post TT troubles

I just feel like I need to share. I am just a bit over 3 weeks post TT & small hernia repair. The hernia is not a problem but oh what a recovery the TT has been. On Thursday AM , I woke not feeling really (most days have been pretty good so far) good so I sorta took it easier than I had been all day. To make a long day short by 9pm I was in ER. I ended up with 4 blood cultures and 6 tubes of blood being taken - a IV put in to administer antibotics and in the end being diagonosed with cellulis in my incision. My tummy is so swollen and has pus coming out in different areas (yuck) I am now on another course of antibotics, using heat on my stomach. Slowly feeling better each day. I guess my tip to others-- Pay attention to how you are feeling. If all of a sudden you feel worse than you have been don't put off going to be checked. Had a not gone to the ER , I understand cellulitis untreated can make you very sick. Thanks for listening...

Michelle So sorry to hear about your setback. Trusting you're back on course, and feeling better. Excellent advice!.  Way too many times (I'm guilty too) people depend on other people's experiences to determine "if something is normal" post op.

 

....That being said cause it's always nice to be able to comiserate with someone going through the same thing ... BUT things like ~>running a temperature, ~>pain (consistent & increasing in intensity), ~>increasing shortness of breath, ~>Bad foul smelling discharge... are things you shouldn't wonder about. Getting to an ER or your doc is what needs to be done!!  

 

Over the years here at OH I've heard stories of bowel obstructions, fulmanating septic infections, perforated stomachs, blood clots, dangerous electrolyte imbalances, and more. It always alarms me to read posts from people with symptoms of these things asking us what they should do. Spending precious minutes here wondering….. could be a life and death issue.

 

Just think how much worse you could be today if you had wondered if you should go in?? I know sometimes it IS nothing, but better to have a healthcare professional tell you not to worry ehy?

 

Good thoughts, and best wishes to you.

 

Denise (your post op tt friend)

 

Hi Michelle,     I know somewhat how you feel; after my WLS I had a septic infection doing the same type of syptoms (puss and all). I was told that it was septic wound infection that could have left untreated cause serious complications or even death! I also was hospitalized, put on IV antiobiotic's; and recovery was really tough. We should all be proactive in our health care; and never take anything for granted! Anyone having any syptoms they are in ? of should get to their doc or ER right away; it can mean life or death! Puss smelly coming out of anywhere is not a good sign or normal! I agree a thousand percent NEVER PUT THESE THINGS OFF. Hope your road to recovery gets easier for you.. Wishing you the best and speediest recovery possible.. Did they tell you to apply heat? Maybe you should try warm moist heat? I did and kept expressing the infection out of there; had I not done that things would have been much worse! It was very painful for me.. Keep us updated on how your doing, take care of yourself.. Hugs, Judy R

Judy - Yes, they did suggest heat. Said it would blood flow to the area which would help healing. I have been using rice bags warmed in the microwave. It is helping to drain the pus and such out. This is my  4 day on the antibotics and the insicion is looking much better. Still sore to touch but more of a pink color then RED. So I know I am on the right track. Thanks for listening. Michelle

Michelle, that's aweful and I'm sorry you are having to deal with it.  Your new tight body will be worth it in the end Jenn

Jenn, That is the truth. The saying , " No pain, no gain" rings true here. Because anyone who thinks that weight loss surgery and the things that go with it trully aren't easy. Michelle

Hey Michelle,     Glad your getting better, sorry you have had a hard time. It will still all be so worth it later! Keep us posted; and take good care of yourself. Hugs, Judy R