How long before the septal myectomy scar stops itching?

Posted by mbi @mbi, Feb 18 1:22pm

I had my septal myectomy last September 26th.
It was so much easier than I thought it would be. I’m walking 3-6 miles daily and almost feel totally back to normal except for one thing.
My surgical scar continues to itch and I’m wondering if this is normal or if anyone else has had this almost 5 months out?

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Debra, Volunteer Mentor | @karukgirl | Feb 18 5:44pm

Hi @mbi,
I'm happy to hear you are doing so well after only four months.
I do not remember my gnarly looking chest incision being "itchy" but I do recall one of the cardiac rehab nurses telling me after about the same time frame, that the nerves are the last ones to heal...perhaps this is all part of the healing process?
Mine was super sensitive afterwards for several weeks...I could not let anything touch it. No. No way! I thought that was a weird deal.
Have you asked your doctor about this?

mbi | @mbi | Feb 18 7:17pm

No, I had so many other questions that I forgot about that, lol.
At first it felt like someone was rubbing sandpaper on it and really hurt. Now I’m past that and it’s itchy.
Also, the tissue on the side of the scar felt bruised after about 9 weeks.
But now that’s less also. I was like you- hurt to even touch it.

Linda, Volunteer Mentor | @walkinggirl | Feb 19 9:47am

In reply to @mbi "No, I had so many other questions that I forgot about that, lol. At first it..." + (show)

@mbi I am sorry to read you are experiencing itchiness, I have no recollection of that! Suggestion: Ask your doctor if an anti-itch cream could be used, after 4-5 months it may be unnecessary to ask, though.

bettyann6 | @bettyann6 | Feb 20 11:24am

I also had that itching after my open heart surgery. It was miserable, and I sympathize with you. But my dermatologist suggested I buy some Silicone Scar Sheets, and that solved that problem. I bought them at Walgreens. They aren’t cheap, about $30 I think. But they are washable and reusable. I hope this helps.

mcordeiro | @mcordeiro | Mar 3 6:51pm

mine still itches mainly at night and I am 5 1/2 years post mitral valve replacement. Asked my dermatologist about it and she said probably because Im busy during the day and don't notice it. It's not bothersome to me at all. I just scratch it and be done with it.