get extreme pins & needles sensation. Have started using bio oil but any one got any tips or ideas? I'm back to see surgeon next week on 9th.

[Nimble1965]

I have suffered some redness and itchiness on my chest scar and was advised to smear some vasoline on it , which I did for a couple of weeks and it did help . I went to see the nurse at my GP practice a few weeks after my procedure so she could check the scar which might be something to consider too. It’s not uncommon to contract an infection to the scar too which might be the cause, so I would recommend seeing a nurse.As for the pins and needles , I am still numb a little around the left side which is due to having an artery harvested from that area , but have not experienced pins and needles. Remember still early days and your body is recovering.

[LilLondon in reply to Nimble1965]

Many thanks- all makes sense but so reassuring to hear someone’s experience. ❤️

[Nimble1965 in reply to LilLondon]

My absolute pleasure How is the exercise going ? Sleeping ok ?

[Wooodsie]

Hi LilLondon, it is early days so I wouldn't worry too much. My scar did get infected, only slight, and the hospital treated it. I also used the disinfectant wash that they make you use before the op.

Pins and needles could be caused by the nerve endings trying to knit back together.

Don't let the Dr's force you to stop pain killers, we are all different so don't feel bad if you still need them 😊

[LilLondon in reply to Wooodsie]

Many thanks 🙏

[BobbyB1962]

Gosh it's still very early days! I'm 8 mths post CABG x 4 and still have some pains & numbness, itchy scars etc. I use vitamin E cream which helps on the scars. At 3 weeks I was definitely taking painkillers; we're all different but if you need them take them! Remember it's quite a brutal, invasive operation so it'll take some time to be pain free. Good luck with your recovery 🙂

[Rogo23 in reply to BobbyB1962]

You are the master of understatement, 'Quite a brutal, invasive operation'.

17 weeks on, still some definite twinges. 😉

[MountainGoat52]

Pins and needles definitely suggests that the sensation that you are getting is nerve related. Don't forget your chest was cut and then forced apart for several hours. I still have aches three and half years post op. I also occasionally have pins and needles at the sites where the donor blood vessels were harvested.

As for pain killers, I was discharged with a month's supply of Codeine and told to ask my GP if I needed more. Thankfully I only ever needed 1 tablet... the rest remain in the medicine cabinet. I was able to get by on Paracetamol.

I hope the sensations settle down soon.

Gerald

[gilreid1]

Unfortunately this sounds like nerve sensitive and is common. It lasted about sixteen weeks with me but the attached certainly helped I started this on the advice of the rehab team. Please make sure your wound is completely healed I started after about seven weeks. I would also recommend E45 lotion not the cream. The Lothian is easier to massage with Good luck and be patient it will take time

Wound advice

[LilLondon in reply to gilreid1]

That makes so much sense. Thank you.

[Hidden]

Hi LiLondon,

Glad to hear you're healing well. I'm nearly 2 years post CABG and I still get numbness, twinges and aches in my chest, especially on the left hand side. After thee weeks post op I was the same as you, I just tried to avoid anything touching it as much as possible and that seemed to help. After a few more weeks clothing touching the scar area was fine. I never got on with Bio-Oil, I just kept the area clean with a daily shower and left it alone.

Hope you're recovery keeps going well!