Lump above scar went down now back again?

[Summerlavender]

Hi, I’m 49 and four and a half weeks post op from having a mechanical aortic valve replacement, all has been healing well and no issues except Afib which is still popping back for a visit every now and then.

The lump above my scar went down after the first few weeks and I noticed yesterday that it’s a lot more prominent again, that area feels a little more uncomfortable than it did but not terribly so. There’s no heat or redness and I have been doing a bit more the last few days. I am seeing the surgeon this week so will of course ask, but was wondering if anyone had experience of this, I expected recovery to be a steady progression, perhaps I’m expecting too much though and it’s a bit more up and down that that! Thank you in advance 🙂

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I had a triple bypass a couple of years ago and even now sometimes it can come up like a lump at the top of the scar

I have shown my Doctor several times and she says it is nothing so not sure why this happens but I am glad you have an appointment coming up as I am sure they will tell you and it is a good sign it is not hot or red as that is usually of something gets infected which needs looking at sooner

We do expect a lot sometimes after these procedures but it can take time so be kind to yourself

Let us know how you get on x

[Summerlavender in reply to BeKind28-]

Thank you so much for your reply it’s very kind 😊 it’s all such a whirlwind and it can be hard not knowing what is normal when you don’t know anyone that’s had heart surgery. I hope you are feeling the benefits of the bypass and are fully recovered now 🙂

[BeKind28- in reply to Summerlavender]

Hello

That is one word to use a whirlwind

I had an infection at the bottom of my scar which needed treating but they cleared it up but I do have this lump at the top and sometimes I feel it more than others but as I said my Doctor just says grizzle kind of think so I do not let it concern me and you can get reassurance with your appointment

I have struggled with the mental side of my op and still am but thank you so much for asking and let us know what they say they think yours is due to it will be interesting ti hear what they say x

[Summerlavender]

Hi Bekind,

Sorry to hear you have found it difficult, at the moment I just feel elated that the operation is over with, I’m sure things will sink in later!

I’m going today to see the surgeon so will post back afterwards what he says 🙂

[Summerlavender]

Hi, just a little update,

The cardiac surgeon said that it’s where the stitches dissolve internally after a few weeks and the everything pulls a bit so can get swollen again 😳 I had a more in-depth chat with the head nurse and he said it can come and go and can take a long time to fully heal, everyone is different and it’s normal as it’s such a trauma to the body, even though it’s planned surgery and nothing to worry about. 😊

I’m now more worried as I’ve been referred to a consultant as my heart rate is still all over the place which might mean another procedure if it doesn’t settle, so frustrating, sort one problem then on to the next 😆