Question:
HELP!! What can I do to make this better faster?

I had my staples removed and got a seroma (lot's of fluid) the Dr. made the wound bigger and has me packing it with gause on a daily basis, how is this ever going to heal! Has anyone had this and how long did it take to heal? This is awful. though I must say I feel ok, just achy at the wound site. any ideas?    — Cindy W. (posted on June 14, 2002)

June 14, 2002
I had the same thing happen to me. I thought it was never going to heal but after a few weeks of re-opening my incision (4 times!) and getting it cleaned and packed daily, it finally healed. I also had to take some pretty strong antibiotics too. You just have to have patience. I know it is hard but you must just go with what the dr orders!!!!
   — RODEO CLOWNS S.

June 14, 2002
This also happened to Carne Wilson and from reading her book it was one of the most frustrating and painful things she felt she had to go through. As the other poster stated, it will get better and heal, it just takes time.
   — Joanie J.

June 14, 2002
Hey, I just got back from the surgeon with this problem. I am going through one of my husband's undershirts about every 3 hours with drainage. This is gross. I am glad you posted... I couldn't even remember what he said it was until I read your post.
   — Karen F.

June 14, 2002
I dont have a seroma but I had one hell of a staph infection that required a surgeon to open up the bottom 4 inches of my staples and allow drainage. I had a huge HOLE that needed to be packed 3 times a day with 2 4x4 pieces of gauze. I had surgery 3.5 weeks ago I was reopened after 8 days and I am not down to a small hole that has to be packed once a day and with very little packing wick. It does heal and FAST!!! I was unable to pack mine so hubby had to do it for me. I know what U mean about awful but it gets much better. I am surprised at how fast and well its healed. BEST of luck!!!~
   — Sassy M.

June 14, 2002

   — Rosario T.

June 14, 2002
Hang in there i had this same thing going on for 3 months in two different areas. This may sound weird but instead of going thru gauze pads like crazy and messing up your shirts, Cover the wound with a sanitary pad tape it on the sides and bottom but leave the top so that the air can get down in and help heal the wound. I also put peroxide on it daily. Both these things helped me. Once i used the hydrogen peroxide it healed up a lot quicker. Good Luck!
   — Tammy N.

June 14, 2002
Half of my incision was open due to an infection and it took three months to heal and now it is fine. Another person a diabetic took four months to heal. Hang in there it is a pain but it does heal.
   — Patricia M.