Question:
I'm 16days postop and I have an opening in my incision the size of a quater I told my doc he packed

some gauze and said it has to close on it's own has this happen to anyone and if so how did you care for it and how long did it take for it to close, any info would be helpful it has me worried to death and almost wishing i never had this surgery [i can't stand the sight of blood especially on me] thanks.    — TRACY D. (posted on October 6, 2001)

October 6, 2001
My incision opened when I was about 1 week post op. It was an incisional leak and after about three weeks I went to my primary doctor and he said it was infected. I took two different antibiotics and it started healing. I was told to keep it clean and dry. I let it air out when I slept at night and sometimes during the day and it healed very fast when I did that.
   — Dawn H.

October 6, 2001
At 9 days post op I came down with an infection. My doctor removed 5 staples at the bottom of my incision to drain all the "liquid". For about a week I had a nurse come 2x's a day...because it isn't leaking badly, the nurse only has to come once a day. It's not as wide, but it's still 3.5 inches deep. Mine has to be packed so that it closes from the bottom up. I'm also on antibiotics. I'm 19 days post-op and my nurses say i shouldn't look for it to close for another 4-6 weeks...and no swimming!!! It's also hard because I'm not suppossed to shower unless I know for a fact i'm going to see the nurse within the hour. My suggestion is, if you're that uncomfortable with it, you need to tell your doctor or call your representative at your insurance company. Wishing you luck!
   — Kristin R.

October 6, 2001
Hi, I am a home care nurse I we have had several people, that have there incision open up, and we have went out 1-2xs a day to pack it. Some doctors think the patient can take care of it. and they can with out problems. but some people have problems doing wound care on them selfs. and they call the doctor and ask if they can have a home nurse for a few weeks. Your wound like the one lady said needs to heal from inside out or you will have more problems. and it can take up to 6 weeks to heal. We need protein and protein promotes healing. good luck to you. Dawn
   — Dawn S.

October 6, 2001
I had an opening the size of a fifty cent piece from about one week to six weeks post op. i just cleansed it daily with alcohol and kept a dressing over it..it drained a small amount. i also took whirlpool baths as my dr said it would help and it did...even just soaking in water he said would help. It healed up very well
   — paula B.

October 8, 2001
I know it sounds like you can't stand looking at your open incision and you feel pretty grossed out about it. But, just to keep you thinking about the positive, be glad it is only the size of a quarter. Like the poster before me, it could be the size of a half dollar or larger. Or, like my experience following open gall bladder removal, it could be MUCH worse. A good 3-4 inches had to be opened and drained and packed. Took months to close completely, and at the beginning it was really bad. The first time I looked I almost passed out, as you could actually see my liver! At least I had a home nurse, but that only lasted until it was half way done, then I had to pack it myself. You can do it! It's inconvenient, but no big deal compared to what it could have been. Best of luck.
   — Tracy L.

October 8, 2001
Okay - ready to be grossed out? My incision (open RNY) opened up 3+ inches in one place and 1.5 inches in another place. I tried packing it with gauze as instructed, but ended up eventually going back to my surgeon, because the wound just wasn't closing up. I came to find out that the sutures, which normally are absorbed by the body, were NOT absorbing. The doctor had to manually remove a thread-like string from my incision with a pair of surgical scissors. It was really gross and painful, but after that, I healed up in about 2 weeks. Don't worry - it will be worth it in the long run. I had my surgery 7 months ago and am already down about 150 lbs!!!
   — Terissa R.