incision opening up

geocachelinda

My incision has opened up and has holes in it.  I went to my Dr. yesterday.  I was running a temp the night before and she pulled the drains.  I am on antibiotics but I hope this incision closes up soon.  I covered it up with some gauze and tape.  Makes me sick to look at it.  Has anyone else have this happen to them?  I was closed up with surgical glue btw.

SuebeeBC

Hey geocachelinda - yes youre not alone.  Not sure how long ago you had surgery.  Here's my story.

At 2 weeks past MX I had a spot oozing a lot of fluid.  I had it checked out, no fever but they were concerned anyway and put me on antibiotics and creme.  They drained the area kind of like popping a zit.  It continued to ooze for 5 days and then 3 spots were open - two of them stopped after that.  At 3 weeks I got a hole right in the middle.  Its not oozing like the last ones - just open and moist.  At more than 4 weeks its the same.

My PS said its not infected.  He calmed me by saying there were two things that could 'go wrong' at this point and this was neither.  He said it looked like I am just healing slowly.  I can no longer do any exercise and I have to have a high protein diet...and keep it moist.  Gauze is OK.  Even going to the mall makes it red again.

I was closed with glue too.  Im sick that its not getting better - but very happy to know its not serious and doc isnt concerned about it.  I just have to slow down more.  The other 3 areas that had popped in the past are closed - so I hope this will follow suit.  Good Luck!!!

geocachelinda

my surgery was two weeks ago.  The incision has opened in a couple different areas and is draining that is why I'm putting the gauze over it.  Probably going to have a really nasty scar later on down the road.  I'm wondering if she will suture it monday if it isn't closing up.

NatureGrrl

I'd call my surgeon to make sure they don't want to see you sooner than Monday.  It doesn't sound serious but I like to give the dr. a call if I have any doubts.   That's what they get the big bucks for   Good luck.

goldlining

Happened to me due to the Xmas family hugging (I didn't want to tell anyone about it. My father has leukemia and couldn't handle the idea that I had this.) This was about 14 days post-op. I believe I'd had every second staple out at that point.

This being Canada, I just went to Emerg and the nurse practitioner tidied and put on additional steristrips. Said glue would seal in any bad bugs, and there was no need for sutures (I guess the depth and the width just a couple of inches wide.)

I went to surgeon the next day and he said all was A-Ok with what they did. I must say that part of the scar is still quite bright red now (just over 2 months post-op), but I figure who's looking.

geocachelinda

JBinOK I was never given a binder to wear..

SuebeeBC

Geo I never had a binder either....maybe because of the glue?

I am already tired of eating meat!!!  I hope this incision closes soon because the weight is going to start packing on!  LOL - maybe not.  I am doubting a fill this week again.  The site is closed today but that doesnt mean much - could pop again in my sleep like last night. 

geocachelinda

I went to the surgeon on Monday and she said it was not infected.  I have some Santyl ointment to put on it to help eat up the dead tissue that is in the open area.  It is making me sick just to look at it!  I don't know how long this is going to take to heal up.

mrsnjband

I had one side opened up after I popped a stitch.  I had to use silvadene cream until mine closed again.  I used a syring to rinse the opening & then used a small amount of the sivladene cream.  I would put a small piece of gauze for any drainage. It has to heal from the inside out.  NJ

SuebeeBC

My PS is giving it one more week and then I get to go get it cleaned out and stitched.  Not only isnt it closing, but after my visit this week, its bigger!!!  UGH I am frustrated (5 weeks post surgery).  Im on a high protein diet, no exercise and I have a cream to put on it....no infection which is great.  I cant believe how slow it is!

geocachelinda

I was cleaning mine this morning and broke thru the "wall" of green dead tissue and all this yellow clear liquid mixed with a little blood came pouring out!  I found that the wound had been tunneling back behing this "wall".  I can't tell how deep it is, but the wound looks to be at least 2 inches deep at this point.  My surgeon is during surgery today so I have to wait until Monday to go see her!  The nurse told me just to keep it clean and covered!  Crazy!

scuttlers

That sounds terrible! Can you see if you can go to the ER where your surgeon is working today and have her see you in the ER after surgery? I would be uncomfortable waiting until Monday.



My wound opened also. Using wet gauze (sterile saline) on the open area covered by dry gauze and held on with binder. The tape was tearing my skin. 12 weeks out now and slowly healing.

christine47

geocachelin,

I do not think I would wait all weekend either.  Call back and insist on someone seeing you, are you on antibiotics?

SuebeeBC

geocache - I would go in too!  I called with a little oozing and while my surgeon was in surgery, he had me come in anyway and have a resident look at it just in case.  And I was seeing him the next day for a regular appointment anyway!  Mine did not sound like that.

scuttlers - 12 weeks?  mine is not very big or deep comparatively, maybe the size of a medium grain of rice - it looks a little better today but I would be shocked if it was healed by tuesday.

