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Taking dressing off what will it reveal

Posted , 13 users are following.

Soobeedoo
Soobeedoo

Tomorrow I am due to take my own dressing and steri strips off TKR. I am a bit nervous as the wound has been stinging, and pulling . Not sure what awaits me. Can anyone tell what to expect when I take the steri strips off. I am 3weeks post op

1 like, 59 replies

59 Replies

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  • patsyrose
    patsyrose Soobeedoo

    Posted

    Hi.  I've done it myself, although my Physio did it the last time (and took great delight in it).

    The dressing is easy...take that off and then take a breather, whilst you assess the steri-strips (sometimes they're not one continuous strip).  This time it was quite puckered and a lot of dried blood.  Just ease it gradually, and stop when you feel uncomfortable.  You'll be surprised at how good the scar will be...and don't be afraid to give it a little wash...and then a moisturise.

    You'll be fine.

    • jean95756
      jean95756 patsyrose

      Posted

      Hi ...I had no steri strips ...it was the original scar that was stitched with one long continuous stitch

      even the district nurse who came to take the dressing off was surprised how neat it was

      was I one of the lucky ones ...I don't know because I've never seen anyone else's scar 

      but keep positive every surgeon has their own way of doing things 

       

  • patsyrose
    patsyrose Soobeedoo

    Posted

    Yes, I've had TKR on both knees (separately over 2 years) and the same for both.  I'm not sure if he uses glue, but no stitches or clips.
    • jean95756
      jean95756 patsyrose

      Posted

      That's wonderful I guess each surgeon has his own methods

      are you in the UK? 

  • glenda29798
    glenda29798 Soobeedoo

    Posted

    Hi! I had clips then they had to steri strip it as it was coming adrift at the knee cap! I was told to have a shower and wet the strips and they would just fall off, or come off easily but in fact I was so worried the wound wasn't healed that I just left them on and gradually let them fall off and pulled the odd on or two off! Here's some photos! One with clips, one with some steri strips remaining and then the end result! The White scar is a cartilage removal scar from the early 1980's prior to keyhole surgery! Just been for a swim so doing OK ish at 7 weeks tomorrow so happybiggrin
    • glenda29798
      glenda29798 jean95756

      Posted

      Thanks Jean! I was really upset when I got the cartilage removal scar as Ai was only in my twenties but now at 57 I'm only interested in my knee functioning and getting rid of the arthritis pain! biggrin
    • jean95756
      jean95756 glenda29798

      Posted

      I know the feeling of getting rid of he arthritis pain 

      although I've had arthritis in my spine for years this TKR is the first op I've had

      and I consider myself fortunate that I've kept going to this age ( 76) my daughter who's 52 is having knee problems and all she keeps saying is (thanks Mum) 

      you take care and keep smiling 

      Jean 

    • jean95756
      jean95756 glenda29798

      Posted

      That's the first time I've ever seen the staples ..they look quite daunting ..but very neat 
    • jean95756
      jean95756 glenda29798

      Posted

      I  have none of the marks at the edges ....just a straight line 
  • patsyrose
    patsyrose Soobeedoo

    Posted

    Yes, Jean, I am in the UK and my Op was in Peterborough.
    • jean95756
      jean95756 patsyrose

      Posted

      It just shows how different parts of the UK are with each surgeon having their own way of doing things

      i guess the Op is routine but the finishing touches are so very different 

      Let's just hope the outcome for everyone is the same

      with our mobility back and pain free 

      I'm in Sheffield 

       

    • susan20089
      susan20089 patsyrose

      Posted

      It's funny how things differ wherever you are in uk. I had mine done in surrey and have some mean looking staples to come out! Didn't realise that sterristrips are put on as well.  Same as this not showering, that varies from person to person.  I was told no shower or bath for six weeks. That is really depressing me with four and a.bit weeks to go. 
    • jean95756
      jean95756 susan20089

      Posted

      I had a flexible waterproof dressing on ..and had a shower while in hospital

      i also wonder why my stitch was one long continuous dissolvable one

      even the district nurse who came to remove the stitches was surprised

      she said there was nothing for her to do.

      each to their own devices I guess 

       

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