Scar following OHS

[Knavesmire27]

Hi all, I had my mitral valve replaced about 12 weeks ago. I just have a quick question about my scar. Whilst it appears to be healing nicely, it can still be itchy and a little tender around the length of the scar but mainly the top half. Now I am not sure if this is from wearing a bra as it does usually feel better when I take it off but just wondered what experience anyone else has had. I am being very good (or trying to be 😊) and not scratching it but any advice would be gratefully received. Thank you

[PadThaiNoodles]

I don’t think it’s the bra as my experience was similar enough. Itchiness and hypersensitivity had pretty much faded by 16 weeks, but I still get some soreness in the top of the breastbone. (I’m currently at about 19 weeks.)

[Murderfan58]

The only scary I have is from my first C section done in 1983. It runs from my belly button to my pubic hair line . It was used again in 1987 when I had another baby and for the final time in 1996 when I had a total hysterectomy. It can still itch even after all these years . I use Cetraben to keep my skin moisturised and takes the itch away. Plus it wouldn't cause any allergic reaction.

Could you put some none stick dressing just under your bra where it is on your scar to pad it and relieve and the pressure.

[Cee-Cee1 in reply to Murderfan58]

As you mention, Murderfan, my sister was recommended Cetraben last year to help with scar irritation and healing when she had a lumpectomy for breast cancer. It's very good and available to buy on Amazon too.

[Murderfan58 in reply to Cee-Cee1]

I got mine from boots . Having the pump action makes it easy to use and you don't waste any. Plus it lasts months . I use it all over my body as having jaundice in 2017 made my skin very sensitive. I use it on my face as well. My skin has never been in such good condition.

[Cee-Cee1 in reply to Murderfan58]

Thank you, Murderfan - I didn't realise it was available in Boots. I'd ordered some online on my sister's recommendation, she told me that the nurses in the breast cancer unit recommend it to everyone. It definitely helped with the itchiness of my bypass scar which even now, three years later, can still get a bit reddish sometimes. As you say, it lasts for months too. I'm now going to try it on my face as well - hadn't thought of that!☺️

[Murderfan58 in reply to Cee-Cee1]

Also I would only use Simple face wash and Simple shower gel . When my mom had radiotherapy for breast cancer they told her to only use Simple products. So I got them for her. A woman who was having radiotherapy at the same time ignored them and used body shop shower gel and got an awful rash they had to halt her treatment until her skin healed then start it from scratch as it took to months to go .

[Murderfan58 in reply to Cee-Cee1]

Should say she used. Simple shampoo and deodorant.

[Cee-Cee1 in reply to Murderfan58]

What a coincidence - I've just added a post to Knavesmire below mentioning Sanex & M&S unperfumed shower gel & soap. I'd forgotten about Simple, I found it really gentle too!☺️

[Murderfan58]

Meant scar not scary 🤦🤦🤦🤦

[Redfloyd]

I'm coming up to 5 months post op, tes I still get a bit of itching at the top of the scar which I do scratch sometimes through my clothes like a T shirt or sweatshirt so I don't cause any redness or bleeding. The acute sharp stinging sensation has all but gone although there is a bit of numbness to my top left chest but I'm led to believe that is where they harvested for my bypass. By the way, I don't wear a bra 😂

[Survivor1952]

I’m at 20 months post surgery and I get itchiness either side of my scar. It’s healed well, especially at the top, but some days ….

[Bluedolphin123]

Hello I had mitral valve surgery 6 months ago and the scar has been absolutely fine - until last week where it had some bubbles ( one which burst) and the scar is more itchy red and seems more pronounced -, I’ve put Savlon on and it seems better but strange it stated changing now .

I’ve been swimming more and been in a jacuzzi recently so maybe I need to be more careful about showering off afterwards xx

[Jazz-62]

hi I had ohs 4weeks ago my scar is itchy also but healing nicely how long was it till you felt really better

[Traveldreams]

12 months post ohs for mitral valve repair. No pain since infection cleared up after about 10 weeks but so itchy!!!!!!

To be honest I wonder if it’s worse in the winter as I don’t remember it being this itchy in July/august. I use L’occitane Shea butter (the one with no additives which is good and the best thing I’ve found).

Top is definitely itchier than bottom but also appears better healed.

The knotted part of my scar at the bottom is still a bit of a mess and it’s all raised. My dads was not as bad so I think women and boobs cause more issues.

[Cee-Cee1]

Hi Knavesmire - I found using any shower gel or soap with any sort if perfume in it, really annoyed my wound for a couple of months after a bypass. M&S and Sanex both do really gentle shower gels with no scents involved - might be worth a try, they certainly helped me.

[Murderfan58 in reply to Cee-Cee1]

That's what I love about this group we care about eachother to try and help about different things when we can 😊

[Cee-Cee1 in reply to Murderfan58]

I completely agree, Murderfan - I've learned so much from this forum, and it's great to read all the very helpful tips from other members. I've had questions answered that I didn't even think to ask!☺️

[Qualipop]

Itchy and tingly can be surface nerves healing in the skin. After a major abdominal operation one area was to tally numb for years but boy did I know about it when the nerves started to heal.