I had a bad day about it today.  Its getting me quite down because I cant do anything at all like exercise, cook, do anything strenuous at all.  With spring peeking its head, Im itchy to look at new bikes, get fit, get back to life!!! I even want to look for a JOB - I was all weepy and feeling useless today.  My DH is being very patient with me, telling me its just a bad time for me right now and we will get through it, but it doesnt really help...seeing progress would help!!!

Sorry that was a little rant.  Just a bad day.

scuttlers

Sue, yes surgery was in Dec. Had 2 areas open up on the left breast. One is completely closed and one is getting smaller each day. The belly button opened and is ugly! But I do see some improvement. The abdomen opened in several places, almost 12 inches. This morning only 2 areas there. One is about half an inch, the other about an inch. I did not return to the PS as I was totally not happy with so many things there. (my first clue to run and find somewhere else was when the rad dept. gave me contrast to drink for my pre-op scans, when I questioned, well let me say you don't question at that facility ... Then they couldn't "read" the vessels very well due to the contrast in the intestines ...). I stuck through. The final straw was the nurse on my last day asked me if she could pray with me, I said yes (can use all and any help) - after shutting the door she proceeded with a lengthy tirade casting the evil out of me and asking for me to be forgiven for whatever I had done to "deserve" this. And the PS (oh, those letters can stand for so many different things) office has not called once asking how I am or why I haven't returned. Just a nice bill. I am happy with the breasts.

SuebeeBC

Holy Crap!  That is some story!  I hope you were able to complain to the board of plastic surgeons at least!  And Im glad you like your breasts.  What about any followups?  Will you find someone new? 

scuttlers

Sue, I let the hospital know. The PS was OK, my main issues were with the other healthcare providers. If I decide nipples are important - I'll find someone else.



Hope Geocache got in to be sen TODAY!

geocachelinda

I am on two different antibiotics.  My chest feels really tight under the incision area.  I think I have some backed up fluid.  There are and have been "lumps" just behind my axilla area on my back.  I was leaning over the sink and gently pressing on these and more fluid was coming out of the gaping wound.  I don't have any sterile water so I am just keeping it covered.  Hoping it doesn't get infected or get worse!  I had gone to the ER in my town on Wed night and the Doc there wouldn't touch it.  He said it didn't seem infected and Dr's don't like "stepping on other Dr.s toes" so they told me just to contact my surgeon ASAP.  I am sure I am going to end up having a visiting nurse to come and pack this for me for a couple weeks. 

TonLee

Sue,

My wound opened up just like this back in October...I am on chemo right now and it is still not healed....

Here are 3 pictures....

The first is what it looked like after MX...with TE in place...

The next one is what it looked like when it popped open at the bottom, and within a week the entire thing opened up...(sorry for gross-ness)....this was October/November

Since then I've been on chemo, and eating 100 mg of protein a day...and seeing my PS every week for "debridement" and several sessions of stitches, and this is where I am now....

I'm hoping it will close by the end of March when I get my last chemo...I  hope to be done with my fills before Rads....

I wanted you to see the pics so you don't get discouraged...healing takes a long time on chemo...just keep up with the protein..(and my PS has me take 50,000 IU of Vitamin A on the days I take steroids, he says steroids keep you from healing). 

I keep a bacterial ointment on it the PS prescribes, and keep it covered so it stays moist.

Good luck!

~edited~Sorry...didn't see you were Stage 0.  I'm assuming no chemo.  If that's the case you should heal much more quickly...heh.

geocachelinda

Thanks, I don't want to put up my pics!  Mine is so deep you could park a dump truck in it!  It is nasty business!  Hope you heal up soon!

geocachelinda

I must say however, that your new breast is adorable!     I guess that should go in the tacky comments forum huh?  LOL

SuebeeBC

Toni thanks for the photos and encouragement!!!  Youre right - no chemo.  Just SLOW  Its so frustrating!  DH says today I look pale.  Terrific.  Now Iron deficient!  Just kidding.

I was just told to keep it moist (i.e. the cream I have and a bandaid) and to eat 'more' protein so I am eating about double the recommended daily but thats hard for me to do!!!  My hole looked like photo number two but its not as deep anymore.  Ive seen some progress today.  Maybe Ill do another long glass of milk before bed. 

Linda - I am really thinking of you this weekend.  Let us know how it goes!!!

geocachelinda

Ok I took a picture of it pretty gross, excuse the pit hair no shaving allowed yet!

 " mc

christine47

Geocachlelinda,  keep taking the antibiotics, if you begin a fever or have increase drainage, redness or pain, you need to go back to ER this weekend, or page your doctor.  I would not worry about stepping on any ones toes, these are the only 2 boobs you get, your doc has ten toes.  I have experience in other area of chronic wound care,and know things can go from bad to ugly very quickly. We encourage our patients to call us about anything they are worried about.  I always tell my patients that I would rather them call me on a Friday night with a small problem, than with until Monday morning when we have a big problem.  Stay on top of this situation.  I will be thinking about you.

