Question:
Reoccuring Abscesses. Why am I getting abscesses after a year post-op?

I had an open RNY June10th, 1999 and have been getting abscesses over and over again for the last 8 months. I have been to numerous doctors about this and all they can tell me is that it is not in my abdominal cavity but just below the skin surface. These 2 abscesses won't close and I have alot of drainage. It is driving me crazy. I have lost so much weight and still packing and bandaging myself up every day. Can anyone give me some insight as to what could be causing this to happen?    — Glendora W. (posted on August 20, 2000)

August 20, 2000
I can't tell you for certain why this is happening, but it sounds like you never healed properly in the first place. An abcess is caused from infection, where the white cells pool in an area. Have you gone back to your surgeon for post-op check ups. Have you had your blood work checked? Have you had the drainage checked for staff or other infection.? Definetly get back to your surgeon or pcp. What type of surgery did you have? When you say packing and draining it sounds like there is still opening to the surface. A very long time to be dressing a non- healed wound. I hope this at least raised some questions for you , and urges you to get this matter settled with your Doctors. Open RNY Feb 7th, 2000, Carin
   — C S.

August 21, 2000
Are you prone to abcesses anyway? I had a long history of boils in the armpit, groin, as well as adult onset acne. I find that whenever I have any procedure, I tend to get cysts in the area due to my skin having a high abundance of a certain type of bacteria. I would also recommend talking to your surgeon, as well as perhaps investigating a wound healing center. These clinics specialize in handling wounds that won't heal. Good luck!
   — Peggy G.