Incision opening back up

Hi, folks - I had an open RNY 11/30/04. So far things are great, but I was wondering if anyone has had trouble with their incision opening back up slightly. My guts aren't visible, so not to worry! My incision was closed with dermabond and mostly the incision site is a neat line. But in 2 places it has stretched open slighly. These sites are about 1 to 1 1/2 inches long and are pink with some drainage but do not appear infected. So far I have just been using large bandaids and Neosporin and changing the dressings daily as recommended by my surgeon's RN. I'm just wondering if anyone else has experienced this and how long it took to heal. Thanks - M.Bell

I personally have not had this problem, but it is very common...keep doing what your doc's RN told you, keep an eye on it, report any changes (foul smelling drainage, pus, extra warmth at the sites, swelling, extra pain), take care of yourself and Happy Holidays!

The most important thing to be concerned about is the signs of infection (no soaking in the tub et****il the edges are closed), but also keep the edges aligned with the bandaid or butterfly strips to help it heal. It may need to heal from the inside out at this point. Good luck!

Dear Martha, I also had open RNY on 11/30.I also have 2 spots where I'm not closed at all.I have 3 places where stitches are sticking out.Mine are infected.My PCP gave me an antibiotic cream and pills for 5 days.I'm still draining through 4 layers of gauze sponges.The problem with me is I'm diabetic and so, I don't heal like everyone else.I'm going to call my surgeon tomorrow and see if I can get him to look at the incision,and prescribe a course of action.I say all this to say ,yes,I understand what you're talking about.--Paula D.

I had an abcess at the base of my incision. Went to the hospital Christmas Day and had it drained. Now I have to pack it with gauze every day. There's a bit of puss still coming out, so I have to keep the outside open until the inside closes. Doc said it should take about two weeks.