Pam's Posts

I have heard different answers from medical professionals. A couple say do nothing, while others say vitamin E products can help. There is also a product mentioned in Adam Picks book (which I recently donated to a future ohs candidate, so I can't readily look it up). At 8 weeks post surgery, my scar is still pronounced with some scabs, so I'll probably follow up to see what others may suggest. Good luck.

I don't seem to remember the details too well. My mitral valve repair was almost 2 years ago. I was warned to stay away from some pain meds. I did take the prescribed meds until I could get along well without them. My pain seemed bad for maybe the first week and then tapered off. I still take a low dose aspirin every day, but that is not for pain. Take what you need until the pain subsides. Make sure it agrees with the doctor's plan for you.

Hi Pam, I can clearly see staples so you probably don't have them. Looks like a zipper. I feel same about medication. I take Percocet but only when I'm feeling pain. Usually just 1 in morning and 1 before bed. If I'm uncomfortable during day I take half. I'm trying to wean off but feel I need them sometimes.

Pam Pain varies quite a bit for each person. I had two chest openings about 3 hrs apart . When I was in CIC waking up the nurse did a double take when I said my pain was 3 out of 10 . When in the step-down unit my pain med was Tylenol only. When I left the hospital I didn't need any pain med.

Pam, of course each individual is different with procedures and pains. I took pain meds for the first two weeks I was home from the hospital. I took them pretty much as described.H During the night my body would wake me up with pain. Then I took the pain meds so that I could get back to sleep. Had twenty one days that I woke up in the middle of the night. I think my new piggy valve thought it was a newborn! When I was able to start lessening the pain meds I took Tylenol during the day, and the other pain meds before bed. It was not long and I was off everything. So do not worry, let your body tell you. If you are in pain, I would encourage you to take whatever you need. By week three I was off everything but tylenol as needed. That is exactly when I started sleeping better. Drop me an email whenever you have time. I am so happy and thankful that you are doing so well my heart sister. Big hugs from Mia.