My incision is infected!

I have the beginnings of an infection in my incision. It was slightly red on one side last week on Friday and a bit sore. Over the weekend it was starting to hurt more, not just in that one spot, but all across. I decided to start putting Polysporin on it.

Today the homecare nurse came and looked at it and she held the mirror for me and I was able to see the incision. It's very red all the way across. She asked if there was any discharge from the incision, but I couldn't answer that because I have left it open to the air as instructed by the doctor.

So she gave me some abdominal pads to put in the tummy fold to protect the incision from irritation and moisture. And told me to continue putting Polysporin in it. I went and got the ointment kind because I only had the cream type here and that tends to soak in and dry up whereas the ointment kind is greasy and will keep the area better protected and coated.

When I came home from the store, I noticed that there is a little bit of purulent discharge from the incision, so there is an infection going on.

I also asked the doctor for an antibiotic which he prescribed. It will be delivered this evening.

I get the staples out on Thursday and I'm really nervous about that! Not because of the pain factor which I know will be way up there not only because getting staples taken out hurts like heck, but also because the incision is very tender right now.

Here's hoping that the antibiotic and Polysporin will do their jobs!

Ouch!

Many healing vibes for you Linda!

ooooh not good hope it heals up quickly

Linda. Glad you're on top of it.

Oh my that is not good. Hopefully the antibiotics will work quickly. fast healing vibes

Oh, no! I was so hoping that would not happen when you mentioned it before.

I remember my mom's incision from her ovarian cancer surgery got infected while she was still in the hospital and I think it lengthened her stay a bit. Hoping it clears up soon and your recovery continues without any problem.

Originally Posted by krazy kat2

Oh, no! I was so hoping that would not happen when you mentioned it before.

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That was my #1 worry for post-op! To be honest, I'm not at all surprised. The incision is in an area where it's concealed by my stomach fold, so air doesn't get to it unless I'm laying flat on my back, which is impossible to do 24/7. I need to be up and moving around in order to regain my physical strength and to prevent blood clots.

I'm going to be even more diligent with the incision and shower twice instead of once daily. And I'll be keeping an abdominal pad or face cloth tucked into the fold when I'm up and about, in order to absorb any moisture. Of course I'll be taking my antibiotic as well as applying the Polysporin topically. The ointment I picked up today really soothes the area because it's the greasy kind so it forms a film over the incision instead of soaking in and becoming dry.

I'm optimistic. It was caught early. There is no swelling and I don't have a fever. So it seems like it's local. I'm just glad that I pushed for the home care nurse to come. Had she not looked at it and shown it to me in a mirror, I wouldn't have known anything was wrong other than that it hurt.

When I had a mole removed on my neck, I cleaned it each day... your run of the mill antibacterial handsoap and water... then neosporin and a bandaid... when I went to get the stitches out, the nurse was very impressed... no redness, no infection, nothing... I just used what I had on hand... you might try that along with the antibiotics...

just a thought...
Amanda

Ah, Linda. That stinks. Having had an abdominal surgery myself I understand completely. that it clears up quickly and easily.

Ugh, why do they use staples - hate staples! I'm glad you caught it so early, hope it heals fast.

I'm sorry you're going through this hun. Hopefully it was caught in time and I am wishing you nothing but a VERY speedy recovery!

I hope this clears up quickly, and everything goes smoothly when the staples come out. Lots of healing coming your way, Linda.

I hope the infection clears up. Good luck getting the staples out.

Oh no! I hope it heals quickly

Ouch! Definitely good that you pushed for the home nurse so that it was caught early. Sending more recovery vibes your way!! Best of luck with getting the staples out!

Thanks everyone.

It's still sore today, but not nearly as much. I've had a bit more than a full day of antibiotics, and have been diligent about applying the polysporin ointment and keeping it covered with a sterile dressing that is tucked into the tummy fold.

I had my shower today at around 2:30 pm. After my shower I slathered the incision with Polysporin and then covered it with a new sterile dressing tucked into the tummy fold. I just checked the dressing and there is very little drainage! There is some, and it's slightly yellowish, but not as bold as it was yesterday, and there is no blood tinged discharge at all.

I still can't see the area, so I don't know how red it still is, but I hope the diminished amount of discharge means that things are on the upturn!

Glad to hear it is doing better. You are taking good care of yourself.

Do you have a hand mirror? You can get a good look at the incision that way.

Have you had any hot flashes yet? Mine started within hours of my total hysterectomy when I was 27. the doc had me on estrogen replacement within the day. they didn't have patches then. But I don't think you will be taking estrogen replacement because of the cancer?

Wow. Glad it seems to be clearing up. Sending healing vibes!

Originally Posted by otto

Glad to hear it is doing better. You are taking good care of yourself.

Do you have a hand mirror? You can get a good look at the incision that way.

Have you had any hot flashes yet? Mine started within hours of my total hysterectomy when I was 27. the doc had me on estrogen replacement within the day. they didn't have patches then. But I don't think you will be taking estrogen replacement because of the cancer?

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Yes, I do have a hand mirror, but I have short arms and a large tummy and I can't see the incision, which is why I insisted on a home care nurse coming to keep an eye on it.

So far as hot flashes go, I have been having them since I was in my mid 20's. I have....or rather had... polycystic ovary syndrome. However, as I got older and became perimenopausal, the hot flashes got worse.

Now I'm not having hot flashes, but I am feeling "moody". I find myself crying sometimes for no reason. Hormones are kicking in or out I guess.