TonLee

Sue,

Milk really isn't the best place to get protein if you wanna "bulk up."  lol 

Greek yogurt (a fruit cup of it) has 0 fat 140 calories and 14 gms of protein.  If you can squeeze 3 of those in on top of what you already eat a day...you'll heal up in no time and won't add a bunch of extra weight in the process.

Also l/f cottage cheese in an excellent source of protein..low in calories and fat.

Geo,

I concur with Chris...keep an eye on that....it could fester pretty fast.

My boob isn't filled yet....once chemo is over I get it filled and then radiation...which I'm sure will make it funky...but oh well....I just want to be even in clothes....lol

SuebeeBC

TonLee that was just my nightcap!  LOL - Ive been eating a lot of meat, nuts, eggs and boost shakes - I am so full all of the time though and really dont want to eat a thing these days!!!

We are out of the greek yogurt right now - I have to go get some today.  Youre right, there are some terrific sources of protein out there, but its hard to get 100g a day!

Actually, im really excited that it showing signs of improvement again today! 

Linda-  I agree, stay on top of this one!!! Good Luck!

REKoz

I am so sorry that you are going through this. I could spew and spew the many details of the trauma I went through when both my incisions in their entirety split and became infected. I had a home care wound nurse for months. I'll TRY to be brief but every time I write about it, I still get riled.

I am convinced that my original (Hellz yeah, he's fired!) PS overfilled the expanders immediately placed in BMX surgery. I was very small breasted and he just completely over stretched the little amount of skin he had to work with. So is the home care nurse- the angel put in my life whom at first gently chided me through my anesthesia plus pain pill induced fog and then finally insisted I get back into the PS office. Without exaggeration, the entire upper half of my body was black and blue and the pain...He has me lay on the table and proceeds to stick that huge needle into each port to withdraw saline from each expander. No numbing agents or pain management, the nurses had to hold me down. He then tells me there is nothing else he can do so I should go to the emergency room if I feel the need.

Thank the good Lord, I had my first visit with the Oncologist the next day. He takes one look at me and the next thing I know, I am having the first of two weeks of IV Vancomyacin (sp). Delayed chemo until we knew it was cleared, the expanders were salvageable and debridement surgery for the inch thick scabs along the incision lines. The scabs that finally formed after weeks and weeks of in home nursing care

OK, I've already gone on too long and this thread is not all about me! I apologize. I guess this is my long winded way of suggesting you get another MD to look at this. I'm assuming from your stats that you have an Oncologist? Or your surgeon?  As someone else said, this can go down hill real fast left untreated. You didn't mention the kind of surgery you had or if any recon is involved. If you do have expanders, it's even more imperative that you take action,

I surely don't mean to scare you but rather emphasize the importance of getting that wound under control before it has a chance to control you.

I wish you the very best and hope you will keep this thread advised of your progress.

Ellen

TonLee

Sue,

Sorry, I tend to go all prolific when it comes to protein intake   I'm sure you are as well informed, if not more than I am on the matter.

I am 4 days out of #5 (of 6) TCH treatments, and I have more hair (it is growing!) than some of the women in my treatment center who are a couple months done with their TCH regimine.  I attribute it to protein.  That's all it CAN be...I'm hypothyroid so my hair grows really slow anyway....

Good  luck to you!!

geocachelinda

Hi, I'm glad for all the advice.  I just had a simple MX with lymph node disection.  I think maybe she pulled the incision too tight or I over did it when  I got home.  When she saw it last Monday it was only opened a little, now it is a huge cavern filled with greenish dead tissue.  Yes I am on two different antibiotics.  It is a little uncomfortable but that could just be from the surgery itself.  Surgery was almost a month ago.  I think they are probably going to send me in for a debridement at the very least and then set me up with a home health care.  I can't take care of this wound myself in a sterile way. 

SuebeeBC

TonLee - I didnt think anything of it.  Hearing you were taking 100g a day made me up mine even more.  Good results, the past two days I see so much improvement...its not so deep at all anymore and look like it might be closed on tuesday by this rate!  Im keeping tentative fingers crossed!

Linda- yes I agree.  I had that green stuff a few times and even a white plaque that the doc digs out and cleans up...those inhibit the healing he told me.  Try the protein while youre at it.  Cant hurt.  Im at 5 weeks plus so I understand the anxiety over this.  Ive met women who went on like this for months!  Keep the faith!

DLK624

Well I'm sorry to hear of the problems everyone has encountered but at least I now know I'm not alone.  My lumpectomy was 8 weeks ago and the axilla site has healed 100% but the end of my incision has been open for most of the 8 weeks!  The only time it finally sealed & stopped leaking, it formed a huge blood blister looking thing which burst after a few days.  My chemo's been delayed and my surgeon's on vacation.  Not one medical professional has mentioned protein intake... I'll try that.  I'm concerned about the delay to the chemo.  one question I have is did everyone have drains put in (I didn't).  The surgeon said it's best to let the breast fill back up with your own fluids but now more has leaked out onto clothing/bedding, etc. I feel my DD cup will end up looking like an A if the leaking doesn't stop! Help!