Steri Strips

[dscoochie]

Surgery was one week ago today, and my steri strips aren't looking very...steri...if you know what I mean.  They are sticky, and kinda dirty around the edges.  I'm a very clean person and HAVE been showering and gently washing the area and patting it dry, but they are starting to look somewhat gross.  There is no way I would go out looking like this!

Should I try to clean the area with a liquid antibiotic - or would that be a very bad idea?

[dscoochie]

I took the strips off.  I pulled gently and they came away.  Oh Lord, I almost passed out.  Its not a pleasant sight, but I dont care...

I think they got gooey from the polysporin that I was putting on the "rash" above and below the incision.  I should not have put anything on the area at all.

I'll take a pic later when my husband gets home.  I have no idea how to download pics from the iphone to the computer.  

NIght sweats are horrid.  But night tremors (cold shakes) are worse.  I had both right after my hysterectomy and I know they are common too after a TT - its all hormone related.  So far, though, I am okay that way.  Maybe I'm just used to feeling like crud hormonally or maybe my right side is holding up okay (knock on wood!).

Back to the incision, I was told to now that the strips are off to just keep it clean and dry.  Maybe a "bit" of vitamin E, polysporin or vaseline each day - thats all.

[CatieC]

You are not alone - I am getting night sweats. I have not had a good nights sleep since my surgery. I am going to the endo next week and I am hoping my meds will be adjusted and put an end to the sweats.

As for the steri-strips, I was told not to put anything on them. When I saw my surgeon a week after surgery, he removed them. It might be a good idea to call the surgeon's office.

[Mucka]

Have you noticed any nightsweats since your Sx?  I have woke up a few times literally drenched from sweating, face and all.  It only happens at night too.

[Thypatient]

I agree.

I was told not to put anything on the area as it could create a seal and that means it could start sealing in bacteria - not good.  I was told to cut the edges of the steri-strips as they peal up and get nasty.  This helps to keep the area cleaner and get more air to it.  A nurse once told me you want to get air to an incision to help it form a scab (its own natural band-aid).

Also, putting a call into the surgeon's office couldn't hurt.  Take care.

[Mucka]

I would take them off.  My endo surgeon told me to remove mine 48 hrs later as I was stitched from the inside.  He gave me some to take home if I wanted to reapply some.  I had asked about putting stuff on i.e. Polysporin, etc, and he firmly said not to.  

[MKlacza]

Why dont you put a call into the office and talk to the RN? I wouldnt do anything without speaking to them first... not that antibiotics would really do any harm, but I would get there opinion.

I was told to put nothing on mine until after I was seen!!!