Post lap belly button infection

[DalmatianGirl]

Hi all,

I’m 3 weeks post lap and I haven’t half been through the mill! Not only am I still bleeding and awaiting an ultrasound to see if my body is rejecting the Mirena coil they fitted, but I now have an infection in my belly button incision.

I noticed it had some dried blood around it earlier in the week, and a small lump. However the lump has now grown and got redder, and there is some white stuff in there too. I just had a phone appointment with my GP who has prescribed some antibiotics for the week.

Just feel so fed up with it all! Everything I read pre lap said I’d be back to normal within 1-2 weeks. I’ve ended up taking 4 weeks off, still in pain, can’t sleep on my side, bleeding and now this! I just want to be able to get a nice proper bath but I’m terrified to soak it.

Has anyone experienced similar with their belly button incision? It’s the lump I find most concerning.

Thanks!

[EndoRabbit08]

Hello there.

I'm sorry for what you're going through. 🙁

I can't offer a word of advice because I have refused to go down the surgery route, I have too many c section scars, scar tissue lumps and adhesions there to cover the map of England and I didn't want anymore!.

I was told that it wasn't any guarantee of pain reduction and lumps adhesions do grow back😵. Surgery is somewhat a temporary fix and some ladies have come out worse off, so that put me off. I was told I'd have to have surgery every 1-2 years depending on growth.

However I wish you a speedy recovery. Can I ask what your laparoscopy was for? If it's for endometriosis then I just wanted to say I'm sorry you're going through this dreaded condition and that I'm here if you ever need to vent.

Take care and I hope everything sorts itself out soon.

Xx

[DalmatianGirl in reply to EndoRabbit08]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

Yes it was indeed for endometriosis, I was told they had removed some from the left side of my pelvis very briefly whilst I was in the recovery room, and I had the coil fitted, and the consultant said ‘you don’t need a follow up appointment as that is the treatment.’ So I was very much left to come here and try and piece together what happens next! The difficult recovery from the surgery has just been the icing on the cake!

I’m going to ask for a second opinion though and to be referred to an endometriosis specialist clinic now that I have the diagnosis!

I hope you’re managing your pain as well as you can, it’s an awful thing to go through and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy!

[EndoRabbit08 in reply to DalmatianGirl]

Hello again. You're very welcome😊. I'm afraid Endometriosis is a very relentless disease and only those going through it can understand the heartache and loneliness this condition brings.

I've had it for 6 years and countless tests/ scans and consultants later I'm nowhere near a cure. I've managed to dampen some of the pain by going on a strict diet, I'm almost vegan ( I say almost because I love cheese too much!- so I've reduced my intake). I've also stopped gluten and sugar. It has taken the edge off and by edge I mean I'm not sat crying in bed with a hot water bottle for days on end, now I just cry while doing housework 😁. You've gotta see the funny side or you'll go crazy!!

Yes, please seek a second and third and fourth opinion. Try and get an Endometriosis specialist. The others haven't the foggiest.

I too hope you get over this soon and I hope surgery will help you and put you on the road to recovery so you don't have to battle this anymore. I too wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Well said!.

Take care and let me know how it all goes when you get any answers.

All the best

Xx

[DalmatianGirl in reply to EndoRabbit08]

Thank you so much for your lovely words! I’m interested in exploring the dietary side of it too as I do suffer from bad bowel symptoms so I’m pleased that has helped you a bit! Xx

[Lunaloves]

Hi lovely

Just letting you know you aren’t alone and sending hugs. I’m in the exact same situation- I have a lump too. I think we must have had our laps around the same time. I’m now on my 3rd set of antibiotics and nothing is budging this infection - what antibiotics have you been given? I was given 2 types of penicillin ones (amoxicillin and flucloxacillin) I’m

Now taking Doxycycline. Did they take a swab?

I’m due to go back to work on Monday and dreading it as the infection is making me feel rubbish but I don’t want to take anymore time off as I’d said I would be back after 2 weeks and it’s now been 4.

I miss a bath too! I can’t wait to be back in and up to my neck in bubbles. I hope you get there soon too!

Here if you need to vent, talk etc.

Xxx

[DalmatianGirl in reply to Lunaloves]

Thank you for replying, so sorry to hear you’re going through the same! I just had a phone appointment unfortunately so no swab, they have put me on Flucloxacillin too!

I know what you mean about work, you feel so guilty for having to take extra time off.

I hope your infection settles soon, it’s hard because it’s the belly button it’s always in the way, I try not to have anything rubbing against it but it is difficult especially as my tummy is still bloated post op.

I honestly can’t wait for a proper bath, I usually have one every day as they’re the only thing that helps with the pain so really missing them!! Xxx

[Lunaloves in reply to DalmatianGirl]

It’s rubbish isn’t it! I’m allergic to plasters so struggled to keep it covered - just using a gauze and holding it in place with a fitted vest top. If it doesn’t get any better ask for a swab… the gp said that they need to check what type of infection. Might be worth asking. My belly is still bloated too - I think leggings are gonna be my best friend.

