My Pcp Will Not Take My Stitches Out!

[shellig 0]

I had my surgery with Dr. Almanza at the Jerusalem Hospital. I live in the Atlanta, GA area.

I made an appointment Dec 18th and specifically told my PCP that I needed my sutures / stitches removed 10 days after my surgery scheduled for the 3rd of Jan. They made the appointment and then told me yesterday that I had to see my surgeon... My surgeon is across the country, I say. They ask my Dr again and she won't touch me. The referral group called around and no one else will take them out. I can do it myself but really don't want to. It will be awkward and I get dizzy with my own wounds. I am going to try an Urgent Care center but Argh!!

Anyone else having problems when their surgeon is not local?

[circa 333]

You can always just go to an urgent care or doc in a box - they'll take your sutures out.

[circa 333]

oh, and I'd switch PCP's too after that crap.

[hadouni 301]

I agree with circa on the PCP switch! That's like not being able to follow up with your PCP after having a wound stitched in the ER. I also removed some of my stitches from a surgery in 1999, it's not that bad.

[Dooter 1,457]

I'm traveling from NM to TX for my surgery, so my doc said he'll use dissolving sutures. DUH! When they know people are going a long way for surgery, why wouldn't they just routinely do this? For those of us not done yet- ask for dissolving sutures. I had no idea a local doc would not take them out. That's just crazy. Lawsuits drive the world these days. Very sad.

[Doreykn 113]

My doctor used dissolving stitches inside & some kind of surgical glue for the outer layer. :biggrin2:

[MissCastro1 9]

My doctor used dissolving stitches inside & some kind of surgical glue for the outer layer. :biggrin2:

Mine did too...but one stitch poked out. I emailed him and he told me I could clip it myself close to the skin. I was nervous! LOL!

[MeMeMEEE 206]

I had disolving stitches also.

[oogie821 2]

Maybe you have a nurse in the family or in ur circle of friends? I bet he/she would do it. I had my surgery with Dr Almanza too. I had my husband help me remove mine. I don't get dizzy, it was just a weird angle to try a see what I was doing. It didn't hurt either.....just the slightest pinch. I hope u find a friend to help u out.

[Rootman 1,101]

I too went to the SAME place and my wife took them out when we got home after 10 days, it's not hard at all but I understand the squimishness of taking out your own. I like the urgent care doc but this may run you quite a bit of cash as they often have a minimum fee of like $175.

I suspect your PCP is avoiding liability but it is coming off as really being a d**k. I mean what if you cut your head while traveling and had to have the stiches out at home? Abdominal surgery is quite a bit different than a wound but he should be able to tell if there are any issues by looking. Think real hard about switching docs if you can.