Is there any treatment to relieve the physical discomfort caused by an abdominal scar?

Question

I had abdominal surgery several years ago. I no longer live near the surgeon who performed the surgery. The surgery was to remove abnormal tissue but the tissue was not cancerous.

The scar resulting from the procedure is an inch thick (rope-like) that stretches from one hip bone to the other. I'm not concerned with the appearance of the scar but it causes me physical discomfort.

Since the surgery, I gained 20 pounds (I don't know if that is relevant) to the discomfort caused by the scar. I'm not significantly overweight and I exercise three times per week.

The scar feels like a rope pulling tight from hip bone to hip bone. It isn't bothersome when I'm physically active but when I sit done to read or watch TV it is so distracting and uncomfortable I cannot relax.

I'm concerned that my insurance would consider any surgical treatment cosmetic and not covered the procedure so I would first like to first a try non-invasive treatment.

Answer 1

I got such a bad scar (called a keloid) after my first surgery (CS). Just like it was so uncomfortable especialy after I gained weight. There are so many creams and I tried quite few of them but due to a thick scar I had, it only offered very short and temporary relief. Nothing of those creams gave actual help. I had another operation with incision on the area with a scar. My doctor had the keloid removed and stitched the wound not in a classical way. I got relieved from such scar and I am so thankful that it did not formed keloid again.
So with your scar that thick,you may want to give a try the use of creams which probably could give some positive result as I was told that the response to cream are individual variable. They are quite expensive though and supposing they won't be effective, then at the end you will resort to going on another surgery. That would be bad as your expenses actually will be more. The choice is yours.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

This should be covered by insurance as it sounds like reconstruction as opposed to elective (which is not covered)
I had two c-sections with my children and I get the same pain. It is the scar tissue that causes the discomfort. But if it is really paining you the doctor might have stitched a little bit too much tissue when closing the incision. A simple ultrasound should be able to tell you whether this is the case. The only suggestion I can offer is not to tense your abdominal muscles when you stand up or hold a pillow or cushion against your stomach as you get up from either a sitting position or out of bed. This is what is recommended after having c-sections. Good luck

Answer 4

You may have developed what's called a scar neuroma, when superficial nerves that were cut during your surgery begin to cause pain. This can occur after any surgery or trauma. You can talk with a general surgeon or pain specialist about treatment, but that could include simple injections of local anesthetics (like Novocain), numbing creams or patches, oral medications for nerve pain, or freezing of the nerves (cryoablation).

Answer 5

Scar medications are only going to soften the scar and reduce it's appearance. They are fairly expensive and for a scar that big I don't think that's the solution you're looking for... Talk to your doctor. It's not cosmetic if it's causing you pain and disrupting your daily activities. In the meantime, Advil is the best for body aches.

Answer 6

Hey sweetie, i can only think of sucking on mints or rennies or gaviscon as thats all we have to take and for the sickness i get a drug called Metoclopramide 10mg 4 times per day or as required. I used to suffer from anxiety and turned to drugs which wrecked my life for 10 yrs though i am 3 yr clean now and i got through it by thinking "if i was (ur fave person)" they would do this/that and i forced myself better. Thats how i worked it but we are all different. If it will be any help ADD YOURSELF TO MY CONTACTS AND WE CAN KEEP IN TOUCH AND CHAT THROUGH THE E MAILS AS IT MAY JUST BE EASIER CHATTING TO SOME ONE WITH NO FACE, WELL AN ANIMATED ONE AT THAT!!! gOOD LUCK BABE, I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU REALLY SOON. bEST WISHES SARAHC81

Answer 7

Well I really feel bad for you and hope you feel better soon. The only thing to do that might be helpful is to put on a really strong moisturizer, and if this does not help you give me this so called surgeon's address and big d will take care of the rest.

Answer 8

Very good pain meds called opiates like Percodan, or Percoset, Morphine, Oxycontin, or oxycodone, depending on where U R from, how good do U & Your Doc get along? How long has he been your Doc or a doctor @ all. And his view on pain meds. If U cannot get any good pills from your Dr. Smoke lots of pot!! LOL

Answer 9

not treatment but mabye you should try some kind of anti itching cream