Post-op incision question

[Jess]

As most of you know, I had the shunt in the back of my neck revised because there was too much of it. The excess tubing was curled around my brainstem causing much pain, breathing problems, continual choking etc.
Anyway, i am scheduled to get my stitches out on Wednesday which is the two week point. Yesterday, since i can't see the back of my neck, my mom was being a typical mom and freaked out about how it looked. The incision was really red, swollen, really tender to the touch aand hot off and on. Moreso then the in past few days. She immidietly thought infection, but I am not feverish at all. She put hydrogen peroxide, which felt wonder i might add, and neosporin on it every few hours and says it looks better today. She said the hydrogen peroxide really fizzed and bubbled a lot. She was on the verge of taking me to prompt care yesterday, where they know nothing of hydro or its surgeries. Dr. Rekate is obviously not an option being out of state. Since it looks better for now should I tell her to calm the heck down and let me ask when I get my stitches out? Or should i see if prompt care, which is the only thing open on weekend of course, can do anything or suggest anything?

[Love My 7 GEMS]

Well, first thing I would do is email Dr. Rekate, anyway. I'm sure he probably checks his email often. Let him know...and have your mom take a picture with a digital camera if at all possible and attach that to the email, so he can see exactly what the incision looks like.

Follow the email up with a phone call to Rekate's number if he hasn't responded in a couple of hours. His service should know how to get ahold of him. Let him know you've sent and email with pictures, and let him know what it currently looks/feels like. If you do develop any fever, get medical attention right away.

Is the tenderness better today? If it is, your mom may very well have solved teh problem. But you might need some antibiotics, too. An infection in the incision doesn't necessarily mean a replacement needs to be done, but antibiotics might be necessary. Or if there is any kind of pocket of infection it might need to be drained. So, I think that you might need to go to the urgent care facility, but I would let Dr. Rekate know first.

How's that for a no-answer answer???

Dori

[LIZARD]

(((((((((((Jess))))))))))))).

I would have it checked out immediately. You can actually have infection without fever right away. It can take a day or two.

(((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))), and good luck!

LIZARD :)

[monicad1974]

You need to go to the ER or ergent care. They can see how your eyes are reacting and look at the incision and if there is swelling.