Sara's Posts

I am truly grateful today, November 27, 2019 on the eve of my 1-year anniversary from open Heart Surgery. I am thinking how I felt last year as I prepped emotionally the night before, and in the car early in the morning of the 28th on the way to the hospital. I kept thinking of all of the wonderful and supportive people on this site who had shared their similar emotions, fears, triumphs and friendship (in addition to my sweet mom and husband!!). I can honestly say I don't know how I would have made it without the tremendous support here on this site. A little over a month ago I celebrated by participating in a 7-mile hike in support of breast cancer — it was a breeze — even though the first four miles were uphill . My successful mitral valve repair received thumbs up from my cardiologist earlier this year and I don't need another check up for 2 more years. My scar has not healed so beautifully — but honestly in the scheme of things it's all good!!!! Happy Thanksgiving to the folks here and especially to Adam, who brought us all together.

Hi Heart Warriors - for those of you post-op, would love to hear your comments, suggestions, advice on the appearance of the sternotomy scar. I'll be 9 weeks post-op on Wed (and counting) and have just begun to use "Bio-Oil" which I apply maybe 1-2x a day. I have read about Palmer's Cocoa Butter and Merdema; not sure which is best and/or are they all about the same...? My scar/incision site is still extremely sensitive (still uncomfortable for even light clothing to touch, including soft cotton) and I'm wondering if it's too early to be using a topical treatment. Would love to hear at what stage you started to use something, and what product do you like best? I've also wondered if good old vaseline or vitamin E gel would do just as well. I have to be honest here in this post - the appearance of my scar makes me very, very sad and embarrassed - given that I can't wear 90% of my clothes as the scar just pops out. I know I should be proud like a soldier - I really try to be - but can't deny it makes me depressed. I KNOW I should (and am) be grateful that I'm alive...but I'm still so self conscious (and well, yeah - I get bummed out at the appearance). Some days are harder than others....Blessings to the Heart Warrior Family out there!