Incision Hell!

[RitaBonita 5]

I went in this morning to have my incision checked yet again. Last night, I went to take a shower and pulled the gauze off my largest incision to find that the gauze pulled away the dermabond and left me a great big red gaping oozy hole. Yuck! I went into panic mode and then decided to go ahead and shower and just take good care to rinse my wound. I called the on-call doc because it was still oozing and just looking really ragged and red and she said that as long as I didn't have a fever or my wound didn't start looking/feeling worse, it could wait til morning. I had my wound rinsed out with saline in the office and covered in gauze and instructed to do this for 7 days. When I'm at home, I was told to let it air out so it can heal faster and only wear gauze when I'm out and about or at work. I was also advised that I will not be getting my adjustment next week until this stupid wound closes up. I am not a happy camper. :/

[Jim1967 3,569]

Hi Rita,

I can only imagine the frustration of not being able to get a fill but I am happy you took immediate action on following up with your Doctor. Last thing you need is an infection right? Also, I am happy you did not post about it and ask what you should do. We see a lot of strange posts from time to time and some severe where people post here first rather than call their Doctor.

Good Luck!!

[forwardlooking 36]

I went in this morning to have my incision checked yet again.

I had the very same thing happen to me. I went to the ER at a hospital and they just taped gauze on it and said call my surgeon. After about 4 days I got to My Weight Loss Center and he put stitches in and put my antibiotics. He said it wasn't infected yet, but would rather be safe then sorry. I kept it covered just so my clothes didn't rub on it. He also said if it did get infected the port would have to come out. All is healed nicely now and I got my first fill.Good Luck

[RitaBonita 5]

I'm glad someone else knows my frustration. I've done everything as instructed but it seems that this incision is just a bit ornery and does what it wants. Luckily, I listened when we were told to not be afraid to call the on-call doc if we had any questions/concerns because that is what they are there for. I'm trying to have patience with my healing phase because I feel like I'm ready to get out there and starting working on losing this weight! Lol

[kll724 3,055]

Yipes, do not be in a hurry to remove the bandages! My surgeon's office said to leave them alone, I did! When I went back, the PA looked at them to see if they were healing, and then gently removed the final one which was on the port incision. Sorry, don't mean to sound harsh! Karen..aka.kll724

Edited January 3, 2014 by kll724

[lthueme 66]

I am 3.5 weeks post op and I still have 2 steri strips that have not come off. The uppermost strip hasn't even started to loosen and my lower right has only a little bit left. As they loosen I have been trimming the tape so it doesn't catch on my clothes. I was in on Monday for my first fill and my surgeon wasn't concerned at all. Said they will come off in time.

I can relate to your incision healing though. About 3 years ago I had gall bladder surgery. I had one incision that one morning when I woke up it was red and oozing all over my bed. I went immediately to my surgeon, the same one in fact, and he had to clean it out and put me on antibiotics. Glad you got in right away and got yours taken care of before you got to that point. I had no idea mine was even a problem until it burst open.

So I have been extra careful this time around. Definitely no lifting, pushing, pulling and keeping my clothing free of the sites until they heal. Sounds like you are on the right track. Good luck in healing!

[jhutz 1]

I am three weeks post op and my center incision has yet to heal. I did not have strips because my surgeon used glue but now that your strip off I imagine we are in similar boats. My has scabbed/ crusted over from the oozing. I had my incision looked at yesterday and was given similar instructions. They did not stitch it because they felt it would be painful and would only help healing by a day or two. My sugars are under control but my doctor believes my type two diabetes is causing me to heal slower. Keep that incision as dry as moisture brings infection. I am also very frustrated that I am dealing with this incision . I know that feels like the doctors should have better answers but it sounds like though its taking longer than average to heal it is not abnormal to have people struggle with this incision. Good luck to you !!

[MandaMom23 684]

Yikes, sorry you're dealing with this, but it sounds like you're getting on the right track to healing! Hopefully, this is it, and before you know it, you'll be good as new and well on your way!! Good luck!

[Lady VS 1,147]

Hi Rita. I understand totally your frustration but wouldn't rush the healing process. I remember being anxious and was only disappointed when I couldn't get a fill. Just keep following your doctor's orders and you will be fine. Welcome to banderland and good luck losing.