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Diagnosis: Mitral Regurgitation

Member Since: September 27, 2014

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Louise Llewellyn posted an update

11 years ago (April 26, 2015)

Nearly 5 months post op and I still have a tender scar. Has anyone else found this?

Clare Auten

Yes. Mine is still red and raised. If you find something to help, let me know.

Lenore Mitchell

Louise - good to hear from you. I'm about 4 months post op, and yes my scar is still a bit tender. I'm using Mederma anti-scar cream, but not sure it's doing much. Initially I had lots of discomfort lying on my left side, but that's diminishing. This is truly... Read more.

Terrie Syvertsen

Me too! At eight months my incision is healed up well in the upper portion but from there down still raised and tender for a good 2 " then healed up below that. Guess with me the center of the breast area is having a tougher time due to activity(painting... Read more.

Tammy Pilcher

Hey Louise! It's good to hear from you! My scar is fine, but I do still have a little soreness at the top of my right breast. I guess it's still healing. My left one was like that too, but is better now. Best wishes!

Louise Llewellyn

Thanks everyone :) Half of it is still sore (sounds similar Terrie) and not able to wear a bra yet. You've reaasured me its early days. I will give Mederma cream a go, am using Bio-oil but not sure it is working. Has anyone had success with the silicon strips?

Steven A Husted

yes it is still sore and worse if i reach or bend to far left or right and i am 9 months out but it will get better time is the healer steve (popeye)

Louise Llewellyn

Hi Steve, great to hear from you. Sorry to hear you're still sore at 9 months. I guess you're right, we just need to give everything the time it needs.

Louise Llewellyn

Had an appointment with my cardiologist today and he confirmed I have a keloid scar, which is causing the soreness. He has prescribed CICA-care, a silicon gel sheet. It is meant to be up to 90% effective in the improvement of red or raised scars. This might be of interest... Read more.

Louise Llewellyn posted an update

11 years ago (April 1, 2015)

4 months on I can honestly say that heart surgery is an emotional roller coaster. It really does change you. It's humbling. It reinforces your priorities and values and you treasure your loved ones more than you thought possible. You really appreciate the kindness of others and come to realise... Read more.

👍 Nancy D and Joyce Shelby reacted to this

Nancy D

yes indeed! 7 months out and it is a roller coaster- I used the same phrase in a recent journal rambling entry! But, life tends to be that, and although I am better now than I was going in, not sure I will ever be the same, it is my... Read more.

Tammy Pilcher

Louise, it's good to hear you're doing well and I completely agree with your description of the emotions that come with this journey! Prayers and best wishes on your continued recovery!

Lillian Mark

Hi louise,that is all part of the package, but it is not tied up all neatly with a perfect little bow on top. It is a rough road filled with gifts. For as individual each of our experiences are,there is so much heart mates have in common. No need to... Read more.

Tammi Gunwall

My thoughts exactly Louise. I just posted something very similar in my journal earlier today. I love Lillian's comment too..."It is a rough road filled with gifts". So very true!! Change is good. I'm feeling much the same. I have no doubt you are on the right path!! God bless!

Louise Llewellyn

So true Nancy, you see everything in a new light. You mentioned that you're not sure you will ever be the same - I do hope you're well on the way to recovery.

Louise Llewellyn

Lovely to hear from you again Tammy. I was just thinking about you and hoping you were OK. You were such a support pre-op, thank you! It would be lovely to hear your news.

Louise Llewellyn

Aww Lillian, thank you! It is great to belong to this unique community where everyone gets you. Healthy heart wishes to you too!

Louise Llewellyn

I've just read your journal Tammi, it's inspirational and I can so relate! I love that you're using this experience as a positive reminder to move forward in life with gratitude and purpose. It would be lovely to stay in touch. Take care.

Nancy D

oh yes Louise, I am more than well on my way to recovery! Just a life experience such as this leaves you changed, in many aspects, and most all of mine are good ones!!

Louise Llewellyn posted an update

11 years ago (December 4, 2014)

Thank you for all your good wishes. The operation was a success, yay! Apologies for not updating earlier but recovery has been a little tricky and only now back online. Had operation last Thursday and after a week in ICU and HDU am OK to be transferred to the general... Read more.

👍 Darrell Thomas reacted to this

Darrell Thomas

Great news Louise. Hope your recovery continues well and your recovery time short!

Joseph Ballett

Glad to here your doing well and looking forward to your update's, take care!

Joan Napier

Louise, it's great to hear that your surgery was a success! Wishing you all the best for a smooth recovery from here on out.

Tammy Pilcher

It's great to hear the surgery was a success, Louise! I hope the recovery gets better too! Take care and we'll keep you in our prayers sister. Tammy

Nancy D

Great news that you are done with surgery and progressing!! Recovery can be tricky- it is fluid and individual as you are. Very few are without the occasional bump in the road, but you are in good hands there, and we are praying and pulling for you! You can and... Read more.

Joan Napier

Nancy, thanks for verbalizing what I have come to realize about recovery! Ups and downs, and bumps in the road are more the norm. Had a long talk with my CV NP yesterday and that is exactly what she said! We will all be stronger than ever physically and mentally... Read more.