Question:
Did any of you develop a wound infection after surgery?

If so, how long did it take to begin healing up? I had surgery 12/2. Home 12/6. Back to the hospital 12/11. Completely opened up to let the wound infection be dealt with. Home again 12/17. I'm on wet to dry dressings until the wound-vac machine comes today. This is a very painful setback. Any guidance or help would be appreciated. Thanks.    — Mary Ann B. (posted on December 19, 2002)

December 18, 2002
Hello Mary Ann, I have been reading in some search engines on wound infections, most do a de`bridement then the wet to dry treatment, and then gel. Also hyperbaric oxygen treatment, as germs cannot live in a pure oxygen enviroment. Silver dressing was also mentioned. There is a hyperbaric chamber near me, and Im sure there are some in Indy also. take care
   — wizz46

December 18, 2002
hi- yep, sounds just like my post-op. See my profile for more detail, but yes, I developed a seroma and the skin layer was re-opened 7 days post-op and left open to heal by seconadry intention for 3+ weeks. Dressing changes twice a day. It was not what I hoped, but whattheheck, eh? Even being diabetic and with a starting weight of 385, it healed nicely in a month. My scar is quite a bit larger than most, but I didn't do this to wear a bikini. I worked throughout (desk job) and my binder was my best friend. The wound vacs are awesome- I didn't need one, but have used them on patients in the past. Have faith, and stay positive. This complication is WAY better than a pulmonary embolus, right? Feel free to contact me.
   — Karen N.

December 19, 2002
I had a wound infection and it took about 6 weeks to clear up. I didn't have to do wet to dry but I did have to have it packed twice a day. It was pretty gross and while I was in the midst of it I hated it and was miserable. At this stage in the game, however, I'd do it all again if it was the path I had to take to get the results I've gotten. I realize now that it was more of a major annoyance than anything. One little tip - once the wound closed to about the size of a nickel we could stop packing it but it continued to drain. I took a light days tampon (PLEASE NOTE THAT I DID NOT INSERT THE TAMPON INTO THE WOUND!!!!) and layed it just below the wound and covered all of that with a large 3 X 3 waterproof bandage. As the wound drained out the tampon would absorb it. It was much simpler than using gauze and more effective than using a feminine napkin. Hang in there - this is just a bump in the road, try not to let it get you down! Merry Christmas!
   — ronascott

December 19, 2002
I guess I was very lucky. I never had any problems with my surgery. The one thing I did was when I washed myself everyday, I used Dial antibacterial soap. I cleaned my incision very carefully and never got an infection. I believe the Dial was the reason I didn't get an infection. Make sure you use a clean washrag every time. Don't use a scrungie sponge. Let the warm water from the shower run on your incision for several minutes. That will also help clean the infections. Good Luck!
   — dolphins94

December 19, 2002
I am going through this now also. My wound opened up two weeks post surgery and is opened from my tata's to mt tummy. I am doing the wet to dry dressings 2x day but not the vac. I have been doing this for three weeks and have greatly improved. Do massive amounts of protein to help with healing and they say showering and letting water run over it helps to. I am now able to deal with it better but it was horrible at first. Good luck.
   — Joanne N.