Gross Question

OK if you are squeamish look away now LOL.

Ok I'm 14 months post surgery.  I'm now 121 lbs.  My skin has decided to go south.  In the process of going south my stomach has kinda folded over my belly button.  My belly button is sore and red and it looks infected.  It also has a funny smell.  I know.. TMI.. I see the Surgeon's office on Friday for a check up if we are not snowed in.  Is there anything I can do before then to help my poor lost belly button?

Diane

Hi Diane...

I havent had surgery yet, but recently took care of my mother who passed away from cancer .. and she would get the same thing and the doc had me buy vagisil - they said it was a yeast infection, and to wa**** out good get in dry then add the cream and try to keep it dry ...

hope that helps..

Thanks!

I'm willing to try anything at this point LOL.

hmm wonder why it wouldnt let me type w a s h

vagisil sounds like a good idea..

also, if you are even thinking about plastics, take a picture and document the irritation/infection.  It can only help you in the future.

If you are planning on having plastics at any time then Do NOT do anything until you take pictures and document the infection with a doctor.  This could actually help you with getting insurance approval to help pay for surgery. 

I have had issues before and my General DR and surgeon's office noted in my records.  My General Dr always notes about my neck and back pain from my breasts.  I'm hoping to get them reduced also.

Definitely take pictures, but if you want to kill the infection you need Monistat, not Vagisil. I get the belly button infection too, and OMG, it hurts.  The MD can prescribe stronger stuff that works quickly. Good luck with it!

I get this too in my belly button and under the hanging stomach flap. It is a yeast infection. Another cream that works and is a little cheaper is athlete's foot cream. That is actually a fungal/yeast infection also, and the cream will take care of the stuff under our skin folds. Another thing that is absolutely important is to make sure that you are getting completely dried in those areas. After a bath or sweating. The moisture breeds the yeast etc. Good luck hope it feels better soon cause it is miserable.

yes yes take pictures! that little nasty belly button COULD be your ticket to a tummy tuck!

I had the same thing plus rashes under my skin flap prior to WLS. I still have a hanging panni but it's not "that" bad (yeah right) and I no longer get those nasty infections.

A tip however is also to keep the area free of moisture once you get the infection under control. I suggest cleaning daily (even if you don't shower) with a moist face cloth and then powder that belly button and under flap up nice and good with some sort of medicated powder. Also fabrics (underwear etc) which are more absorbant.

good luck.