post op care

[Pizzapasta22]

Hi all!

I have had my endometriosis surgery 6 days ago now, and have been told I can remove dressing as soon as the wound does not longer leak and is dry. I have now removed it but I am a bit worried about clothes touching the area and was wondering if it’s a good idea to cover it with some light weight dressing, or if it’s best to let it be?

I also want to know why the scar looks soo pinched, is that normal? It almost looks like there are two lines in either side of a pinched section of skin. I’ve never had an operation so I’m absolutely clueless. Would love to know if that’s all normal and what the best practice is on caring for my wound from now onwards.

[Moon_maiden]

They should be well on the way to healing, are any still weeping? If so I’d keep them covered for a bit longer.

You could post a pic of the pinched one, I’m not sure what you mean.

[Pizzapasta22 in reply to Moon_maiden]

not sure if I managed to reply to your comment! But more details below. Thank you

[Pizzapasta22]

thank you so much for your comment! My plasters haven’t had any signs of oozing or liquid for the last 3 days so I’ll assume they are okay to keep uncovered? How about when I shower? Should I cover them for showers?

Also yes of course, picture below of what I mean! Sorry probably a very bad explanation from me! And thank you for the help, I really appreciate it.

Wound

[Pizzapasta22 in reply to Pizzapasta22]

also apologies for the very gross pic, the scars are still quite fresh!

[Moon_maiden in reply to Pizzapasta22]

I’ve had nothing look like that before, looks very red and sore. I’d speak to the Gynae, send them the photo and/or GP. You explained it well I just couldn’t picture it. Does it hurt?

if they aren’t oozing should be ok to leave them uncovered, but still keep an eye on them.

[Pizzapasta22 in reply to Moon_maiden]

I’m not in any pain from it right now no. It’s a little itchy once in a while. Both of the ones that aren’t my belly button hole look like that. Do you think I should wait until my post op consultation in one week or shall I contact my GP before? As it doesn’t hurt, but don’t want to risk anything of course.

I’ll keep them uncovered and make sure too be careful and keep an eye out for any signs of infection. Thanks again.

[Moon_maiden in reply to Pizzapasta22]

That’s great there’s no pain. Maybe it’s how the surgeon does things if they are both like that. You’ve got me stumped on that one, mine didn’t look like that, just one small cut in three or four areas several times.

Maybe see how they go if you’ve got consultation so soon. Keep a good eye if you get any pain or discharge I’d consider getting them checked.

[Pizzapasta22 in reply to Moon_maiden]

thanks for your help!!!

[purplevelvet9]

Hi! I kept my dressings on for about a week, they had advised two weeks however my bellybutton incision wouldn’t heal with the dressing on. I also had an allergy to the dressing glue so found it best to remove them. I’d give it a couple of days without the dressing and if the redness doesn’t go down, give your GP a call.

Wishing you well on your healing!

[Pizzapasta22 in reply to purplevelvet9]

thank you so much! I’ll give it a couple of days in the open and see it the redness goes down! I find them quite itchy at the moment, but I’m sure that normal (as there is no pain). Thank youuuuu

[purplevelvet9 in reply to Pizzapasta22]

Oh yes! The itching is real! 😂 I remember that well.

[Pizzapasta22 in reply to purplevelvet9]

ahaha! Have to keep reminding myself NOT to do it

[purplevelvet9 in reply to Pizzapasta22]

it’s definitely a test of willpower 😂 Good luck!

[Morty1984]

I had a laporoscopy 4 weeks ago. I changed my dressing after 6 days. I made sure my wound was dry and clean (water only and then wound spray from boots) but I then recovered. I kept doing this for over two weeks and I still keep a dressing on the belly button but trying to let it air now. If in doubt go see a nurse at your GP. They will clean and redress for you. They did this for me 1 week after to put my mind at rest. Good luck x

[Pizzapasta22 in reply to Morty1984]

I got some wound wipes from boots, do you think these are fine to use? And can I wipe the area itself or just around it? Thank you and sorry for the many questions xx

[Morty1984 in reply to Pizzapasta22]

no need to apologise! I remember how I felt. I think these would be ok but just be very gentle. Maybe just clean water and cotton wool might be better. If in doubt I would see at nurse at your doctors surgery. Good luck and hope you heal quickly x

[Apricottree]

I bought some 3m micropore tape to put over the top to give a layer of protection. I think it's also breathable and found that's worked well for me x

[Pizzapasta22 in reply to Apricottree]

oh amazing, and the tape can go over the incision? Thanks for the tip! Xx

[Apricottree in reply to Pizzapasta22]

Yep it stays on even after shower but good for fragile skin when you do want to take it off. Amazon sells it xx

[Pizzapasta22 in reply to Apricottree]

amazing, thank you so much!

[gardentink]

I went to my local GP surgery and spoke to a nurse when I wanted help with dressings / wounds. They were lovely and it was much quicker and easier than trying to get back in touch with the hospital. So if you’re worried, it might be worth contacting your GPs and asking to speak to a nurse about wound care.

[Pizzapasta22 in reply to gardentink]

thanks for the advice, I appreciate it xxx

[KnittingOwl]

Mine looked pinched like that too, I think it’s just the way the surgeon stitched them up. As my stitches dissolved they suddenly went flat.

[Pizzapasta22 in reply to KnittingOwl]

so great to hear this!! I can’t wait for that, as I’m always worried about clothes getting stuck or irritating the lifted area. Thank you for sharing x