Blocked bowel

[27-359]

I had an op for a blocked bowel two weeks ago caused by adhesions from my hysterectomy. I came home yesterday with a vac machine that removes liquid from the wound, which has split open. Has anyone else had one of these? Also, the pain is much worse than when I had my hysterectomy, probably due to the open wound, and last night getting out of bed to go to the loo, caused so much agony that I was seriously considering incontinence pads!!!!!!!! This is an indication of how low I am feeling.

What I am looking for is reassurance that the machine will work, and an indication of how long this pain will last.

Jenny

[Purple_k_in_Oz]

Hi Jenny. I’m so sorry to read this.... i haven’t had anything nearly as serious but i have had a vac dressing quite recently. I had my IP port removed and it got infected so i needed a second surgery (a washout) and the wound was left open to heal from the inside out. The vac dressing and pump worked really well, the wound is completely healed. Took about a month but was only about 6x1cm to begin with and about 4cm deep. It was very sore at the start and i was quite anxious about dressing changes so i made sure i took lots of pain meds about an hour beforehand. Can you explain a bit more about it splitting open?? That doesn’t sound great. Do you mean the dressing or the actual wound?

Can you call your CNS or surgeon? Or GP? Maybe send them a photo. Also, what pain meds are you on? Some pain is probably to be expected but I don’t like to think of anyone being in agony. This should also be discussed with your doctor. Is there anyone you can contact now? Please let us know how you go

xx Kirsty

[Hidden in reply to Purple_k_in_Oz]

I would suggest you call your CNS or make an apt with your surgeon if you can just to be on the safe side. The wounds sometimes heal from inside out so it could be a while before totally healed but I do understand your concern, After my first surgery, my wound opened and I had to return every day for a few weeks until it healed and also got antibiotics. It wasnt vacumn wound though

[27-359 in reply to Purple_k_in_Oz]

Hi Kirstie. The sound split when the clips were removed. Not all of it, about 4". The surgeon saw it before I was discharged and said the vac would help it heal The DN is coming today to change the dressing. I have spoken to her on the phone and she seems to know all about them.

Jenny

[Purple_k_in_Oz in reply to 27-359]

Hi Jenny. Thanks for writing back -- that sounds so sore! I thought you meant it had split open since you've been home. The vac dressing is exactly what you need to help with the healing so please feel reassured by that

Great that the DN knows about them -- they usually have a lot of experience with vac dressings but some are less familiar than others. Did she talk to you about taking pain relief beforehand? I took paracetamol, ibuprofen and an opioid (like tramadol or oxycodone if you have any) about an hour before the nurse was due to arrive and I believe it helped. All the best xx

[27-359 in reply to Purple_k_in_Oz]

Yes, I have tramadol, so will take that in a minute. Not sure exactly what time she is coming. She said some time this morning.

Jenny

[Elizabethe]

Hi Jenny. My wound from laparotomy opened up and became infected. Eventually had VAC treatment. Had morphine to help with pain, also Mcmillan nurse brought me a walking stick which did help get around the house but yes the pain is awful, I just moved around as little as possible and supported myself with pillows etc. It did take awhile but the wound completely healed.I can't remember how long the pain lasted for but it definitely did get less intense. Also had adhesions leading to bowel blockage and further surgery so understand what you are going through - all I would say is be as kind to yourself as possible, rest, give it time, it will heal.

Take care,

x

[Gleedy]

Jenny hasn't added how brave she has been. This started when we were away at Penny Brohn and she really has been through it. I'll visit you again next week Jenny. It's strange that you had no problem with glue first-time and this with staples. I had a problem with staples but far less seriously. Chin up lovely. Things will improve xx

[27-359 in reply to Gleedy]

Thanks Tracey. X

[antheamary]

Oh jenny, so sorry to hear this. I hope the DN comes soon.