Need to hear that things WILL get better

So, had the hernia repair which ended up with a bowel repair as well, along with the panni and tummy tuck.  My ps gave me a new belly button.  I was in the hospital from Monday to Friday because of the bowel repair and because my red blood cell count was tanked out.  Iron is very low. Anyhow, on the following Monday (last week) noticed a nasty discharge from the belly button, called the surgeon and spoke with the nurse, who said it was normal, etc.  On Tuesday, I called and set up an appointment for Wednesday because I am neurotic about smelling like dead rat (imagine that).  Went to the doctor on Wednesday and was readmitted to the hospital with an infection and the doctor had to cut out my new belly button and some surrounding tissue.  Had a CAT scan to make sure the infection was not more extensive and, thank God, It was not.  Now, I have to have the hole packed twice a day with gauze and am taking antibiotics.  I feel like I am going to freak out.

On the upside, my main incision is great.  I go back to the surgeon on Thursday and assume I will get these damn drainage tubes out since they are not doing much anyway. 

Anyone have any problems, complications, etc. that you had to work through?  What advice would you give?  My problem now is my nerves are shot from this whole thing and I just don't want to go backwards anymore.  Want to heal and move on.  Am totally exhausted as well.

Pam

I just wanted to say sorry you are having a rough time right now and I hope you are feeling much better real soon! 
Hang in there it will heal and you will feel great!!!

Sorry to hear about your problems.  I do have infection from my surgery, I had my extended brachio and TT (anchor cut) just over 4 weeks ago and I had infection show up at 1.5 weeks.  I took two weeks of antibiotics, mine doesn't sound as bad as yours, I had some at the Belly button about two inches down from it then again where all the cuts come together at the bottom (which was the worst).  They are getting better but the one at the bottom where all the cuts come together is a pretty good hole now, dr had to remove all the dead tissue from it so I have a really big hole that I have to pack twice a day.  It will have to heal from the inside out so it will take time.  I am happy with my surgery as a whole and know that complications can happen. 

I guess I am more laid back, it hasn't made me real nervous, I just call the dr and go see him if I have any concern, which is what you have done, keep that part up.  Keep your protein, vitamins, etc.  Patience is the tough part when it comes to the healing, I can't wait to get started excercising again! ! !

Good Luck! 

Sally

Hey Pam,

I had a "hole" where the vertical and horizontal incisions met for the anchor TT portion of my LBL/hernia repair. I was wound packing for a while but it eventually healed up well. I did have an in office procedure where i was frozen locally and my plastic surgeon cut out some of the red scared area and re-sewed it. I am very pleased with the end results. I am so glad you went in because often WE know there is something wrong and that they are incorrectly diagnoising over the phone. I hope the wound packing goes well. and that you are feeling better and have regained some energy soon.

Well, I might as well add my story to this thread.
I had Hernia/Anchor TT surgery on January 19th. I ended up having a "bleeder" in my abdomen and 12 hours after the initial surgery I had to be re-opened to find it. Once they got the bleeding under control, they re-sewed me. The skin ended up dying where the vertical incision met the horizontal incision, about 3" from the belly button down.
To make a long story short the skin was cut out leaving a hole that was 3" x 2 1/" deep  x 2 1/2" wide. My husband had to wet/dry pack it twice a day for 2 weeks. It was ugly and very smelly. I cried a lot!!!
Eventually it was decided that I should go on a wound VAC. I've been on that for just a little over 2 weeks. The hole is slowly getting smaller and looks great (as much as a hole in my abdomen could look).
I carry the wound VAC with me 24/7 and have the dressing changed every other day. I can go to work, shower, shop,, anything I want or need to do. It's a inconvenience, but I will heal. And that is all that matters. I no longer cry. They figure another 6 weeks and I should be all healed.
Have a few good cries, nothing wrong with that. Anchor TT's are known for this particular complication. Just know that it will get better and you will love your new flat tummy.
Good luck and best wishes!
Fran

Thanks to all of you that responded.  I do feel better and I really appreciate it.

Fran, what is a VAC??  I think I am okay as long as I am healing - I am just afraid of going backwards.  My hole has to be change and packed twice a day.  My stepmother says that she thinks it is smaller already.  God I hope so. 

Good luck with your healing as well.

PAM

The wound VAC is a suction device that attaches to the hole in my abdomen and gives continuous suction to the wound. It draw's out all the yucky stuff and pulls blood to the area. It will also start pulling the skin together so it mends and heals from the inside out.
It's pretty cool technology.
The website is www.kci1.com
Best of luck,
Fran