Post CABG infection at leg wound site

[Fifi4Dale]

My husband had Triple bypass surgery on 1st Dec. Recovered really well and was looking great with minimal pain and getting stronger every day. Wounds had healed well although leg wound/scar where they took the saphenous vein was still a bit lumpy although closed, dry and healthy looking. Suddenly three days ago, my husband started chills and fever and the leg wound although at that stage not painful appeared to be redder than normal. This is 7 weeks post surgery and he is always scrupulous about showering and hygiene. They admitted him to hospital and he is on IV antibiotics with the 'cellulitis' now quite widespread on his leg and the wound area very red, hot to touch and hard in places. There is no discharge and no apparent 'opening' in the wound/scar. This was very scary as it happened so rapidly - they checked for sepsis - which fortunately he seems to have avoided. Initially he did not relate his feeling unwell to the leg as it was so long after the surgery and it appeared to have healed fully... I wondered if anyone else has experienced this?

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I am sorry to hear your Husband was doing so well and had this set back thank goodness they seem to be getting it under control and I am sure he is in the best hands to resolve this

Must have been quite a shock and frightening for you both

I did not have any issues with my leg scars however I did with my chest one right at the bottom it got infected they caught it quick even though took quite a while to resolve it but they did and I am sure even though different they will do the same for your Husband

It has nothing to do with been clean as I have chronic ocd sometimes it is just one of those things

Hopefully someone who has been through the same experience will see your post and reply

I hope he is better soon and back home with you

Let us know how he gets on x

[DWizza in reply to BeKind28-]

I had the same , stubborn to clear up . I think I had 3 prescriptions of antibiotics, eventually cleared up 🙌🏻… ❤️

[BeKind28- in reply to DWizza]

Hello

Yes mine was right down at the bottom of the scar and like you it was so stubborn to clear up

They did not give me any antibiotics though they kept coming out and treating it with some liquid kind of thing and dressing it I thought it was never going to heal but it did eventually glad yours got sorted eventually to x

[DWizza in reply to BeKind28-]

It took over a month and I was concerned about sepsis etc, glad we’ve got that behind us 🙌🏻👍🏻

[BeKind28- in reply to DWizza]

Hello

It took mine a couple of months to be honest I never thought it was going to heal

I never thought of sepsis thank goodness I was panicking enough

They healed though which is good x

[Blearyeyed]

I've not experienced this but I know a few people whom have had similar experiences with various types of operation.Luckily, your husband has not got sepsis and is on IV antibiotics , so although it might take a while to clear up and may require after care for a while at home it sounds like he should be on the mend.

It's a scary thing when it happens though for the patient and the family.

Take care and try to get some rest as well yourself, Bee

[LindaLittleBear]

Hi, I'm sorry to hear your husband has had this setback and wish him a speedy recovery.

It's approximately 4 months since my surgery and my lower leg wound is still not healed. I originally needed antibiotics for any infection, that has cleared though I do still have ugly red scar tissue and a nasty scab, my surgeon is not concerned and say the stitch that had been put in after harvesting didn't hold .

Also the ladies who where in the ward with me recovering from surgery set up a WhatsApp support group, we are constantly in touch discussing post surgery issues and each of us has had issues with wounds and or scars, some serious.

I hope you find some comfort in knowing it's not always plain sailing after surgery. However your surgeon and hospital team are there to support you through issues and challenges that arise

Sending all good wishes to you and your hubby ❤️

[fishonabike]

i have not had this personally, but as an ex-nurse i can tell you that this does happen sometimes after all sorts of operations - well done for acting promptly and getting the right help for your husband - i hope he makes a full and uncomplicated recovery from here on🌺

[tangotese]

I got cellulitis a few days after triple bypass surgery while still in hospital having also had a stroke, good they were checking as I had no feeling in that lower leg post stroke. Soon sorted with IV antibiotics but lots of scarring - not that that is a worry! I believe it can go on for some time and also look out for repeat infections as that happens to someone I know years post surgery. Good it is being dealt with quickly and I wish hime well.

[Weetabixie]

Hoping he makes quick and full recovery 🤞