Update: Post-Op (repair/tummy tuck) Question

I’m 3 ½ weeks post my hernia repair, abdominal reconstruction and tummy tuck surgery.

 

Yesterday, I had a post op appointment with my PS, Dr. Aloor.  The drains are out!  The staples are out!  But I have a big hole where the TT incision crosses the RNY incision.  Tuesday my RNY surgeon cut away the dead tissue to open the wound.  GROSS!  YUCK!

 

The hope is that the wound will heal naturally.  If it doesn’t, then it’s back to the hospital for a short procedure to stitch it up.  I go back for a check up in two weeks.  I guess Dr. Aloor will let me know then what we will do.  I did learn something though.  The wound can’t be stitched up now because the skin around it stretched thin from the residual swelling.  Stitches would just tear through the fragile skin.

 

My biggest fear is that I will get an infection.

 

My physical activity is still very limited.  Not only do I have to be careful not to pull anything loose from the original repair, but I could tear the hole open even more!

Anyone here gone through anything similar to this? 

p.s. - I still had some hair loss when I went in for this surgery.  Now my hair is really falling out again.    Any thoughts on this?

Oh wow!! Well be very careful with it. I don't have any suggestions on the hole healing but just to make sure to it dry and let it air and cover it when you go out.

As far as the hair falling off I only can tell you to up your protein intake and make sure to take biotin to help with the regrowth.  I increased my biotin intake and my hair has slowed down a bit and I can see the regrowth.
I heard somewhere that anesthesia will do that to you but I don't know how true is that.

Take care and I hope everything gets back to normal for you asap.
((((hugs)))))

Thanks Cira,

I am being very careful with the wound.  I am paranoid about infections ...

As for my hair, it's awful.  Falling out worse than before and is very dry and brittle.  I actually started increasing my protein intake today with a morning shake.  I think I will call one of the doctors (who to call?) next week about it.  Maybe a simple blood test will tell what's going on.  I already take 3 Hair, Skin & Nail supplements a day, in addition to everything else.  I'll let you know if I find out anything.

Hugs again,

April,

Call your surgeon first to see what he says and if he thinks you should call your pcp he will let you know. 
Good luck and keep me posted.

Hugs,