incision problems

[brettspike]

OK, so I go today to get the staples out.  My incision is vertical and is not healing properly.  I had to getg it "packed."  Now I will have a nurse come in twice a day to pack the incision.  Is this something my husband can do?  Not that I really want him to, he is not the most gentle guy in the world.  Anyone else have this problem?  I don't have an infection.  No temperature.  I do feel a little nauseated because I haven't had a bowel movement since Sunday.  thanks!  Deb

[brthbbs]

I met a man at the Wellness Community cancer support group who had a wound vac and he was thrilled with it.  It's a little bulky, have to carry it around in a shoulder bag, but he said he feels so much better with the thing, is mobile and healing time was cut in half.

[brthbbs]

As a student nurse we routinely left incisions open and packed them, it was thought at the time that healing was better this way--but then those were the days when people could afford to stay in the hospital two weeks or more--anyway--we usually taught nurse aids, students and spouses to do the packing--it's not difficult and if you can stay at home for this--well studies have shown time and again that healing is faster and better for most people when they are at home.

[soniek]

i had to answer this!!i had a tah in jan...i was addmited back to the hospital for 5 days in march,due to abdominal incisional abcess..they did surgery on me after 4 days in the hospital..drained what infection they could,and cut out all the dead tissue..they left half the incision open...at that tie,a nurse came here 2 times a week,my hubby did the packing the rest of the time,2 times a day...i ended up having to go back in on april 24 for another surgery,because the infection is still there,and had made a tunnel through my stomach..at that time,they cut out what they could of the tunnel,and more dead tissue..this time,the whole entire incision is open,and being ppacked 2 times a day still...my surgeon put in orders for my nurse to be here 3 days a week,2 times each day...because of my insurance,it didnt happen,so shes coming 3 days a week and thts it,and so my hubby is still doing my packing 2 times a day....hang in there darlin,it has to get better right....sonie

[livertrans]

My husband defintelly could not pack my incision.  Too squemash.  One thing I do remember, however, that as time went on the packing was not that uncomfortable.  I guess my nerve endings in the area were numb or just use to it by then.  Same thing happened when I had a peri-rectal abcess lanced and drained.  After a week or so I did not feel much at all when the packing was done.  It is great if a family member can help out because then you are not always having to work around the nurses visit.  As already said they are really good at trainig family members to do stuff.  My sister use to be a homecare nurse and had no problem handing off certain duties to family.  Good luck.

[soniek]

they had originally talked to me about using a wound vac,however,my doctor called,and found out that the only way my insurance would pay for this,is if i went into a nursing home facility..i am 30,married,and have 7 children..there was no way i was going into a facility..so,they taught my hubby how to do it...they kept telling me with the wound vac i would heal in more than 1/2 the time,but i could not fatham being away from my children anymore than i already had..im not sure if thats something you others can look into,as some insurances are different,and some mau pay for you to use them at home,but for me,its the good ol wet to dry packing....sonie

[turtledovemom]

I'm experiencing the same thing now...2 weeks post-op.  My awesome husband (his patience never ceases to amaze me) had learned how to do the packing when I had my partial hysterectomy and is now doing the evening shift.  Visiting nurses come in for the morning changes.  It's not the most comfortable thing, honestly, but not as bad as some other things that could be going on.  I try to time pain meds for at least 45 minutes before the dressing change and am down to 2 doses daily.  If you and your husband are interested and willing to have him take one of the shifts, it's really not so bad.  The nurses are very good at training other caregivers.  Is there anyone else around who might be able to do it for you in the evenings...someone with whom you'd be comfortable?  It's important to have the nurses do it at least once a day so that they can keep tabs on the healing process.  Hang in there.
peace,
Anne