Post op irritable chest scar

[klaymaker969]

Why does clothing irritate my scar following a 3xcabg. I've been home a month now following my op, and I'm finding the sensation caused by clothing touching my scar area unbearable. I'm spending most of the day with no top on, I'm finding this distressing, as it can upset my family especially my granddaughter. My scar is healing well, and has no sign of and rash or infection.

[Hidden]

Hi, having had a double Bypass September 26th I know exactly what you mean. For me the 1st four weeks post Bypass were the worst with regard to itching /severe discomfort and don't get me started on buttons rubbing against the scar! 😅 On top of that I felt sick most days because of the numerous medications 💊 we have to take and I had a post catheter infection! Now, at 12 weeks post op I hardly notice my chest wound, buttons no problem 😊! Altering the time of the day I take my medication has completely sorted the sickness I'm sleeping like a log and havant felt better in years 😄. So, it may be tough going at the moment but once you get past week 5-6 the only way is up! All the best for a happy and healthy New year.

[klaymaker969 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the reply, looking forward to an irritable free New Year. Never been a fan of taking meds, and still getting used to taking the current cocktail. I'm still awaiting post op medicine review via GP, and post op Consultation with surgeon.

[Hidden]

Hello

I am not sure if you are male or female if you are male then I remember seeing the males walking out the Hospital with thin cotton shirts on and leaving them open and knew why because of the scar been female I thought great I will not be able to do that and yes the scars can be painful and clothes can irritate them and I know it is winter when we need more clothing on but if you can keep the heating on and wear a cotton clothing and for now you will have to leave it open

Been a women and it was summer I either wore low cut T shirts or cotton low summer dressers and 16 months o mine can still irritate me sometimes

It will get better though this is early days but you have to do what you have to do while it heals and your family hopefully will accept this and see it as it shows you are a survivor rather than anything else distressing

Give it time it will come good x

[klaymaker969 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the reply, I'm male. Went shopping today and bought what my daughter's call grandad vests, 100% cotton instead of usual medium size I got extra large and they seem to help.

[Hidden in reply to klaymaker969]

Hello

I am pleased you have found something and cotton is best in not irritating a quick thinking to get it bigger to x

[bridgeit]

I've not had major heart surgery, but I have had surgery that has, temporarily, left me with raised, red and easily irritated scars owing to jangling nerve endings on and around the raised edges. I solved the chafing sensation with the help of some large gauze dressing and micropore tape, before later applying some silicon patches to help reduce the scars.

I placed the gauze lightly but firmly right over the scar and taped it into position with micropore. That dressing did not rub or chafe and let lots of air through.

Clothes worn over the top of the dressing no longer irritated my scar as they weren't in direct contact and weren't rubbing.

I applied scar reduction (silicon) patches when the timing was right, i.e. after at least 2 weeks post surgery, and they really helped smooth down the scarring. However, I do not know whether or not a heart bypass scar is appropriate for scar patch intervention.

Here's a link to some products:

amazon.co.uk/s?k=scar+remov...

Silicon patches are generally applied to scars for hours at a time and they are soft and smooth on the damaged skin. I found they had a soothing effect - but do note that if the skin below the patch(es) begins to redden and itch the patch(es) must be removed for a couple of weeks as it's likely a fungal infection developing! That quickly disappears once the patches are off and the scar has thoroughly dried out.

I think it wise for you to seek advice from your clinic before applying any topical product to your particular scar.

Nonetheless, I hope you soon find something that keeps you comfortable.

[gilreid1]

this is very common and I suffered also but this advice (attached) from rehab worked for me. It is apparently the nerve ends healing that cause the sensation.

Desensitize scar

[MarmiteB in reply to gilreid1]

This desensitisation programme is what I used for my chest because I had the same thing - no infection or anything nasty but some nerve damage. Remember that they had to cut through quite a bit to get to your heart. It’s really common. My surgeon actually said that he has had patients coming in with newspaper down their tops to stop material touch their scar.

I had a carrier bag with all sorts of random materials in (as advised in the programme) and I would pull it out 3 times a day and rub my scar with the various textures. It took a couple of weeks but it did get better.

Let us know how you get on! Xx

[klaymaker969 in reply to gilreid1]

Thank for your reply, I start my community rehab in 3 weeks, I have started doing some gentle massage of the scar and surrounding area via info I found on the Bio Oil web site. I'll give a couple of the suggestions you've posted ago, thank

[ChoochSiesta]

Know exactly what you mean, it's like bad sunburn. It's early days for you, it will get better. Mine is now fine. Sneezing still hurts a little though.

[Qualipop]

Any operation cuts the surface nerves in your skin and these little nerves take forever to heal even though the scar has healed. The slightest touch can irritate more than pressing on it would. Perhaps you could try a dry dressing fixed over it that can't move at all.