Upcoming Surgery and Concerns (Advice)

Hello

I had surgery on both of my arms but at different times. How deep are they going? My armpits where completely removed and I took about 2 weeks off for recovery. The 1st few days I had a bulb drain for fluid removal as well. You will not be able to care for your child on your own. It will be painful but worth in a month or so after you're healed. Take your meds and get plenty of rest. Sending prayers your way for a speedy recovery.

I searched for ages for some information and found it slightly lacking in people's experiences with bilateral underarm surgery.

I had mine on the 10th of June. Dissolvable stitches.

A week and a half in, my underarms started to open holes and leak fluid (this is healing fluid called serous fluid, it's normal). This resulted in a surgeon making a 2-3cm hole under both arms to be packed with packing called aquacell and heavy absorbent wound dressings for the fluid. Daily packing changes and dressings. 3 weeks in my right arm incision (my main used arm) split open half way through a 12cm incision. 6cm hole, looked terrifying however was fine and easily resolved. Went into surgery last Monday and got regular stitches put in both arms. They're splitting open again, I was told that with these types of wounds that because of the spot they're in that it's hard to keep it closed and may need to heal from the inside out with packing.

I have 3 months off work, am meant to be healed around September 26th, but that was my estimated date before they wound is splitting open for the second time.

I needed help wiping my backside after the toilet (though I am overweight so it's a bit difficult for me to do it front to back and sorry for the too much info but all info helps haha) as well as pulling up my pants and putting on a shirt.

Your kid will need looking after, you have to restrict your arm movement as much as you can to prevent stitches splitting.

There are toilet aids you can get, I googled butt wipers and found one for $35 Aus dollars and it helps a lot. Baby wipes are the best to use on them as they make sure it's properly clean and toilet paper just rips off if you go that route.

I'd also recommend asking your doctor for pain killers (I'm on endone) as it can be painful the first couple of weeks. I'd also recommend asking about nurses who may do home care visits if your area has government funded ones, or asking to stay in hospital for a few days of you have no one to help you at home. Ask if you need a referral to a wound clinic for dressing changes. Keep your surgeon up to date if your wounds start leaking or break open.

I was estimated to be healed initially 3 weeks after the surgery but as my wounds got complications it continued to get extended.

Sorry if this all sounds scary!! Trying to give it to you straight so you can prepare.

It's a tiring process but the result will definitely be worth all of this. Think of how relieving it will be when you're out of the other side without these cysts!

Also keep in mind that there seems to be various different experiences with surgeries. Some people had their underarms heal in 3 weeks. Some people got be short end of the stick and had it a bit longer like me haha.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.