Staples Itching like mad?

[SilentSong101]

Hey guys...

so Im doing really well since my surgery 10 days ago, have much of my neck movement back (but it is not naturual at this point), am only on low doses of tylonal/advil, but I dont seem to need those unless I am moving around. I also think my eye site it a bit better - my eyes keep getting tired from my glasses haha. So I am doing really well so far...my most irritating pain has been where the halo hit me. The second most frustrating thing im dealing with is the 27 staples in my head are driving my NUTS. the bottom ones are starting to get a bit red and irritated (the skin, not the staples)...I think it is because shirt tags, coat collars, my hair regrowing in all rub right there....and its itching so badly. I keep catching myself nearly scratching them - I havent yet, but I worry I might in my sleep or something.

Has anyone had this problem, and have any tips on dealing with it? I get them out on Wednesday.

[alimcat]

I can't think of anything as far as tips go, I just found out about my chiari. But I do hope you feel better. Good to hear you are doing so well also! Yeah!! =) Hope you continue to get better, take care. Prayers your way!

[SilentSong101]

I have not used the J&J at all....my wallet is empty, so Im working with what I have. But it is feeling much much better.

[linnielou232]

So glad to hear you got the staples out and your feeling better.  I had stitches which I have to say my NS was very good at.  After 3 head surgeries and the hair growing back, you can't see a scar. :)   he had to of done this surgery before LOL.   Just happy your feeling better, but I do suggest you still using the J & J shampoo it is so much easier on your head.  Lot's of luck.
Linda :)

[SilentSong101]

Just thought I'd update....staples came out yesterday morning....It feels so much better already its crazy....I no longer feel like the skin on my head has been tacked in place....I am having some trouble with the looking down exercise though....I have come to realize that because of the staples, I had been skipping over that one exercise a bit more than I should have allowed (oops), and when I did do it I felt so restricted with staples, like they were preventing me from moving....must work it now.

[SilentSong101]

haha cool...one other question...one symptom Im having post op is if I stand up (not always, but often) I get a pulsing pain in my head that starts about 15 seconds after i stand, and lasts for about 15 seconds as well...it is similar to what I had pre-surgery...but not quite....anyone experience this?

[selmaS]

Yes to both ur questions...I have EDS and yes bcuz  I have EDS that it was like that....lol... I will take a look @ urs.

[SilentSong101]

is that due to your EDS? (do you have EDS, am I remembering that right?

I uploaded some pictures of my scar for your viewing pleasure =P

[selmaS]

  Yes, more hair was shaved as they also harvested my pericardium so I had two surgical sites that connected to be one long incision, many do not have as long an incision either unless they have pericardium used for their dura plasty.

I don't mind having the scar and I have a few....several on my knee and ankle...but, with having skin that may tear or not heal properly, we have to be cautious.

[SilentSong101]

Im not so worried about the scar...I think scars are cool haha! And I never scar - I think I literally have no scars on me, and I've not been gentle to myself...so oddly enough I hope this sticks around haha....though its already lightning up quite a bit. El sigh.

Wow! They shaved off a lot of your hair! Thats crazy

[selmaS]

  I have a pic of my scar with the sterri strips posted if u want to take a look, there is a big diff, and I agree, I was glad I did not have to have them or have them removed....lol...one less thing to deal with.

[sweetjen680]

I had glue too.  I am so thankful, especially looking at other people's scars on google images!

[SilentSong101]

If you can get some sample contacts, that could be good?

[Viva001]

That's a good idea, contacts.  I just got new glasses which I can't see out of!  I was blaming the glasses.  They're willing to work w/me, as it's medical, but maybe I should just wait.

[SilentSong101]

where I live it can be -25 one hour and then +25 (That is degrees Celsius....so that is 77 F?) a couple hours later....its not good for the headaches....I do plan from moving here at some point.

[selmaS]

  Today I am 3 yrs post op and with all the rain we r having my vision is one thing that acts up...so, do not be surprised if it continues and then seems ok, then gets wonky again, look at ur weather too.

[SilentSong101]

I have to admit the polystyrene has helped...less itchy...now its mostly the hair ha ha...

my vision is so messed up right now too....woo....I made myself an eye patch today...I think my vision is actually better. but it keeps changing day today, and my eyes are very different at this juncture...woo its crazy...I cannot decide if my sight is better with or without my classes...I keep taking them on and off. Luckily I have a family friend who is an optometrist, so I will be seeing him soon. I'm not going to get new glasses straight away, as they are still adjusting and changing, but we are thinking perhaps some samples of contact lenses in something could do the trick...heres hoping!

[selmaS]

  Well, mom's know best....lol...and she did talk to a medical professional....so, relax.

I did not have staples or stitches, I had glue, so I really had to avoid putting nething on as I had no idea if it would interact chemically....I had sterri strips also  but they came off after a while....but I was just as itchy as the hair began to grow back in and the  scar healed.

[sweetjen680]

I didn't have to have staples.  I tell you, my neurosurgeons are super heroes.  My incision site still changes from day to day, almost 6 months later.  I heard skin can take up to a year to heal.  My vision was SHOT after surgery.  It was so bad, I had to have an eye patch!   I still have double vision, but it's clear and I have adapted....some.  

[SilentSong101]

I lost the polysprone battle, my mother decided to talk to a nurse friend of ours (who treats stapled wounds all the time), who highly recommended doing it...I still felt uncomfortable with it...but she practically forced it on the back of my head. Now I feel all jittery inside. She assures me it will be alright, she did not touch the incision at all, just the edges of the staples. She also states (and I took a picture for proof) that my incision is very well healed, and not even pink anymore....so I am hoping she is right...but still very nervous.

Sighs.

[selmaS]

  Hi...do not put nething on ur scar, u will be seeing ur Dr soon and if there is nething he suggest he will tell u then.....

I know it can get very annoying at times....but, u can get thru this....

If u feel it is too much to handle until u see him, call and ask if there is something u can  put on it.....but do not do nething with out ur Drs knowing.

[SilentSong101]

There is no crust...never really was either. It looks really, really good, except the staples...especially the bottom four...i keep touching them...

My mother keeps suggesting I put something akin to polysporne (sp?) on it, but I am so hesitant so soon after surgery...what are your thoughts on this?

[selmaS]

  As they all said, it is a sign of healing and yup it will itch....

Make sure when u start to wash ur hair u do not over do it & make sure u use a baby shampoo like J&J  other wise  the skin dries out and pulls and itches even more....

Hang in there, this too shall pass.

[soccero]

i  no itching is a sign of healing so maybe its a good thing?
molly

[irislita]

Sorry just read u get them out on wednesday.do u have crust on ur incision?i was told when crust is of to hydrate.but its too early i think for u.maybe a cold cloth to calm a bit...