I'm Finally Biting the Bullet

I still have numbness in the back portion of both arms. Doc says that can take up to a year to go away. I hope it isn't permanant. I haven't had any openings and am back to operating as normal. Sometimes if I sleep on one arm it will ache in the morning so I still use pillows most nights to keep myself from tossing and turning. My incision lines are sensitive, especially near the elbows, but this really only bothers me when wearing certain shirts with rougher fabric. Overall I am EXTREMELY happy and I feel the recovery was quicker and better than expected. I have to keep my scar out of the sun for 12-18 months. That will be hard, but I'll just use lots of sunblock. I just started using silicone scar sheets only for the area of scar that extends slightly down my body (past the armpit). That area is really visible so I am hoping I can fade those scars a bit. The ones down the length of my arm are mainly hidden from the front and behind just by their perfect positioning (seam-line). Feel free to PM me with any questions.

Today I'm 8 weeks out and my scars have mostly (maybe 80%) flattened. They are still pertruding in the elbow area and the armpit appears pinched when I extend my arms up. I'm worried a little about a knob looking thing in the intersection of the scars in my right armpit so I wrote to my Doctor and am awaiting his response. I hope that flattens in time too. I'm doing great otherwise, finally stopped all Tylenol at about 7.5 weeks post. Also, I noticed since the scars flattened I can more comfortable lean and lay on my side. It's still not good for sleeping yet, but it doesn't hurt and I can do it for a few minutes. I can sleep on my stomach with my arm up if I want to, but honestly I've gotten used to sleeping on my back. All is good, I feel mostly normal. I am looking forward to when the scar completely flattens and the marks where the stiches were fade.

Yesterday I made 6 weeks PO. I can't believe how fast time is going. I no longer have any weight lifting restricitions (though I don't plan on lifting weights). I can fully extend my arm upwards, though it pulls a little. Pain is minimal, but I still need 1 extra strength tylenol a day. The incision lines feel a little like exposed nerves, which is why I usually take the tylenol. My armpits really have no pain, but the center of my arms can ache and occassionally have stabbing pain. I think parts of my scar have started to flatten already. Today at my 6 week PO appointment the Doctor said the scars should flatten almost completely in about 10 days - I can't wait!
I am VERY happy with my results. My arms are really thin and well-shaped. I have no openings and it appears the scar will be just a thin line when in flattens. I am living my life now pretty much as normal. I'm looking forward to next summer when I can 'showcase' my new arms lol. Current pictures attached.