Incision area after

slimm2be · May 30, 2008

Swollen and bruised is definitely normal . . . you are not very far out from surgery.
Doctors have different instructions but I can share what I remember of mine with you.

The "tape" I had were little white steri-strips that kind of helped hold the skin a little closer together. I was told to leave them be until they came off on their own. One came off early and I found later that the incision area in that spot was a little wider than the rest because I think that without the strip the edges moved a little further apart. I would just leave them alone.

You should not take a bath, go swimming or in any way submerge your incisions in Water. However, showers are fine and the incision areas can get wet as long as they do not get very wet for very long. Basically I hopped in the shower, rinsed, soaped, rinsed in less than a minute for the incision site. Then I lowered the shower head and scrubbed everything else in a way that would not introduce much more Water to the incisions.

Use a clean towel or paper towels to dry the incision area every time. Never use a washcloth more than once, and really I dont think you want to use one at all on the incision sites. This is to avoid any bacteria that may collect on these items from being introduced into the incisions.

After a shower, I always made sure that I let the incisions dry completely, usually by just keeping the area uncovered and allowing them to air dry. After they were dry I used a little hydrogen peroxide, a little neosporin and then bandaged the area where necessary. I would never touch the area, bandages, anything along that line without thoroughly rewashing my hands first just in case. Even if I just got out of the shower and threw on some clothes, I would still rewash before touching.

I never had any incision problems, everything healed well without infection. This is what worked for me.

HOw long before that incision healed?

That is what happened to me the port incision is wider bc the tape came off too soon, it is taking a while to heal now i see my stitches and feel them pulling. They are going to cut the stitches Tuesday.

I have no infection and the Doctors are keeping a close eye on me every week, but I want to hear from someone that had a similar problem as me. Thanks.

I clean the are with water and mild soap then I pat it dry with a sterile gauze rub neosporin on it then I cover it with a nonstick gauze pad and bandage it up.

I asked the PA about using peroxide which I intially used before I asked her and she said not to use that bc it my irritate the area more so I stopped and just used the mild soap. It seems like it is closing now and getting smaller but geesh how long?

Edited May 30, 2008 by slimm2be

Lunabeane · May 30, 2008

My port site was very swollen...and stil is but there wasn't any bruising.

cagirlv · May 31, 2008

Why does it feel that there is a lump just under my breastbone below my bra near my tummy? It hurts? Has anyone right after surgery felt like their tummy is still sore and it is easier tohold their tummy?

Lunabeane · May 31, 2008

OMG...I hold my stomach like I'm 8 months pregnant, still!! The Dr. thinks that I might have some nerve damage that will eventually correct itself. If I'm on a bumpy road (which is every road in Pittsburgh!) then I hold my stomach.

Do you know where your port is?

efan82 · May 31, 2008

I got 6 cuts instead of 5. I don't know what the deal is with that. I will have to find out when I go for my visit next week. I hope he doesn't charge extra for the extra incision. I think I found my port. I never got to talk to my doctor after the surgery.

cagirlv · May 31, 2008

Thank you for the responses about feeling pregnant and needing to hold your stomach. I thought i was going crazy for a few days there. i've thought about getting a pregnancy band and wearing that or even wrapping tummy in an ace bandage since i can't go around holding my tummy everywhere i go especially since i work in an office that is all about the power suit. any suggestions on what to do?

GLB1954 · June 3, 2008

Did anyone have blisters near their incisions? I have 2 and the NP said they were from the tape and not to worry about them - keep them clean, etc. One looks clear while the other looks more like a blood blister. They don't hurt and the skin isn't warm but I would have been much happier without them

GL

sheemac32 · June 3, 2008

I haven't had blisters my incision sites got infected. But I am a nurse and have worked as a treatment nurse and have seen a lot of blisters with tape just let the air get to them and they should get better soon.

sheemac:cool2:

GLB1954 · June 3, 2008

Thank you for the quick reply! I appreciate it!

sheemac32 · June 3, 2008

Your Welcome this site is great. It calmed my nerves alot. Thanks to you to.

Sheemac:thumbup:

slimm2be · June 6, 2008

HOw long before that incision healed?
That is what happened to me the port incision is wider bc the tape came off too soon, it is taking a while to heal now i see my stitches and feel them pulling. They are going to cut the stitches Tuesday.

I have no infection and the Doctors are keeping a close eye on me every week, but I want to hear from someone that had a similar problem as me. Thanks.

I clean the are with Water and mild soap then I pat it dry with a sterile gauze rub neosporin on it then I cover it with a nonstick gauze pad and bandage it up.

I asked the PA about using peroxide which I intially used before I asked her and she said not to use that bc it my irritate the area more so I stopped and just used the mild soap. It seems like it is closing now and getting smaller but geesh how long?

I am healing now everything went fine doctor remvd stitches did not need debridement and the wound is closing