Summer?

Surgery scar

by LondonAndy - 2017-04-29 04:16:20

I rubbed Bio Oil on my scar most days for the first year after surgery, and now the scar is hardly visible at all.

Scar

by TBrous&Chip - 2017-04-29 05:14:39

Most scars are really not that noticeable to non-PM people.  I have seen other people with a scar, realized it is not very noticeable and only paid attention to it because I now know what the scar means.

For me, without the PM and associated minor scar I would not be around. With about 200,000 PM's implanted each year in the U.S. alone there is a good chance you will see other people with the same mark.

At 65 yrs old and male it is a very minor issue for me. Hopefully the scar becomes minor for you also.

scars are part of life

by Tracey_E - 2017-04-29 09:14:18

Do you find yourself wondering about other people's scars? Probably not. Everyone has them, it's part of life. I saw a cool tshirt once that said scars are tattoos with a better story. 

Where is your scar? Mine is off to the side closer to my armpit so it only shows with a tank top or bathing suit. I don't worry about it at all. I wear a tank to the gym every day that shows it.  I'm more comfortable working out in a tank than something with sleeves. Every once in a while someone will ask about it but not often. I smile, say it's my pacemaker, and move on. People follow our lead so it's only a big deal if you make it a big deal.

Summer and scar

by sfp1 - 2017-04-29 14:17:03

Thanks again for all your comments. Tracey, I knew from other comments that you would have a no nonsense, straightforward response. I hope I can be more comfortable like you, Robin, and teebee. Robin, thanks for your comments and advice.

My situation was a little different. I was hospitalized while unemployed. I had been doing temp work while I looked for a full time job. Although I had told the temp agencies I had a bad allergic reaction (which is true, and which was the miracle of how I found out I needed the pacer), one of the temp agencies called the hospital to check on me and found out why I was actually there.

I'm sure the temp agency thought it was for the best for me and their clients, but they would not send me out on any jobs for about 6 weeks after the surgery and I really needed the money...so I have felt concerned about sharing tmi in certain situations...I'm a little more comfortable talking about it in social situations, especially if Lyme disease comes up. I have found it can be a "small" world where so and so knows this other person...and while I'm not a topic of converation for most people...it still makes me feel wary.

LondonAndy, I just looked up BioOil and it has vitamin E! Wow. I should have done that, as my Aunt told me she has had success with vitamin E on scars. Never too late!

I think because I am fair skinned (Irish, Scottish, and British ancestry), I feel like my scar is noticable. I guess I still have to process all my feelings.

Thanks again everyone!

scar- no one worries - only you - no need to worry

by bridgermichael - 2017-04-29 20:16:42

i know you may feel subconscious about your scar but in my experience other people really aren't going to shy away or think we are unusual at all. I have a small scar now ( 15months old  now ) but I do have a visible  pm just below my skin in a pocket of skin created near my breastbone - when I have top off it can be seen- I don't worry though and I really don't think other people do either-  there are many worse problems than a small scar. I have always been open and I have told people at work - ( HR have notes for first aid noted ) it's a good conversation piece and most colleagues are interested in how it works and what the pm does - I have shown anyone who is curious if they have asked- I think it's a good thing to embrace it and recognise it has stabilised your lifestyle and if it shows through a thin top then let it - it really isn't an issue to anyone... 

mike 

Scars

by JannyKay - 2017-04-30 08:19:13

my daughter was involved in a major car accident at just 17 years old.  325 stitches in her face...scars that couldn't be fixed, broken jaw, broken nose, two broken hips and one had to be replaced...scar from the center of her butt all the way down to behind her knee (45 staples) liver was torn, large scar across her stomach....so, this small scar on my chest is nothing.   I am not the least worried if someone sees my scar.  My daughter lives with hers daily.  She is now 43, happily married and has a beautiful little boy.  I am just thankful that my quality of life is so much better and I have a small scar to prove it.

fading

by Tracey_E - 2017-04-30 08:55:24

Fair skin often heals the best in the end. It can take up to a year but it should flatten out and turn white. Keep it out of the sun for that year.

I asked a plastic surgeon how best to minimize a scar. She said just keep it moist with something natural- vitamin e, aloe, stuff like that, just pick one that doesn't have dyes and other chemicals in it. I have a medical grade vitamin e ointment I got from a chiropractor. 

It was illegal to call the hospital and get your medical records. Unless you give permission, no one ever has a right to your medical history. 

I totally get how you feel and I'm sure it feels huge right now, but I've been there. People really are not looking. They may notice the scar but most will not bring it up unless you do.

I very rarely discuss my pacer. Not because I have an issue with it, but because it just plain doesn't come up. Most people don't know I have it, they see another busy mom, probably one who's more active than most. It always amuses me when I get a new one how many poeple I see all the time say they'd forgotten that I had it. (got #5 last year)  

We are not defined by our wonky hearts or our scars. Repeat that as a mantra until you believe it, k? It will get better, I promise.

Tells a story

by Sky - 2017-05-01 00:00:13

I am honestly proud of all of my scars, even my pm scar. They all tell a story about the things I've made it through to be where I am today! So I personally have no issues showing my scars... but if you do...

I have had people tell me to use mederma before, but I never have. It is supposed to help make scaring smaller and less visible :)

I feel that my pm is no ones business.

by Jax - 2017-05-07 19:04:55

I have told close friends and family but that's it.  If I'm asked about my scar-- usually at the gym and usually by strangers I tell people I was stabbed by a pirate.     That's it!!!  Up to me who I share with.   

Aint nobody's business...

by sfp1 - 2017-05-08 21:41:52

Hi Jax,

Thanks for your comment. I tend to be more private about things so it's nice to hear your viewpoint.

I understand Sky, Tracey, Bridger, and Danny's stories, as well. It's been helpful to hear their viewpoints and experiences on how to deal with scars and all the other issues we contend with around our pm. 

I hope you recovered well enough to return fully to Tai Chi.

If I see any pirates coming I'll shout mate!  ;)

Susan