Belly button infection

[Smeee12]

Three weeks after surgery and belly button infection.... Leaking a pinkish fluid. GP has put me on antibiotics. I'm so upset. Has anyone else has this? How long did you take to recover?

[Amyrebecca246]

I can so relate, had my surgery on 29th March, was healing well. Then on 7th April (Good Friday) woke up not quite feeling right, had a migraine so went and slept for a few hours, woke up and all around my belly button was red and hot to touch so ended up in A&E. Literally as soon as I sat down in triage it exploded with pus (it was so gross!) Get given a weeks worth of antibiotics which is a bit tricky anyway as I have reactions to anything penicillin based so they couldn't use their usual go to medications. They seem to start working but after a few days I seem to be going backwards. Ring GP get a different type of antibiotics for 5 days. They didn't do anything, see the GP again get a stronger dose of antibiotics but also get a swab done and sent for an ultrasound to rule things out (both were fine). That takes us up to this week, back with the GP who gives me an antibiotic cream to try, however had the follow up with my consultant yesterday. He says I've been rather unlucky to have such a persistent infection. He removes the stitches from my belly button as he thinks the infection is lingering on them, told to carry on with the cream and hopefully should clear up in a few days!Hopefully it won't be as bad as my ordeal, from what I read post operative infections are pretty common and usually clear up with antibiotics so fingers crossed for you! 🤞

[Smeee12 in reply to Amyrebecca246]

Wow that sounds so trying! I ended up in A&E an hour after writing that post. Seems I have cellulitis in the belly button. Two lots of very strong meds, so far it's looking better but I'm struggling with the strength of the pills! Afraid to say the surgeon doesn't seem too bothered. Quite upset about it all tbh I do hope you have a bit more luck this week with healing!

[NikkiJR in reply to Smeee12]

Bloody hell, I hope you feel better now. That is not something that should have happened. Xx

[NikkiJR]

I had my surgery on the March 18th. You poor thing, the antibiotics will definitely help, just keep it as dry as possible after showers and bacteria won't be able to flourish. I was worried this might happen to me, but I had surgical glue over my sutures that's just starting to peel off now, it's gross.