Laparotomy over a c-section 6 weeks ago. Still not healed, red and oozy. Dr. says put powder on it- I did. WTF

Question

The c-section was 2 years ago. Healed fine. The laparotomy was done as an emergency to remove an ectopic pregnancy- the Dr. wound up having to take a fallopian tube and an ovary because it ruptured. Physically, I feel fine, but what's up with the incision? It's got a horrible smell, but it's been this way all along- it's from the drainage. I don't think it's infection. I know I've seen the Dr at least 4 times and been concerned every time (it's infected, the stiches have ruptured, etc.). But he always says "it's fine- just put powder on it". So I have been putting powder, and then all it does is get all pasty. I started swimming a couple of weeks ago, with my Dr's permission, in my own swimming pool. At first, I thought that might get it all cleaned out with the chlorine, but now I think maybe it's delaying the healing even more. After 6 weeks, should this cut still be open, red, puffy, and oozing? Why does my Dr. say it's ok? I do shower every day, and wash with a mild soap. What's up

Answer 1

Okay, I'm not a doctor but my first suggestion to you would be to get a second opinion. It almost sounds like you may need to go on antibiotics as a preventative measure.

My operation wounds were healed within two weeks so I think that you do have an infection (bad smell, red, irritated, oozing).

I'm not sure what's up with your doc but you need to pursue this before it gets worse.

Answer 2

If the sutures have come out, that is dehiscence. The open wound should be kept dry to promote healing, therefore, forego swimming for the time being. The gentle cleaning with the mild soap that you perform in the shower is fine. I'm presuming the "powder" you've been using is an antibiotic powder. I think you need to be seen by a wound care nurse or a different doctor. Just sprinkling powder on a dehisced incision is not how I, myself, would care for it. I'm also presuming that you want minimal scarring and that's not going to happen the way things are right now.

Redness, swelling (puffiness), and drainage (oozing) are some of the signs of infection. Two others are pain and fever. See another doctor who will be more aggressive about treatment. I hope this works out for you.

Answer 3

First of all I am not a doctor. But when I had an open incision and it became infected it smelled bad too.

If you have or get a high fever go to the emergency room.

Get a second opinion about the incision healing. Ask the doctor to explain how to know when it is infected, how long it should take to heal, what exactly the powder is for, and why is the site having drainage.

Just telling you it is ok is not giving you the information to know what you need to know to keep it healthy and to know when it is not.

Any time a doctor tells you something ask: what is this for, what can I expect, how does it work, what can I do, what is not normal.

Answer 4

Please dear lady: ask for another opinion, I don't' think that the wound should take that long to heal, don't put powder on it, it only cradles microorganisms, it should be kept clean and dry. Do you still have a drainage on? Ask why. I would not recommend you to swim, remember that the inner cuttings take longer than the skin to heal. The oozing thing is not a good symptom. Have you been checked for diabetes? High sugar levels make wounds harder to heal. Good luck! Be assertive!!!!

Answer 5

If you are this concerned you need to talk to your doctor or go to another doctor and get a second opinion. If you feel that something is wrong or that you aren't healing properly and you are second guessing your physician, there is nothing wrong with you going to see another doctor and asking what they think could be the problem. At best, another doctor will say the same thing as your doctor or they might offer you some advice on why you aren't healed yet - it's really a win, win situation for you.

Answer 6

I'd go and see another doctor cause quite frankly it sounds like the one you have been seeing has his head up his a$$. He probably doesn't want to admit that it's infected because he doesn't want to be sued. Get a second opinion NOW!! Also any open wound in a swimming pool is open to bacteria which can lead to blood poisoning or septicemia which can kill you if left untreated. Don't walk RUN to another doctor!!!

Answer 7

Get a second opinion ! i think its infected . i think you should dump hydrogen peroxide on the incision. i had some problems healing with my c section and thats what my doctor told me to do and it healed up fine. Watch for you running a temperature it may indicate an infection . Good luck

Answer 8

hun, go to a different Dr. the incision sight is infected and in no way do you put powder on it. you can take daily showers but don't swim or take bathes as this will keep the incision moist and it needs to be dry in order to heal unless you have an antibiotic on it. please go see a different Dr.

CNA II

Answer 9

definately sounds infected, i would go to my family doc or the ER, get some antibiotics, need to stop the infection sooner rather than later, may require IV antibiotics depending upon how bad the infection has progressed, don't wanna end up with a superinfection resistant to meds
would seriously question going back to the doc you have been seeing
take care of yourself first and go with your gut feelings on this one, regardless of what a doctor says, they are only human

Answer 10

You really need to talk to your doctor!!! If YOU don't feel that it's healing right and your doctor isn't really prescribing anything but powder...go get a second opinion. I would do it ASAP!!!