LHM Youth Lifestyle Information – Scars

Scars may be something that you are self-conscious about.

It might be something you feel fine about but let us have a little chat about scars just in case.

What does my scar represent?

As a young person living with half a working heart you will have had at least three open heart operations, because of this there is a very good chance you have a scar running down the middle of your chest. You may also have other scars too!

We know that if you sometimes look a bit different to your mates it can make you feel a bit different. Who said different was a bad thing? Everyone is a bit different.  Remember you are a strong young person that has survived lots of operations and your scars are proof of how strong you are.

You have earned the right to decide whether you want to show your scar or not. No-one can tell you how comfortable you should feel or how much you should show.

“I now realise that my scars are not a sign of weakness, they show how brave and strong I am and they highlight the journey that is my life. I shouldn’t be ashamed of my scars, they don’t make me weak. I’m not weak. I’m strong." – Colbie-Kate.

Remember your true friends are the ones that see you for who you are, not the scars you wear. If someone decides to be nasty about your scars you have every right to speak to a trusted adult, being nasty about your scars is bullying.  If this has happened to you and you would like to have a chat about it with a member of the youth support team you can do so on the LHM Youth Hub if you are a member.

Our LHM Youth members are welcomed at our youth events where sometimes we offer  scar empowerment workshops helping young people with half a working heart embrace life with their scars.

Dressing with my scar

How you dress with your scar is completely your choice. Whether you are comfortable showing your scar or not it is important you dress in a way that is comfortable and good for the weather.

Some of our youth members with half a working heart have told us they are comfortable showing their scar when they are out and about and some are not. There is no wrong or right answer.

We know that sometimes if you show your scar, people may look or even ask questions. If these questions are asked in a polite way you can decide whether or not you would like to answer them, if people are being rude you are in your right to remove yourself from the situation without giving any explanation.

No one has the right to be rude to you or try to tell you what you should or should not wear.

‘’My scar isn’t that visible from a distance and some people if they found out I had one, would look at me blankly as I don’t go around telling people and showing it off!!

Something I have learnt is it’s my trophy for life and that trophy will always stay on me (my scar) and just like all the LHM family it shows how much I have been through and shows I am a strong person.’’ - Helena

Scar FAQs

Sometimes young people with half a working heart have questions about their scars. Here are a few of our frequently asked questions

Will my scar open if I bang into it?

Once a scar has healed after surgery a small bang on the chest is unlikely to open it. Forceful bangs to the chest might cause problems with the sternum, the bone at the top of the chest. It will have fused together after surgery and it is held together with wire but a forceful bang may put it out of line. This is one of the reasons that contact sports is not a good idea.

My scar is really itchy sometimes, why?

Itching around a scar line is totally normal as the skin is more sensitive having been sewn together. If the wound starts to weep or the itching becomes excessive then always seek medical help.

I know what my scar down my chest was from but what are the others?

The main scar down your chest will have been from all of your operations. The small lines and star like scars lower down your chest will have come from where drains and drips were inserted and then removed.

I am only 12 now, but will my scar affect my chest when I grow?

Skin grows with us as our body grows so your scar will stretch as you get bigger. Sometimes there can be small areas of a scar that do not grow in a straight-line or that become a little bumpy. In most cases that is nothing to worry about but if you are concerned show your cardiac doctor next time you see them.

If you have any other questions Lexie is available to help – you can email her at lexie@lhm.org.uk