However, I believe that I am at fault for my delayed wound healing. Why?
I went back to work on post op day #3. I did do some lifting, nothing heavy. I was on my feet for 8 hours. I didn't gradually build back my activity level. My fault. Totally. I should not have gone back to work so soon.
Thus, I split my wound open, and it actively bled.
I also take up to about two weeks to blow the general anesthesia out of my system. I am tired, dizzy, and lightheaded until this happens. I am prone to needing to take 2-3 hr naps during the day time.
Anyhow, the NP opened my wound a little more, and did some digging with hydrogen peroxide and sterile Q tips. Turns out I had some nice blood clots that needed to be worked out of the wound before it could approximate and start to heal from the inside out.
I also was started on antibiotics - something I RARELY take. Just FYI.
I should also mention - I am a slow healer with some of my incisions. I have a history of slow wound healing, and even rejection of suture. It could be the site - were there is excess skin from weight loss (a.k.a. My Pannus).
WARNING! WARNING! PANNUS PICTURE BELOW!!!!
(Note: this is a picture from the web, not my pannus, but looks very much like my very own pannus. Isn't it beautiful?)
Picture from: http://xnet.kp.org/permanentejournal/spr08/TPJSpr08/Spring08bweb-web-images/PreopFig1_fmt.jpeg
It could be that I do not always get optimal amounts of nutrition (from having gastric bypass). I blame none of this on my surgeon. I knew this info, going into an elective surgical procedure. (This is aimed at the anonymous MD commenter from my previous post op post.)
Am I belly aching and moaning and groaning about my complications? Heck no. I'm just blogging. I write about whatever pops in my head. Take it or leave it.
(Oh, and I'm also off of work til Tuesday. Another wound check on Monday, this time with my surgeon.)
Signed,
Your sassy AtYourCervix Nursey Nurse
7 comments:
Agh, the dreaded "P word!" LOL I hate looking in the mirror. Just so you know you're not the only one. LOL
And I guess there's truth to the adage that 'doctors (nurses too, huh?) make the worst patients.' ;P
Slow down! Take that three-hour nap! You can't take care of anyone else if you don't take care of yourself first. :D
I have that too. I am going in for WLS end of may/1st of june is the goal. I really want a pannectomy when I hit my "goal" weight. Have you considered one?
I have definitely considered getting this pannus surgically removed. Haven't made any plastic surgery consults though.
Glad to see you are doing well.
I know you love blogging and i look to you for inspiration, especially when i receive negativity for my "over the top" posts.
"over the top"? You? NEVAH!!!! xoxo
I have an a$$ pannus. Sad but true. I get mad at those tv shows that show folks lose 700lbs and then no skin is floating around. Like the biggest loser. I always think WTF? Did the pannus fairy come and remove it over night?
Cervix I did the same damn thing, go back to work too soon. You couldn't help it. I think it is a mental defect nurses get.
Totally agree with all the nurse commenters. Take your time off to heal and DO not feel guilty about it. I am currently writing a post about a bunch of DC nurses who were fired, yes fired, because they could not make it to work in the blizzard. It is a very unfair expectation to expect nurses to risk their lives and health for others. nuff said.
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