Afzal's Journal

Sharon Behl  I had my first mitral valve repair through a mini thoracotomy in November 2021.  I am a regular Hatha yoga practioner and STILL feel like I am working through scar tissue around the incisions slowly but surely.  Sometimes there is a brief pain at the stitching but it does not reoccur or stay long.  I think those areas are continuing to soften and stretch;  it feels like a positive thing.  Perhaps you are feeling the same thing, but never hesitate to ask your doctor in case of infection or other complication.  Best of luck.

Robert Miller  After my first surgery I had no pain and the wound healed very well (could hardly see the incision a few months later). After my second surgery, the wound is still visible (looks pretty good, though) but I did have some discomfort half a year or so after surgery. I seemed to be right at the breast bones where they were cut open. I can also feel some bump. I am not sure if it's the wires that they use to put your bones together. After about another 2 months it mostly went away. Note, it wasn't any pain, just some discomfort. Ask your cardiologist and he might refer you back to the surgeon for more details.