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Suggest Treatment For Sensitive Painful Scar Of Open Chest Surgery
Posted on
Tue, 30 Dec 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 30 Dec 2014
Answered on
Fri, 16 Jan 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : I had open chest surgery over 1 year ago and the scar is still extremely sensitive, painful and itchy around it.
why is this and will it ever end
why is this and will it ever end
Brief Answer:
It's a nerve issue
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal.
I have read your query.
I think I would be able to help you.
You see when you cut the skin as in surgery, lots of nerves are also damaged. The nerves don't always grow back completely but they try to grow always. Some very small nerve endings are raw.
The area therefore becomes extremely sensitive. Sometimes there is pain because of the raw nerves.
The pain can vary in ontensirt and duration often lasting few years. It depends on the healing process and so accurate tome cannot be suggested.
However, I usually suggest a prescription of carbamazepine, amitryptiline or pregabalin along with vitamin B 12 to my patients. I have found the medicines to be effective.
So you may consider meeting a doctor for the prescription.
I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope that the information helps you. Please feel free to contact us for more information. Best of luck. Dr Mittal.
It's a nerve issue
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal.
I have read your query.
I think I would be able to help you.
You see when you cut the skin as in surgery, lots of nerves are also damaged. The nerves don't always grow back completely but they try to grow always. Some very small nerve endings are raw.
The area therefore becomes extremely sensitive. Sometimes there is pain because of the raw nerves.
The pain can vary in ontensirt and duration often lasting few years. It depends on the healing process and so accurate tome cannot be suggested.
However, I usually suggest a prescription of carbamazepine, amitryptiline or pregabalin along with vitamin B 12 to my patients. I have found the medicines to be effective.
So you may consider meeting a doctor for the prescription.
I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope that the information helps you. Please feel free to contact us for more information. Best of luck. Dr Mittal.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Thank you for your information.
Another symptom is being emotionally labile. I cry without cause. This comes and goes.
Is this something from the surgery and should I be worried.
thank you.
Another symptom is being emotionally labile. I cry without cause. This comes and goes.
Is this something from the surgery and should I be worried.
thank you.
Brief Answer:
Sounds like depression
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Good to recieve your return query.
Major surgeries and thereafter prolonged pain are known to cause depressive symptoms. This includes crying without cause of otherwise insignificant cause. It is a part of depression that one gets due to prolonged discomfort.
If it is not bothering you, I would not consider it important as of now. However confiding in a friend and talking about it may help.
I hope that the information helps.
Best of luck
Dr Mittal
Sounds like depression
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Good to recieve your return query.
Major surgeries and thereafter prolonged pain are known to cause depressive symptoms. This includes crying without cause of otherwise insignificant cause. It is a part of depression that one gets due to prolonged discomfort.
If it is not bothering you, I would not consider it important as of now. However confiding in a friend and talking about it may help.
I hope that the information helps.
Best of luck
Dr Mittal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
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