Erica (infantrywife) where are you?????????

Has anybody heard from Erica???? Ive not heard from her and I was wondering how she is doing. I dont have her home number so I can't call. Let me know if you've heard from her Donna Ft. Stewart Ga

She posted a couple of days ago on the Main forum. She was seen at the hospital for dehydration plus she had an infection in one of her incisions that basically exploded all over everything and a surgeon cut her open further (without numbing her) and now she has a wound that she has to pack twice a day. That is the last that I have heard. Leann

This type of infection is very common with any surgery in your abdomen. It is a plentiful source of bacteria. My DH went through the same thing. He thought he was dying when it first broke through. Blood everywhere. He thought he was bleeding to death. It was the first night I didn't stay with him. He was scared to death. I had to go calm him down. Then the Doc took out a bunch of staples so it was open. It was about 5" long on one incision and 2 inches on the other. A few days later he had to open it further. They take their finger and run it up the incision as far as it needs to go "unzipping". That made his big opening about 7 inches and the small one 3 inches. I packed it twice a day. It really wasn't painful for him, just scary. I've seen much worse so it didn't bother me. They can't close it or it will get reinfected. It will heal from the bottom up. It is interesting to watch the process. Your body will heal if it is kept clean and moist and open. It is not a sterile place and is not a sterile procedure. It leaves a nasty scar, but this is a common complication with any surgery llike this. My DH had a colostomy reversal so there were 2 incisions. One for the surgery and one where the Stoma was and where the bag attached. They don't numb it because that would hurt just as bad. The "unzipping" is really quick. It did hurt, but but was over fast. That is why you have to watch for infection and fever. You may also feel really good if it is done Lap, but your insides are just as cut up as if you had it done open. So, don't panic it it happens to you. Not fun, but this is life. And remember at 2 and 3 weeks you are not healed yet by any means. There that is my lecture for the day. I just want you all to not push too hard after surgery. I'm kind of a mother hen. Diana

OMG that is horrible. I hope she recovers soon. Lots of hugs to you Erica!

Hi! Thanks for the concern! I am back! After what I went through and all has calmed downed, I am feeling ALOT better. I feel like my old self again. The infection was dragging me down. And I think all that gunk had to escape! I had a few good days of crying, but I have my energy back and I am no longer in pain. The pain was horrible though. It got to the point where I couldn't even get up on my own. I would have to call Brent at work and ask him to come home real quick to feed our daughter. It was pretty bad! But again, feeling great and I hope all is well from here on out! Erica

I am so glad you're doing well! I can't wait to hear more updates!