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Infection in the Incision

Posted , 5 users are following.

nuala16574
nuala16574

I'm 6 weeks post op LTKR today an doing ok, taking one day at times exercising regularly icing resting and of course physical therapy, My scar/incision is had been looking good but on Tuesday my partner noticed it was reddish and a bit swollen at the base of the Incision, I made contact with Ortho Nurse who said come in straight away. To cut a long story short having burst the area a lot of puss came out and she tweezed out 3 stitches that hadn't been absorbed by my body and was causing infection. She said I'd I hadn't had it seen to it would have developed in something more serious, she dressed it and wants to check it again on Monday. Goes to show you just can't ignore the small things 😣

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • sue37592
    sue37592 nuala16574

    Posted

    Glad you noticed it Nuala, Take care and keep an eye on it. Best wishes
  • cheryl90571
    cheryl90571 nuala16574

    Posted

    Nice work on spotting the redness and on attending to things right away!😊

    Infection can hit quickly, and it also can be very serious if not dealt with ASAP!

    So glad that all went well. Let us know how things go on Monday, OK?

    Sending prayers of calm and strength today!😊

  • nuala16574
    nuala16574

    Posted

    Thank you for kind comments. I'm seeing surgeon on Monday as well so let you know how it goes.
  • nuala16574
    nuala16574

    Posted

    Hi all. Just an update. I had my 6 week review with surgeon on 13th June who was quite pleased with progress,. He looked at the area where there had been an infection on the scar and remarked that these things can happen. Sutures don't get absorbed and come to the surface causing infection. The nurse dressed it and went back last Monday for removal. She seemed happy with it and said to let air at it etc and all will be good . Anyway I noticed the area purple wit a head on it yesterday and phoned nurse immediately couldn't get her so made a poultice myself drew the gunge from it and dressed it nurse rang me later and asked me to go to see her. She checked the area again inspecting for more sutures but no have a new dressing on for a week and she will check in with me then. You can't ignore these things cos she said they could turn more sinister. Ugh..

    • cheryl90571
      cheryl90571 nuala16574

      Posted

      Glad you are staying vigilant, Nuala! We must be our own advocates for healing!

      For the first few months I routinely took my temperature several times a day to be on top of any elevation that might signal an infection.

      Keep letting us know how things go for you!

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