Question:
Anybody have an open wound from an infection?

My incision developed and infection and my Doc. had to open it and clean it out. I have a hole now at the bottom of my incision and I have to pack it and change the dressing everyday. I did great after my surgery and now I feel depressed because I have this open wound. It is healing good but it has been 3 weeks and still has not closed. It was pretty big at first. I guess I just feel like it should be closed by now. Anyone else have this and how long did it take to heal. I'm down 36 pounds. That's a Plus!    — Tammy E. (posted on October 23, 2003)

October 23, 2003
Please don't let this minor setback get you down. I didn't have problems from my RNY but I did with my tummy tuck. I didn't actually have an infection; rather, an abcess caused from fat cell necrosis - meaning that fat cells died and collected under the incision. I had to have about a two inch spot opened with a scalpel and had to pack it twice a day. Luckily, it closed rather quickly and I can't even tell it was opened. I know the packing and cleaning is sort of gross, but it will heal and soon you will be back to normal. It does take time for the opening to close from the inside out. When our incisions heal, at first, they are closed up on the outside but stil not completely closed inside. Try to be patient and don't get depressed - you have so much to be happy about - after all, you are losing weight and you will feel better soon.
   — Patty_Butler

October 23, 2003
I had my surgery on May 16, of this year and I developed a wound infection just above my navel. I had to have the wound cleaned out every day (pulsi-vaced) until it healed completely. This took about two months and then it took another month to completely close up. I know you are down because of this, but just hang in there. It will get better. Even though I had a bad experience with the wound infection--I would have the surgery all over again in a heart beat. I have lost 92 pounds in five months.
   — Gene F.

October 23, 2003
I had a slipped stitch and had to have my incision opened in the area and had what I called a bullet hole in my stomach. It really bothered me. I also had to "pack" it daily with gauze. I was really bugged by it. But it healed really fast. At the time it felt like forever. It amazed me how each day I was packing way less than the day before. When you think of all the other things that could have been a problem...this is small. Congrats on the -36! Awesome!!!!
   — nani68

October 23, 2003
I hope he/she included giving you antibiotics. I had to take 2 types of antibiotics to clear the infection. The first one didn't do it after 10 days and they switched me to sulfa medication which along with the cleaning cleared it up. I would ask about antibiotics certainly. Take care and it will be a thing of the past soon.
   — Karen Renee

October 23, 2003
Tammy, like they say "this too shall pass". I had a wound infection also. I hated having it cleaned, it was tender and hurt. The taste of the antibiotic made me sick, worst stuff I ever had! Somehow I got through it and it is a distant memory. Hang in there! Danna
   — Danna S.

October 24, 2003
Howdy there! First off, CONGRATS on your success thusfar... I'm with the others, DON'T LET THIS SETBACK GET YOU DOWN... wound infections are more the norm than the exception according to my surgeon. My incision stayed open for weeks and weeks and I was beginning to think it would NEVER end, but it did, after about five weeks and now it's healing well (I'm seventeen weeks out) and even is looking less pink and irritated! Best wishes!! God bless!!
   — Amy G.

October 24, 2003
Hi Tammy, please don't get discouraged. I am 4 months out and down 42lbs and I know exactly what you're going through. I had to have two sections of my incision opened due to seroma. I had a nurse that came and change it 2x a day, but she taught my family to do it and they took over so she didn't have to come every day. I look like I have 3 belly buttons :o)...It heals in its own time, so turn your frown upside down and think positive thoughts on the great job you've already done. Smile
   — Deborah

October 24, 2003
I had the same thing that you did, and it lasted for a couple of months. Looking back on everything, I think that that leak was the worst part of the whole experience. Guaranteed, though, one day soon you'll wake up, and see that it's started to close. You WILL get past this! I'll bet by Thanksgiving you'll have a hard time remembering the nuisance of it. (Mine finally closed in June, and I can't even recall exactly where it was anymore.) Best wishes and hang in there!
   — [Deactivated Member]