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Slow Healing Wounds

Posted , 6 users are following.

sn75985
sn75985

I am a 19 year old healthy women. I had an operation 4 and a half months ago to remove around 10 abscesses from my armpit. The surgery went well, however around three days later the stitches burst resulting in two deep open wounds. Since then the wounds have healed to the surface and now has stopped healing and hasn’t got any smaller. I am dressing them with Jelonet and Cosmopore. I have to change the dressings twice a day due to the amount of blood coming out.

 Without being dramatic I am in constant severe pain 24/7. This is disturbing my sleep due to the pain. I am on strong pain relief prescribed by my GP. I also left hospital with morphine. Since the operation I have had around 6 infections and antibiotics to relieve that.

I visited my surgeon a few weeks ago and he said if it doesn’t get better in 6/7 weeks he will consider operating. He said he will cut the area out and start again. Last week I went to a&e due to the pain and the sister wanted to admit me and call the surgeon team to operate on me. However the registrar at a&e refused. I am constantly being advised to go to a&e because of the pain and recently the wound has been getting significantly wider. Is this bad?

I am just wondering if anyone has any advice? Should I go back to a&e tomorrow and demand to see a surgeon?

1 like, 17 replies

17 Replies

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  • mark357
    mark357 sn75985

    Posted

    I would strongly recommend that you go back as soon as possible, as you have to watch that you don't get it infected and try to insist that something is done.
    • sn75985
      sn75985 mark357

      Posted

      Unfortunately the surgeon can not see me until next month!
    • mark357
      mark357 sn75985

      Posted

      Go back to A&E as it sounds like you need treatment for the affected area. Also as it is the armpit, you need to make sure that it doesn't get infected. In the meantime change the dressing twice a day until it gets looked at.

      But in A&E they are able to call any specialist to look at the wound and they will let your consultant know what has been wrong. So if it is troubling you in any way, then get it checked out.

      If in doubt call 111 and they will give you good advice.

      Let us know how you get on.

  • mrsmop
    mrsmop sn75985

    Posted

    Hi, I think you should go back to A&E, don't demand anything though, you will achieve more if you are not aggressive. 

    Before you go, write down things like dates of op, drugs taken and visits to doctors/A&E.  Mention that the Sister  wanted to admit you.  Ask if it is possible to see the Consultant on duty.

    If you still achieve nothing, ask your GP to write to the Consultant who did the original op....................Have you tried ringing the Consultant's secretary and telling her how bad things are?  If you are not certain where to ring, your GP will tell you.

    Good luck!

     

    • sn75985
      sn75985 mrsmop

      Posted

      My consultant is very firm and told me not to go back before the initial appointment. His receptionist said he has no appointments until mine. It's very frustrating! 
    • mrsmop
      mrsmop sn75985

      Posted

      In that case, I would suggest going to see your GP and perhaps your wound should be dressed by the practice nurse rather than you.  It is much easier for another person to see, than for you to see and deal with yourself.
    • Merryl
      Merryl sn75985

      Posted

      You could go back to your Gp and ask to be referred to the assessment clinic at the local hospital. This is not the same as A&E and you should see a specialist there. You may have to wait a few hours but worth it. The specialist can also admit you there and then if need be. Only your Dr can refer you there. My Gp done this a month ago for myself. 

      Good luck

    • mark357
      mark357 mrsmop

      Posted

      I don't mean demand in the aggressive behavior, but even if you see the triage, then at least you are able to put across your problems and concern's.
  • angelikamarlies
    angelikamarlies sn75985

    Posted

    Seeing you are in that much pain you must go to the emmergency in your hospital immediately. I think to wait another 6 to  weeks is too long !! Sometimes we just have to be a nuicence to doctors to make them helo us and not go away !!
    • sn75985
      sn75985 angelikamarlies

      Posted

      I think that may be my problem! I'm too quiet to say over wise! I think it's time to put my foot down! 
  • mrsmop
    mrsmop sn75985

    Posted

    Where do you live sn75985?
    • mrsmop
      mrsmop sn75985

      Posted

      Go to the NHS choices website and search for PALS:

          Patient advice and liaison services (PALS) services

      You can put in the hospital you go to, then you will find a contact number, telephone them and ask for help.

      Good Luck.

       

    • mark357
      mark357 mrsmop

      Posted

      I don't want to sound rude/impolite or pig headed, but you have a problem that you have told all who log on and read these messages, yet if you are in discomfort then why not look at all options and choose one. The first time I read your initial message, which was over a day and ask yourself what have you done about it ?

      I apologies if this seems rude but when I had treatment over a couple of abscesses and then ignore the danger signs after. I then spent 16 days in hospital after surgery to clean up any infected tissue and lost 65% of muscle tissue as it had to be removed.

      That only started with a change of dressing, twice a day, but the wound would not heal and kept weeping.

      so what I am saying is don't leave it to long.

    • mark357
      mark357

      Posted

      What I forgot to mention is that I now have a five and a half inch scar where 33 stitches was.
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