Scar

Its been 5 weeks since my pm implant op. At first, my scar semed to be healing well (tidy, straight, thin scar). however the last couple of weeks the scar tissue has somewhat widend (about 3 times wider in size) and has become raised. I visited my cardiologist on 24th December and he is happy with my general recovery (still a bit sore, but assured this is normal?). He wants to refer me to a dermatologist to look at scar as he is not happy with it???

I have checked out a few images in the members gallery and mine doesn't appear to look that indifferent (although can't tell how old these are). Have any of you had any issues with the scar tissue and can you make any recommendations to help the healing?

Regards, Gary

3 Comments

Scar Problems

by donb - 2009-12-27 06:12:47

Hi Gary, again. In my welcome post I didn't mention about the little PM issues lots of us have. I've been so lucky with overall health that I wasn't about to worry about the Scars. Well, I'm one that really developes scar tissue, the first in 1945 with major Appendix surgery (the old way), I mean major scar tissue. Next back surgery 1960 L4 & L5, not too bad scarring. Year 2000 Major Lamenectomy back surgery, L1 all the way down to S1, again not much scarring. 1992 was my first PM with 2 replacements till 2003. Scarring became an issue after my 3rd PM, not only outer skin but also PM pouch scarred so bad causing erosion just a year ago.

This past year I've had a complete new St. Jude installation on my right chest with new leads. Looks and feels great. I must add the puch line though.. About 2005 I did a number on my right shoulder, rotor cuff. Talk about pain, that was a winner!!! All the PMs' were a piece of cake as compared. The real question, why no scar at all. So all in all, I do NOT have answers, or the Drs' tell me some people scar more than others as they are not too concerned. My skin Dr. asked, " Do you want to win a d---- Beauty contest"??? Seriously Gary, Use the Vitamin E Oil, it helps your skin. Also being conscious of your scar keeps your mind off other issues, worked for me. Donb






















We All Heal Differently

by ppt - 2009-12-27 12:12:26

My external scar is absolutely fine. You would never know I had surgery. But the scar tissue under the skin is quite extensive. We all heal differently - hopefully a Dermatologist can help you. Good luck !!

Creams and Oils

by ela-girl - 2009-12-27 12:12:31

Hi, Gary

I've heard people using all sorts of creams and oils on the pacer scars to fade them--Bio Oil, Mederma, Vitamin E etc. For me the Mederma made me break out into a rash. I've always been a Vitamin E person and it really works the best...at least for me. I know that TraceyE on here would agree--she uses medical grade Vitamin E...her favorite is atri-e-derm. You also want to protect the area with a good sunscreen if you are out in the sun to keep from damaging the skin or making the scar permanently darker. My EP told me that if you start applying creams to the scar before two months that it really won't do much...I can't remember why...sorry.

Hope this info helps you a bit!
ela-girl

PS: you can also use the "search" feature in the upper right hand corner of the site to bring up old posts regarding scars and creams etc.

You know you're wired when...

You invested in the Energizer battery company.

Member Quotes

I've seen many posts about people being concerned about exercise after having a device so thought I would let you know that yesterday I raced my first marathon since having my pacemaker fitted in fall 2004.