Can't stop worrying

[Gina1972]

It's a long story but I had a tumor removed in May which then got infected once the staples were taken out. I had to have my bone flap removed in June and then ages after on the 12th April this year I had a titanium plate fitted. I was sent home the next day and have had nothing but bleeding. Went back to queens and they cleaned it and took blood tests. He seemed happy with it and said they will call me once results came back. I haven't heard anything yet but no news is good news 😖. Can someone pls tell me what is safe to use to clean the cut and the stitches holes? So scared of infection again 😭😭

[malalatete]

Water is best to clean. Use cooled boiled water if you are worried but ordinary tap water should be fine. Were you told to keep the wound covered? You should be able to get sterile dressings in packets from your local chemist if so. Apply gentle pressure to stop bleeding - this is probably happening as you unconsciously move the muscles in your scalp which we wll do when speaking, eating, and making facial expressions, causing the skin over the wound to open up again.

It will close up eventually if you persist...! Remember of course that if you were given any blood thinners as a result of your op (Clopidogrel, aspirin, warfarin) these will affect your blood's clotting capacity.

Try not to worry - you will place your body into a stress response mode which will not help your immune system. Much more likely to recover well if you accept it may take a while and try not to be overly concerned about minor glitches that do occur or 'what-ifs' that perhaps never will. Deep breathing will relax your scalp too!

[Navillus]

I was told just water to just rinse under shower for a short while. I too had infection and just rinsed my hair with water until holes had healed which shouldn’t take too long.

[Gina1972 in reply to Navillus]

Just keep thinking another infection and they will have to take me in again and I really don't think i can go through anymore ops x

[Navillus in reply to Gina1972]

I know it’s a huge worry - I spent 5 months in hospital on antibiotics clearing the infection too. I worry the plate is causing an infection and twinges make me wonder but as time has gone on it’s feeling better. My last surgery was January and trying to leave it behind and move on. Got to the stage where it’s taken over my life for too long and now it’s time to get me back. An experience like this does change you but I’m not gonna let it define me.

[Gina1972 in reply to Navillus]

Oh my God you have just said exactly wanted i wanted to hear. I too am so so scared of infection and I'm like a mad woman worrying all the time. Its actually started to stress my family out now but I can't help how I feel. I still haven't washed it as I'm scared that it will make it bleed again. I feel so rough I'm myself. But hearing what you just said I can say to myself it's not just me that has the pain and the funny feelings. I just need to be more positive and get on with it. Xx thanks navillus

[Navillus in reply to Gina1972]

Perhaps discuss on here when you have concerns - my family are getting sick of hearing about it too but to you it still probably feels very raw. I know everybody treats me like I’m back to me but don’t always feel it. I get tired early and I have all kinds of sensations. I’m gradually getting use to my head feeling more normal although sometimes it feels very weird with twinges, stings, like it’s sucking in, smarts but other days it feels very nearly normal so it is improving slowly. I suppose we will have bad days and good days and it just depends on what we’re doing.

[Gina1972 in reply to Navillus]

Ha ha ha you sound just like me with the family getting tired of hearing it lol xx thanks for the advice it means alot