Soggy's Photos

Soggy Rodent  Thank you :)... It's been interesting hearing people's comments about my scar like, "Are you going to get cosmetic surgery on that?" "You should get a tattoo on your chest to deflect attention away from your scar." "I don't want to see that, it looks angry." My answer tends to be that I'm gonna have it out in the open because it's a sign that I've been through some shit, hah!

Civita Fahey  People can be really ignorant, I feel.. seriously, we that carry a scar have been through a lot and if we want to expose it then so be it.. why should you hide it.. it doesn't make you less beautiful, in fact, I think it makes us more beautiful (inside and out ) as we have become stronger people.. Proudly display it Soggy, I don't hide mine.. it will eventually get lite and it won't seen much, but until then be proud!

Marie Myers  I agree with Civita. I work with a nurse who has had a heart transplant 10 years ago. We always do a "virtual " Chest Bump when we see each other!
We have "Scar Pride" !!!

Laura Jacobs  I cannot believe that people say things like that to you. That's terrible. I think your scar looks really good. It is also so straight and tidy. Mine is only 3 weeks old and still scabby etc. My scar is squiggly (back and forth) and not a straight line at all and I have a big lump on the top of it about the size of a half walnut. I hope it will get straighter once the sealant wears off. My cardiologist seems to think that the bump will reduce in size but will not disappear all together. I am hoping that the bump will go away....has anyone healed completely and been left with a lump at the top of the scar?

Marie Myers  My bump is much less defined at 3 months post op. My heart transplant friend has no noticeable bump at all.

Soggy Rodent  When my scar was new, it looked like the bones weren't wired together so that they would lie flat. My chest looked like at old fashioned tent. That has now flattened out. The only deformity that remains is under the skin. I can feel a lot of strange shapes under the skin that weren't there before. I'm guessing the shapes are where the bones have gaps between them when wired together and/or the wires themselves. I'm wondering if what you're describing, Laura, are the wires. I know somebody else who had wires that left a lump and he was told it would always be there. It's gone down but never went away completely.

Soggy Rodent  I agree, Marie, scar pride! I just went to the gym for the first time with my scar out. I expect people to stare because it's not common to see somebody my age with a scar like this. I think people take your lead. If you act embarrassed, people will say awkward, weird things. If you walk with your shoulders back and chest out, with pride, your scar won't get as much attention, knuckleheads aside ;)

Soggy Rodent  While visiting a friend in Oregon, where cannabis is legal, she gave me a balm to put on my scar. The ingredients were CBD (a chemical in cannabis that is non-psychoactive and has pain relieving and anti-inflammatory effects) and a number of other natural oils, such as avocado and coconut oil. My scar responded very well to it. It flattened out and became less inflamed. When I got home, I left the balm behind and started putting Vit E on my scar because I've heard many people attest to how wonderful it is. However, Vit E had the opposite effect for me. It made my scar angry and it became raised again. I have just procured more balm with CBD. I will keep you all posted on how well it works.

Marie Myers  Can you get that balm on line? ( I am guessing probably not ). And also, yes, the wires under the skin do create a little bump. I have 2 areas that are a little noticeable due to wires. I think they are for keeps. But like you said, if you act self conscious and awkward, others will too. .

Soggy Rodent  CBD creams can be found on-line. I would suspect that healthfood stores would probably carry it as well. There is also a CBD oil that is taken orally for anxiety.

Marlene Valenciana  Rita I bought some vitamin e oil and use it everyday. You can hardly see the scar now it's 4 no old. Hang in there..

Soggy Rodent  One week after surgery, it was a huge challenge to take a shower. 5wks post-surgery and this is my challenge. I can't wait to be able to jog again. It's been so long...

Soggy Rodent  Before... I started walking very slowly. First, holding my pillow to my chest and only around the house. Then, I walked only to my next door neighbor's driveway. Then I made it to the corner of my street. Little by little, I made it to the stairs. I rest a lot inbetween walks... You'll get there when your body is ready...

Barbara Helen Dance  Hi thank you for your message, now that I am on the last week countdown, its soooooooo, very hard not to keep thinking " this time next week I will have been admitted ready for my surgery on the 4th July. But after my. Messages of support, I take a deep breath, and recover my composure, (oh .a..and of course breath out...... and untill the next time.....I'm fine...😖😞😓. I hope your recovery is going to plan, and I wish you all love and best wishes for your hearts future.xx

Phyllis Petersen  Wow! I'm glad to see they replaced in time. Good for you fighting for your needs, especially with what they found. Good luck in your recovery!