Heart surgery--scars on legs???

[Carly011]

So i am having heart surgery this summer. I cut, on my thighs and hips and a few on my stomach.

What will the doctors do if they see these scars? Will they just ignore them?? I hope so! i have quite a few and im just afraid of what is going to happen when they notice them.... they shouldn't be seeing my leg most of the time because i will have a gown on, but there will be times that they see it, such as when they have my gown open to check my incision or take tubes/wires out. And also to deal with the urinary catheter they put in(ick!) but i am just freaking out about what they will do when they see all my scars!!!

help?!?!

[xXl0sth0peXx]

It depends on the person really. Some might ask you something and then drop it, some might know and not say anything at all, knowing how self harm can be a touchy subject, others might keep asking you a billion questions.

I know when I was visiting doctors back in March for my hospital visit, when the nurse checked me out, (little different probably cause I've seen the nurse for a few visits but still) I asked her if she'd make sure all the doctors and stuff knew not to say anything about my self harm, and she did.

So it really depends on the person. If one asks you though, you could always say 'i'd rather not talk about it' or something along those lines.

[Carly011]

Ok, if i say i dont want to talk about it, can they send me to the psych ward or anything like that?

[xXoblivionXx]

I don't think they will, your seeing a therapist right? If so you can tell them that you are seeing someone about it. I hope everything goes well :)

[norcaldude18]

they may tell your parents because they dont want you to hurt yourself.

[Carly011]

Well my parents already know so i am not to worried about that :) and im 19....can they do that?

[xXl0sth0peXx]

I don't think they will, your seeing a therapist right? If so you can tell them that you are seeing someone about it. I hope everything goes well :)

This is 100% true. If you tell them you are then they'll be fine with it/

Check up the laws, but I know in most states, doctors and therapists aren't required to tell your parents or send you to mental hospitals just for cutting, and can't tell your parents without consent. If you tell them you're suicidal though, they HAVE to report that on behalf of you.

Though You're 19 right? if that's the case they definitely shouldn't have any right to tell your parents, so I think you're fine. If they ask just tell them you're getting help with a therapist and you'd rather not talk about it.

Good luck with surgery.

[Jean Poutine]

Watch out for Baker Act equivalents.

[Mortal Coil]

Watch out for Baker Act equivalents.

You'll have to explain what that is...

Other than that, you really don't have to worry. Just tell them to drop it. You're a legal adult.

[Jean Poutine]

You'll have to explain what that is...

Other than that, you really don't have to worry. Just tell them to drop it. You're a legal adult.

The Baker Act is a Florida law authorizing any health professional to commit by force a person to a mental hospital if he/she notices any sign that the person could be dangerous to him/herself or another, if just if he/she seems to have a few screws loose.

For example, you could easily be committed against your will in a mental hospital for at least 3 days under the Baker Act if a health professional noticed scars that look like self-harm.

Not all states (or countries) have equivalents, but some do, so inform yourself if you think this will ever be a bother.

[Carly011]

ughhhh we have something that we call a 72hour hold in minnesota where they can do that :/ damn Really hope they dont!!! :)