new complication 6 weeks out

So, I have thin skin (hereditary from my swedish side), take immune suppresants because of my arthritis, and Take Prednisone daily in order to walk (arthritis SUCKS!, and prednisone slows healing as well), and now I am getting little infections where the sutures have not disolved fully, because of these problems.

I currently have 4 small suture infections, 1 on each side of my butt crack, and 1 on each side of my right hip bone. I am required to  put neosporin and gauze on them 2 times a day,  and watch for any new red spots indicating new infections, any new ones i find are to be treated in the same way.

Then I have one HUGE (1 inch long) probable infection/abcess on the front right side.  This one we have been watching for 3-4 weeks as it has been red starting at my 2 week follow up.  instead of getting smaller it seems to be getting bigger, it has drained in multiple areas multiple time, but the draininge is only thick congeling blood no infection.  Now Doc is afraid that it is an abcess deep down, and just the blood is working its way to the surface and draining out.  He thinks there may be an infection simmering under there. 

I am required to "express (wearing gloves squeeze along the edges until it starts to drain from the 4 small holes he placed into its surface)" it and put neosporin and gauze on it 2 times a day, He said to NEVER allow it to get dry or scab over.   If it is not looking better by my follow up next week, then he is going to reopen the incision in that area and explore and clean as needed.  Then I will have to do the whole packing thing.  I hate packing wounds, it makes me gag everytime! 

Oh well that is my sob story for the week!  I know it is not as bad as it could be! 

Oh, no, Anna!! Conplications suck. I feel your pain!! It sounds like you're doing everything right. I hope it all clears up soon!!

Laura

(((Anna)))
I am so sorry you are going through this! I can't even imagine how you must be feeling!!!!
Thank you for sharing this update. I will continue to keep you in prayer. I just saw Lauras post too, and it's my wake up call to    s     l    o     w      down. I have been feeling indistructable, but this I will use as a wake up call.
Keeping u in prayer,
Carmen
prek3

Thanks everyone.  I always have a harder time healing from things because of the immune suppressents.

I feel your pain- literally. I have one wound I'm packing and a nacrotic patch that won't fall off and Dr. is theatening to remove it and I'll have to pack that one...ugh

DAng It, Anna...When it rains your way it pours..!!

When I had my sleeve surgery for weight loss..I had a couple of places that turned red and was sore..the other sites healed nicely and I had no problems with them...but the two that wouldn't heal up, I began to use bottled purified water. I would pour the water in a coffee cup and fill about half way and added a TBL spoon of salt...I would micro wave the salted water to boiling and then would let it cool to just very warm...I would then take a cotton ball and wash the two places that were red and irritated..I would let the place dry completely and then rinse the area off with more warm purified water (no salt) Let dry and then add antibiotic ointment...within a wk. it healed completely...You can ask your surgeon if this would be O.K for you to do...this is just something I know worked for me, but please ask your DR. first...

Blessings to you and sending prayers for your healing, Sweetie..!!

cyndy

Anna, I am sorry to hear things are not going well.  You are in my thoughts and prayers!  I hope things get better quickly.

Anna, I'm sending good thoughts for healing your way.  I'm sorry you're going through this.  It sounds so painful.  Please let us know how you're doing.