Incision site pain

[hoyt66]

Ok I guess I'm going to be throwing a lot of questions now. I have pain in the incision when I " slide " around the bed to get into position. Feels like pins are being poked into the cut. Amy one else experience this? Thanks

[rubyred]

All very normal I would think. I still have it now.

[hoyt66]

Ruby, how far past surgery are you?

[hoyt66]

Forget that post, sorry. I just read your signature.

[rubyred]

Yep, 5 weeks gone. And the top part of my incision, I suspect the main entry point, is very red and sore to the touch still.

[hoyt66]

Ruby , I'm sorry to hear that. How is everything else going?

[rubyred]

On the whole, generally good. My mood has been up and down as it does with most people following surgery and I'm still suffering with my groin muscles, but it is a marathon not a sprint so can't expect to be perfect straight away  ;)

But I do admit I don't know if my scar should be as red and tender as it is  :-\ Every nurse that's looked at it has said it's fine with no signs if infection, but I'm a worrier! Mr Treacy will set me right next week  :)

[hernanu]

Hoyt, that is normal, your incision is just barely beginning to heal, it will be sensitive for a few weeks.

The main issue initially (I'm sure the staff told you about this) is to be aware of any signs of infection of the incision. If you follow the instructions on incision care, you should be fine, but it is part of your task to be on the lookout. Do you have a home nurse dropping by to check the wound out? I did, it helped calm my mind on this.

Here are some signs of an incision infection (from this source: http://surgery.about.com/od/aftersurgery/qt/SignsInfections.htm ):

• Hot Incision: An infected incision may feel hot to the touch. This happens as the body sends infection fighting blood cells to the site of infection.
• Swelling/Hardening of the Incision: An infected incision may begin to harden as the tissue underneath are inflamed. The incision itself may begin to appear swollen or puffy as well.
• Redness: An incision that gets red, or has red streaks radiating from it to the surrounding skin may be infected. Some redness is normal at the incision site, but it should decrease over time, rather than becoming more red as the incision heals.
• Drainage From the Incision: Foul-smelling drainage or pus may begin to appear on an infected incision. It can range in color from blood-tinged to green, white or yellow. The drainage from an infected wound may also be thick, and in rare cases, chunky.
• Pain: Your pain should slowly and steadily diminish as you heal. If your pain level at the surgery site increases for no apparent reason, you may be developing an infection in the wound. It is normal for increased pain if you “overdo it” with activity or you decrease your pain medication, but a significant and unexplained increase in pain should be discussed with your surgeon.

Ruby, I think it should be fine, especially if you don't see other signs, but it's good that you've gotten it looked at. It's ok to be a worrier when that gives you the best possible chance at recovery. I think you'll see soreness periodically as you expand your activities.

Talk to Mr. Treacy about what it feels like and what it will feel like in the future; knowing what to expect will clear the mind.

[rubyred]

• Redness: An incision that gets red, or has red streaks radiating from it to the surrounding skin may be infected. Some redness is normal at the incision site, but it should decrease over time, rather than becoming more red as the incision heals.
• Pain: Your pain should slowly and steadily diminish as you heal. If your pain level at the surgery site increases for no apparent reason, you may be developing an infection in the wound. It is normal for increased pain if you “overdo it” with activity or you decrease your pain medication, but a significant and unexplained increase in pain should be discussed with your surgeon.

Ruby, I think it should be fine, especially if you don't see other signs, but it's good that you've gotten it looked at. It's ok to be a worrier when that gives you the best possible chance at recovery. I think you'll see soreness periodically as you expand your activities.

Talk to Mr. Treacy about what it feels like and what it will feel like in the future; knowing what to expect will clear the mind.

Hmmm I do get those two mentioned above, a section of the incision has become redder and more sore over the past couple of weeks, but it's clean and dry and not hot to the touch. I will definately ask Mr T and tell him. He of all people will know if his work is infected or not LOL.[/list][/list]

[hernanu]

I took a psychology class once and was convinced I had every psychological issue possible (I have gotten feedback from some ex's that I in fact, do  >:( ) ; reflecting on it, I thought that I could not be so talented to be that screwed up.

In my opinion, we are usually so close to the issue at hand with all of our fears, hopes and desires, that while it is prudent and good to be on the lookout, the best resource is a good medical person (emphasis on good).

A surgical incision should be one of the better known issues to deal with, so if several nurses have pronounced it fit, it most likely is. Well worth checking with Mr. T (apologies to the A Team) though.

[hoyt66]

Home nurse just left. Said the incision site looked good. Measured at 8" . Good to hear it looked good from the nurse! Step in the right direction

[hernanu]

That's great hoyt - it's only a concern for a while, but the less you worry, the better.

[Tin Soldier]

That's good to hear, Hoyt.  Yeah Ruby, I think you are probably fine, but getting an opinion from a good surgeon is really the best solution.  Plus, it helps keep us from worrying, which can be worse than what we are worrying about.   

Also, when the scab starts to come off, like any scar, there will be initial redness and sometimes it does look like it might be getting infected, when it really isn't.  That should settle though in a few days.  Another thing, is that the surface may heal pretty quickly, but down below it may be slower, which might make it be a little more painful and red at the surface.