My Chest Scar After Open Heart Surgery

September 5th, 2007

On Monday, Labor Day, I chose to really enjoy myself. So, I did one of my favorite things…

I WENT TO THE BEACH!!!

As you can see, my family and I went to Manhattan Beach in California and experienced a picture perfect day. We enjoyed the sun, the Pacific Ocean and a picnic of submarine sandwiches.

When I downloaded the photos just now, I immediately noticed the smiles on everybody’s faces. We had so much fun.

Chest Scar After Open Heart Surgery - Twenty One Months Later

Then, I couldn’t help but notice the scar left from my aortic and pulmonary heart valve replacement surgery. (So you know, it is always a little emotional for me when I see a picture of myself without a shirt on.)

However, what struck me most about these pictures was the fact that my scar was barely noticeable. All I could think about was how truly amazing our bodies are. I mean, it’s twenty-one months after open heart surgery and the scar is almost invisible. Absolutely amazing!!!

Just so you know, how far I’ve come. Here is my picture exactly one week after my Ross Procedure.

Heart Surgery Patient Picture One Week After Ross Procedure Valve Replacement Surgery

That said, I did take a number of steps to enhance the healing of my scar. I also learned a number of ways to accelerate recovery and minimize the downside challenges of heart valve surgery. To learn how you can minimize the stress of heart valve surgery for both patients and caregivers, click here.

Keep on tickin,

About The Author: Adam Pick is a double, heart valve surgery patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. This unique book integrates clinical research with the personal experiences of 135 former patients to help future patients and their caregivers better understand the problems, the opportunities and the realities of heart valve surgery. To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here.