I know what you mean about a bath. I really struggle with my joints and a bath really helps with spasms.

Hope you feel better soon xxx

[LouiseC83]

Oh bless you Hun. It's sooooo demoralising isn't it? Just got to trust the antibiotics will kick in in a few days. Keep going until then

Yeh tbh I was only expecting a couple of weeks off as well. I ended up being diagnosed with extensive endo during my surgery and my GP recommended another two weeks off. I'm so tired pretty much all the time. My mornings start ok and then I'm basically flaked on my sofa all afternoon. I am not a patient person and like to be doing things constantly. So this is a real struggle for me too. I'm so bored but I can't do anything though (well, much).

We've just got to accept our lot right now and just try and rest up. Lots of funny things on the TV Hun. Take small walks and set small tasks each day so you feel like you've achieved something

You're not alone in your frustrations

[DalmatianGirl in reply to LouiseC83]

Thank you! Yes I’m exactly the same, I think I did too much in those early days. I can do things like small cleaning or washing but I have to rest straight afterwards! I managed a walk round M&S the other day and when I got home I literally felt like I’d ran a marathon! I hope your recovery goes well x

[LouiseC83 in reply to DalmatianGirl]

Haha yep exactly the same for me. Went to Sainsbury's for like ten minutes and then needed to sleep right after. I have to do something small every day though otherwise I go absolutely stir crazy and I think it makes me feel worse otherwise. Someone needs to hit me up with a dose of patience. Reading some posts on here about maybe having to go for multiple surgeries is making me panic a bit though. I can't imagine having to go through this again. I'm just praying for a positive outcome

[DalmatianGirl in reply to LouiseC83]

I know what you mean, I’m going to ask to be referred to a endo specialist as my consultant wasn’t the best, hopefully once your surgery pain has settled down you will feel better! Have you got a follow up appointment to discuss next steps?

[LouiseC83 in reply to DalmatianGirl]

Oh bless you, sorry to hear that. Definitely do your own due diligence. It will make you feel more in control in this situation for sure.

Yes I have my follow up on weds evening. Very much hoping he will tell me to take a hot bath to budge these bloody stitches 😂

I hope you find what you are looking for and that you get the reassurance you need and can move forward soon. You are welcome to reach out if you need x

[DalmatianGirl in reply to LouiseC83]

Oh I’m so glad you have a folllw up! If you get the go ahead for a proper bath let me know 😂

My consultant told me they’d removed the endo and fitted the coil so that was the treatment, and I didn’t need a follow up. No info on what to do next or what to do if the pain comes back! Literally had to do all my own research to find that it’s actually chronic and will most likely come back!

[LouiseC83 in reply to DalmatianGirl]

That's super infuriating. They should be helping you to manage this. I've got all those types of questions in my armour for the follow up but I've definitely received good care x

[Illy-lory]

Hi ladies,

I had a laparoscopy 5 days ago. I'm still pretty immobile, and can't even get up by myself.

My incisions didn't hurt until last night. The belly button one is constantly stinging now. I was told to keep the plasters for a week, so 8 didn't look at it. Even when I showered I put used waterproof bandages on top of it.

After how long you removed your bandages? It's its stinging/burning, do you think it might be infected?

Thank you xx

[DalmatianGirl in reply to Illy-lory]

Hey! I’m sorry to hear you are struggling with your belly button incision.

To be honest I’m now 3 months post surgery and it’s still sore and not fully healed - I can’t wear high waisted jeans for example!

I removed my dressings after about 7 days as told by my surgeon but it ended being infected - I first had antibiotics and then a cream! The cream got rid of it for me.

I would say the main signs of infection for me were smell, redness and any discharge/gunk! Xx

[Illy-lory in reply to DalmatianGirl]

Hey,

Many thanks for your reply. How are you feeling now?

As I'm 5 days post op I'm reluctant to remove the bandage. There's no smell, or redness, well.. none that I can see on the outside. I don't know what's under the bandages.

I guess if it persists I'll remove them tomorrow.

It's driving me nuts, as its like someone's pinching me all the time 😞

What antibiotics did you get? And what cream? Xx

[DalmatianGirl in reply to Illy-lory]

The antibiotics were amoxicillin I think, took them for about a week but the infection came back straightaway. The cream was some sort of steroid cream I think!

[HanaLou92]

Hey! So sorry to hear what you’ve been through 😢

I’ve had a similar experience and wondered how you were doing now?

I had my first lap 8 months ago and had multiple infections in my belly button incision site and left me with an open hole in my belly button, which last week they operated on to reconstruct my belly button and close it up but I’m getting deja vu with another nasty infection and have developed a lump near the wound too. It’s so painful and I’m so uncomfortable 😣

Did you get to the bottom of it or did it go away? I hope you’ve made a full recovery and are feeling much better now, xx

[DalmatianGirl in reply to HanaLou92]

Oh my gosh that sounds awful! Poor you!

I was given some cream from the GP and it did get much better, it still doesn’t look great but it’s not infected anymore! Xx