My surgeon noticed this about my first appointment about 11 days after surgery. At that time, he said to keep some gauze on the area and he would check it again at next visit. At last visit, he gave me some antibiotics even though he said it didn't look infected. I have to keep gauze on it, changing morning and before bed and make sure it's clean. He told me about 7-10 % of patients experience this. Sometimes he has to do some restitching if he thinks it's not doing as well as it should. I'm hoping that won't have to happen.
I've been walking with a cane but sometimes, later in the day, it's difficult with tiredness. I realize it will take TIME as many people have said.
I do still have swelling on my thigh so I elevate/ice the area frequently during the day.
So sorry diannesk the added worry and care for the incision is difficult when we are already exhausted from the roller coaster ride from the many things we have to do recovering from thr. I had the same thing my first thr 20 years ago.
A new bandage was used on my incision for my last revision Jan 2017 a pressue bandage. From the bandaid over the incision a clear small flexible tube 3' long runs c to a battery operated small 2" compact box. This is to keep the pressure on the incision to prevent air from seeping in over the wound or any stretching from movement. It seals the incision and is tightly closed. I kept the battery box connected to wound on my hip by the tube in my pocket while doing everything daily. After A week or so it was removed the tape like gauze bandaid tightly secured to the incision was pealed off and the tube attached to the wound to the bandaid was cut from the battery box all toss in the trash. This is a spendy bandaid costing $145. It did its job and kept the incision from separating, protection from infection and the scar was a thin red line. Very interesting for better healing less scaring and no fluid build up or wound fluid leaking. Kind of tricky to explain . Google pressure bandage after thr will give a better description.
The surgeon said it was a hi tec bandaid but well worth it's cost. I was amazed at how well the hi tec bandaid worked and I could shower the day after surgery.
Take carebaby steps and one day at a time. Lots of great support here. Eat well, sleep well rest and time will pass as each day your healing progression grows by leaps and bounds.
Cheers 👍
Thank you for your response.
I've been nervous about what might happen. I can handle anything as long as I know what to possibly expect. It's the not knowing that makes it more difficult. Interesting way of dealing with it. My husband helps me out with it before bed since he puts a piece of tape on the gauze to keep it from slipping during sleeptime. Always some leakage on the gauze.
When I see the surgeon for follow-up appt on Wednesday, he'll probably decide what to do, if anything.
Hang in there. I am 10 days post op anterior approach and my thigh and incision area are literally killing me.
I have a dressing on the incision that I will remove 2/7.
To validate you, the pain in my upper leg, the incisional area, and everything in between hurts really badly.
Good luck with your incision.
This is a long haul!
I was fortunate with limited pain after surgery. I did take pain meds, but not as often as the label indicated. Elevation and ice can help, especially if there is swelling. I remember it was hard to lift my leg on/off the bed so I slept in a recliner.
It will get better. Takes time.
Hi Dianne's,
How lucky to have helpful support at home. It is the waiting that can be concerning. Keep me in the loop and let me know how the next appt goes.
Find something to distract you today just a chance to recharge your batteries!
Sending a virtual bouquet 💐 of get well wishes.
Thank you. Ice is the bomb!
Keep us posted on your incision. I am thinking I will have to keep a 5X9” ABD in the area if it oozes which I bet it will.
Fortunately not much oozing at this time. Of course, I would prefer that when I change the gauze to see nothing.