Post Op open heart surgery, aortic valve replacement, mechanical valve.

Hi.
Just came back home after 7 weeks in Hospital with an open heart surgery, aortic valve replacement, mechanical valve. Still have a pain in my left side in one spot on my ribs or rib when I am breathing in, it's difficult to say. and also uncomfortable filling around my scar. How long it's usually take to heal? and should I start using some cream for scar to heal better? I am new to this site.

Post Edited By Moderator (stkitt) : 10/9/2009 9:00:08 PM (GMT-6)

Tyumen


Hello and welcome to HealingWell, I am so glad you found us.



The sternum (the bone in the middle of your chest), which was opened during surgery will usually take about 12 weeks to heal. The skin incision heals much faster.

There are many ways to close the external heart surgery incision (staples, dissolving stitches, glue), and each surgeon does things a little differently. Inside, the wires or staples that initially hold your sternum together while it heals will stay in your body permanently.

It's normal to feel discomfort in the form of numbness, deep itchiness, tightness, or a burning sensation during healing.

Some people experience a fair amount of pain with their chest incision. The pain may be from from scar tissue, nerve damage, and the overall insult to the system of being opened up. In addition to dealing with the pain, this can be very worrisome - you're always wondering if it's scar pain or heart pain. If you are experiencing pain, please talk it over with your doctor as I am not a professional. :)

Do not put any lotion, cream, or herbal remedies on or around your wound without asking your doctor first.

Again a warm welcome to HealingWell and I am so glad you are home from the hospital after 7 weeks, that was a long stay. Bless you and stick with us.

I wish you peace,

Kitt