I now have an internal infection

My lower left side incision is hard about the size of an egg, red, inflamed, and warm to the touch. My temperature is 100.5F and it hurts like my whole stomach is tearing apart, with any body movement. I can sit up, or lay down, either one. But the transition between the two is excruciatingly painful. I went to the Dr yesterday for this, and he said that maybe there was some intestinal fluid that got out inside there and that they may have to open it back up and clean it out. He said they would do the procedure right there in his office, and that it is very painful. He said that they would have to leave it opened and let it heal from inside out. He said I'd have to go to the hospital every couple days to have them change the dressing and re-pack it. Then he said that he will give an antibiotic a try first and gave me a prescription for one and sent me on my way, with instructions to come back in 2 days. After he left the room, my wife and I looked at each other in astonishment. I thought he was joking, but my thought he was serious. I sure am glad our prayers and the antibiotic seems to be working, because I am not sure I want the alternative. 8-/ 

no,he was very serious,it has happened to some posters here. Be hopeful that the antibiotic clears it up.

Holy crap, really?!?

He really needs to buy himself a bedside manner then. That sure is not the way I would have expected to be told that sort of news.

He sounds like he was straightforward, clear, and to the point.  Which is how I like my doctors to be!

Straightforward and honest, coupled with compassion, empathy, and care, is usually how I like my Dr's to be. He got the straightforward part right. That's about it. He left me questioning his honesty, and felt zero of the rest.

That's not the point of this thread anyway. I wrote it because I wasn't sure if he was telling me the truth, or trying to scare me, or what? Now that I know its a rial thing, is this a common thing? How much time will it add to my recovery? It is questions like those that are coming to me now.

From your description of the problem it sounds as if you've got a seroma.  These are not common, but they are not totally unknown.  Some will heal themselves if left alone, but others may require the more extensive care you've outlined.  Rest assured that you've done the right thing by consulting your surgeon, and work with him to obtain a good outcome.  You'll be fine.  

many surgeons have poor bedside manners because they really don't like dealing with post op issues. They. Like to cut,period. That is why they became surgeons. :)

i agree. That surgeons *****ally hate after care should jot even be doing bariatrics,but it is so lucrative for them,they do it and hope the after care is not involved.

I wouldn't call it poor bedside manners necessarily. They are surgeons. They are busy and they expect their patients to be compliant.  Frankly I am sure some patients just get on their nerves and they would rather deal with someone who follows instructions.  Having a patient question their honestly about complications would **** me off also.   They are not there to rub you back. 

I don't think you are supposed to post on this thread. Just sayin'.

Im just reminding myself of previous threads. 

This was Dec 20, it sounds like someone may not have quit smoking prior to surgery and we all know nicotine can cause incisional infections. Then to complain an accuse the doctor of not being truthful. 

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/5280713/Diabetes-meds /#44309713

The first step in anyone's journey is to be honest with themselves. Again this was the doctor that advised he would rather someone quit drinking coffee than to quit smoking. At least that is what was said. 

Oh well.