I had my appendix removed 2 weeks ago.due to my size they couldnt do it laproscopically.So i have this 12 inch cut down the middle of my abdomen.Now the problem is i have been swelling.I have gone back to my dr. 3 times and he drained out the fluid by sticking these large q-tips between my staples and pushing them in and draining out the fluid.apparently he wants to open me up and heal from the inside out.he said that fat does not heal very well.and there are about 4 inches of fat that has to heal.my wife will be the one changing my 'stuffing'.i will be at my home.my question is this:Am i going to die?i am so scared.some of my family are avoiding me,like they are preparing for my eminent death.i am so scared of getting an infection.Or this thing taking months and months to heal.Or maybe never.what are my odds of surviving this?my dr. said i am healthy and not diabetic.but he is clearly dreading this procedure.please help me to have at least peace of mind.
2006-09-27 13:52:30 · 8 answers · asked by fallenjudas 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
Some surgeries take a full year to heal!! but do not fear. If you were in any life threatening situation it would have been addressed by your doctor. The best advice i can give you for this situation is to relax and take each day at a time, if you have any questions that you are unsure about always ask your doctor and he will surely answer them. Infections are common during surgeries but they are nothing that simple antibiotics cant fix, i think your going to be fine, good luck and feel better!
2006-09-27 13:58:23 · answer #1 · answered by cataractz08 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had two recent surgeries that required me to heal "from the inside out." This was done to prevent the outside skin from sealing over and encasing infection.
Please do not worry so much!
It may be possible to have your insurance cover a home nurse to come in and change the packing and keep watch over your healing incision.
Everyone's body heals at a different rate, so there is no "set" timetable.
Just keep up with your doctors orders and keep friends and family around. It's amazing how much they care for you! In times of need they really are troopers.
Good luck to you, and try not to think of scenarios that will never happen!
2006-09-27 15:00:05 · answer #2 · answered by Wizard of Oz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stop worrying it want do you or your family any good.You are not going to die.Go on a diet lose some fat the Dr.might said you are healthy but a person with 4 in.of fat cannot be that healthy get off your as- and do something before the fat kills you.Just give the surgery time to heal I had knee surgery the doctor drained fluid off 4or5 time don't mean nothing.Loose your fat live a lot longer,stop worrying about dieing.
2006-09-27 14:27:25 · answer #3 · answered by Douglas R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any kind of surgery poses risks of infection and other things. You could get a second opinion from another doctor if it would help to reassure that this is the right step to take. You can check out webmd to see if there is anything about this particular problem on there. It is a really great medical advice sight. Remember that when your doctor tells you that something should be done, the benefits must outweigh the risks. Take care! :)
2006-09-27 14:17:12 · answer #4 · answered by kariw 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your chances of recovery are probably excellent, and you are stressing because of the "unknown".
Talk with your doctor and be honest about your aprehension. Try to eat healthy meals and walk as much as you can as you recover. Larger than average people often take a bit longer to recover from medical procedures, but it sounds like your doctor has a plan to address this and is prepared to do what it takes to get you well.
As for your family members...it would appear to me that they are probably squeamish when it comes to medical stuff, and they're reacting that way because they can't handle the medical issues. I doubt they're avoiding you because they fear you are going to die.
Stay calm, work with your doctor and have faith that you are going to be well. Best wishes and prayers for a swift and successful healing!
2006-09-27 13:59:38 · answer #5 · answered by ALittleWildRose 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
lots of people have to let there wounds heal this way as long as you clean it correctly and do as your docter tells you it will heal in no time. Also make sure that you are eating healthly as nutrition plays a key part in the healing process. also look out for early signs of infection such as redness to the wound area any oozing and tenderness as this then can be treated more quickly but if you keep it clean you will be fine.
2006-09-27 14:02:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This sounds unpleasant for everyone. Are you on antibiotics? Make an appointment with your doctor and tell him your concerns. Take notes if you're too stressed to remember what he says. No reason you shouldn't heal.
2006-09-27 13:58:43 · answer #7 · answered by beez 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
about a week a month tops.
2006-09-27 13:59:46 · answer #8 · answered by t(-_-)y 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