Question for those already post-op

Since I'm going to have to stay in a hotel for at least a couple of days after I'm discharged, I am wondering what to pack for dressing changes for the incisions.  Did you use bandaids (if so, small or large), or gauze and tape (if so, what size gauze)?.  Did they want you to put any ointment on the incisions or leave them dry?  Is there anything else I need to know about wound care before I get home?

Karen

My incisions had steri strips on them-- and I didn't have to do anything with them.  Just let them fall off (after about 1-2 weeks).  You can shower with them and everything.. the ends started curling, so I just trimmed them as they went.  

I did have a drainage tube that they removed before I left the hospital.  When one of the interns pulled it out it left a very ugly hole under my breast about the size of a large pen.  He put a simple piece of gauze on and told me to remove it after a day or two (no water on that one, I just covered it when I showered those first days.  When I took it off, it was still a hole, but they said to just leave it alone- wash with mild soap daily and it would fill itself in.  It did-- but it took several weeks!  No bandaids-- no gauze-- no ointment -- for me anyway!

Just make sure you have a comfy bra (if you plan to wear one)... I didn't want to put one on for about the first two weeks!  I did have to a couple times though, for company and luckily I had a front clip soft cotton one that worked well.

My incisions were covered in a skin type glue. So I did not need any dressings. But I have seen where people said that their incisions leaked and they had to have dressings. So, I suppose it is better to be prepared then not. I would get the gauze that are larger, you can always cut them down to fit and tape. As for any type of ointment, that would probably need to wait to ask Surgeon after surgery if you have any issues that will need the gauze. just my input.

Thanks for your input - both of you!  I appreciate your thoughts and opinions!

Surgical glue and steri strips on all 6. No drainage at all. The day after surgery my surgeon took the gauze off and I left them open to air. I also trimmed the edges as they got caught on clothing. They eventually fall off. There was no care involved at all. I had no drains. My surgery was done lap/ robotic and I had a hernia repair done at the same time. Good luck...

I like your answer.  I hope I get it that easy too! 

Thanks,

Karen

I had 3 incisions and 1 drain hole. Each one had brown surgical tape. They did not change the bandage until the 3rd day when I was discharged. I was able to shower with them. When I came home on day 4 ( I had surgery out of the country) I bought antibiotic band-aids which were waterproof. There was really nothing really hard about taking care of them. Keep them clean and dry. Tonight I showered and took the band-aids off. Cleaned with dial soap. I left the band-aids off for a while to get air.

Thanks for the info!  That sounds easy for me.  I like easy.

Karen