Sandy Related Trouble

[jusstice 103]

Had my surgery on Oct 24 and was sent home on Oct 26. No problems with pain or anything.

Well, after the storm, no power or heat. None of my family or friends were up either. Trying to do diet was insane. Doing best I can.

Biggest problem is I have questions about wound care that I can't get answered because doctors have no power either. I can't schedule my appointments with the NUT or doctor.

What a disaster.

[doxieville 799]

Ask us here. Just remember that we are not doctors, we are going by our experience, but it's better than nothing!!

[vonego82 36]

ask your questions here we can help you figure out ways of answering your questions

[jusstice 103]

Well, they sent me home with the incision sites bandaged with a plastic film over them. These are still intact. Am I supposed to leave them until whenever I get to see the doctor, which was supposed to be this week?

The sites don't bother me. I had aoh blood blister on one bandage edge. I get a pain if I bend over, on my left side in between two incision sites. If I don't bend I am good, so I try not to bend.

Overall, not too bad.

Foodwise, I had to advance myself to applesauce and yogurts because that was what was readily available. I could buy a Greek yogurt in the morning and eat most of the day from it. Hope that didn't mess anything up.

Thanks.

[SleeveShelly 75]

Jusstice,

I am not sure about the clear bandages. Did they tell you you could take a shower and get them wet? If so, they will probably come off on their own.

I had the same Sharp pain in my side when I would bend too. It will go away with a little time.

The applesauce and yogurt is fine. You just might want to make sure there aren't any chunks of fruit or seeds in it.

Sounds like you are doing great!!

I am so sorry to hear that Sandy has affected you, and I hope you get power back very soon!!!

[JustSkinnyMeInside 89]

Well' date=' they sent me home with the incision sites bandaged with a plastic film over them. These are still intact. Am I supposed to leave them until whenever I get to see the doctor, which was supposed to be this week?

The sites don't bother me. I had aoh blood blister on one bandage edge. I get a pain if I bend over, on my left side in between two incision sites. If I don't bend I am good, so I try not to bend.

Overall, not too bad.

Foodwise, I had to advance myself to applesauce and yogurts because that was what was readily available. I could buy a Greek yogurt in the morning and eat most of the day from it. Hope that didn't mess anything up.

Thanks.[/quote']

Is the clear bandage dermabond? Dermabond is kind of like superglue for skin. If that is what you have (i had that), you never remove it yourself. It will wear off itself in a couple of weeks. Just pat dry after shower and dont rub.

If you had taped bandages those type should be changed....but they should have given you new dressings to take home with you.

Also there are steri strips which are thin pieces of tape that appears to have white lines in it. If you have these, you also never remove them yourself. They will wear off in a couple of weeks too. Pat them dry after showering.

If you are seeing your doctor this week you should be fine no matter which dressing you have. Sometimes the surgeons want to remove the dressing themself at your first postop appt.

Signs of infection to look for are redness and/or pus drainage from sites, fever of 101 or greater. If you get these symptoms call doctor immediately. I dont believe your blood blister is infection unless it feels hot when you touch it ( hotter than surrounding skin). Just dont pop it.

The soreness you feel on left is probably from where they removed excess piece of stomach. Listen to your body, if it hurts, dont do it.

I think yogurt and applesauce are probably ok if you thin them out. I added silk milk to my yogurt to thin it. My surgeon had told me as long as i could pour it off of a spoon it was ok. Please try to get your fluids in so you dont get dehydrated.

Good luck and let us know if you have any more questions. Hope this helps! (-:

[vonego82 36]

when I was released to go home, they told me I was able to shower normally and after 5 days the incision clear tape was going to begin to fall off, but I just took it all off. I doesn't hurt. your left incision SHOULD hurt because that's where they took out your stomach. and I'm soo sorry to hear about that Sandy storm :/

most importantly, drink your fluids then your Protein.

(2 weeks Clear Liquids then 2 weeks full liquids) stay on your guide.

best wishes!!

[lsereno 2,525]

I had clear bandages over my incisions and was told to leave it till it fell off. I too had pains that went away with time. Just watch that they are getting better, not worse! Greek yogurt and apple sauce are good choices. All programs are different, but I was allowed both, along with low fat cottage cheese, milk, pudding, and pureed Soups after my first post-op appt. about 5 days out from surgery.

Best wishes on a speedy recovery from your surgery and Sandy!

Lynda

[JamesHRN 114]

The clear bandage is more than likely a occlusion dressing it is mean to stay one for several days keep the incision clean. It will come off on its own

I would keep a dressing of some type on until you see the Dr you don't want to get anything infected. I would also make sure to clean the incision with soap and Water.

Because of professional liability I am not able to tell you what to do but only what I would do if it were me