Surgical wound after Hernia/TT

I am 3 yrs 4 mths out and had a hernia repair/TT Jan 2008, in Aug 2008 I had a second surgery to fix a wound that would not heal.  Well it reopened and my GBS Dr sent me to Wound care.  I was seeing the W/C Dr every other week for 7 mths and getting now where.  The wound was the size of a pencil eraser and would not heal closed.  Finally I put my foot down and went to see a Plastic Surgeon who told me more in 5 minutes than the other Dr did in 7 mths. 

I have a sinus tract wound that tunnels under the skin which is why it will not heal.  He explained that numerous abdominal surgeries (3 to be exact) cause the muscles to weaken and this can cause the sinus tract.  This he said is quite common and not exclusive to GBS which I was starting to think.  He has been cauterizing the area trying to close the tract but it is not working on its own and needs to be surgically repaired. 

I have flat abs (minus my bellybutton) but have had to wear gauze and tape over the wound for over a year and have not been able to swim or take a bath or do any abdominal crunches.  I am hoping that this next surgery to fix the problem will be my last and I can show off my flat abs finally.   Mentally this wound has caused me alot of greif and frustration.

Has anyone else experienced helaing issues?? I should have posted on here months ago but never even thought about it.

Let me know your stories and what your outcomes have been.

Thanks Charlene

RNY  (1/16/06  214/124/128-130 (depends what day it is)

Yes. I had a problem from my original RNY surgery. I had an open wound that wouldn't heal. It was this way from August 2005, until October 2007. Then I had a hernia repair/TT in October. I had necrotic tissue, which caused an area not to heal. So I still had an open wound. I went on cruises, to the beach and other vacations. I couldn't swim, or take a tub bath. I had surgical repair of the wound 3-4 times. Eventually, around October 2008, I was without any openings or wounds.
Over 3 years of it. I used every type and kind of wound healing medicine, and gadget like a wound vac. Nothing helped, except getting rid of the tissue that wouldn't continue to the next step in the healing process but would remain only partially healed.  I have 2 scars on each side of my lower stomach that looks very red and is obvious that it took a long time in healing. The rest of the scar has matured somewhat, but not like the RNY lap scars. The ones from my BA, under my breast also didn't heal quickly and is wide and still somewhat red.
My body rejects all types of sutures that have been used including a C-Section 21 years ago. They come out, and cause my tissues to build a pocket of fliud arouns them, which doesn't make grandulation tissue so it can't heal. They would heal over for a few days than break open. No bleeding, just serous fluid. What a mess, and I will never have my arms or legs done because of this problem.
I am considering a face lift, because the PS said I was unlikely to have the same problems in the facial area. But right now it's still just thinking!
I beleive I would ask for a surgical solution, instead of seeing a wound care doctor. I know exactly how you feel, and I know you're sick and tired of this!

Sally,

You poor thing I am so very sorry you had to go through all of that.  I am actually getting surgery today from a plastic surgeon that knows what he is doing.  So hopefully at 1:30 pm this will be the beginning of the end of this.  Maybe just maybe I will be able to wear a bikini and go swimming.  What go ar flat abs if you cant show them off??? LOL  Thanks for your support and have a great day!!!

Charlene