Absess that is open after surgery

• By alan41241
• Reply 3435650
• October 6, 2012 at 7:43 am
• Report post

I really am sorry this is happening to you. I wouldn't know what to do if I had to deal with it. I have no advice. I just wanted to post something positive to let you know I care. I know, that and a quarter won't even buy you a cup of coffee.
I believe your condition shows that doctors don't know everything. Hang in there if you can.
Blessings,
Alan

• By Dimpy
• Reply 3435805
• October 6, 2012 at 9:01 am
• Report post

I, too, was in the shower when I saw my incision was opening. I called the surgeon in a state of panic.....he did not seem to be too concerned. My wonderful daughter-in-law came and stayed with me for three months. The incision opened up in two other places and had to be cleaned and packed every day. It took a long time to heal....but finally did. Hang in there, but I would keep in touch with your doctor. I had home care with nurses coming every day. They taught my daugher-in-law how to clean and take care of the wound.

• By tjane
• Reply 3436689
• October 6, 2012 at 3:15 pm
• Report post

Jro so sorry you are having to deal with this. I HATE it when Dr. say its all in your head. We know our bodies more than anyone and we know when something is not right. I hope you heal quickly but it will probably take some time. Is there anyway you can get another week or so off work to give your incission a chance to heal up before you have to go to work? I hope for a speedy recovery. xox terri

• By JRo12
• Reply 3436843
• October 6, 2012 at 4:36 pm
• Report post

Hi every one-

Thank you for your responses It means a lot to me. I was given the option to stay another night which was so tempting but I ended up coming home. It is weird I should feel grateful because this to me seems like the grand canyon of an opening but the nurses say that they have seen so much worse. It takes maybe 1 1/2 pieces of gauze to pack the wound and they said that they have see it where it takes packages of gauze to fill it up. So I do feel pretty lucky and cannot comprehend what others go thru with anything bigger than this.

I could if I really pushed have the Dr. keep me from working but I am not doing very well at my job right now with every thing going on in my life, not only physically but mentally. My family is really broken up, but that is a whole other story. Anyway I know my employer is ready to let me go so I need work to make what ever money I can before I lose it. Plus when I was out and went back to part-time I got behind in my work because I was trying to do a FT job on a PT basis. When I got up the nerve to ask for help my co-workers got mad at me, because in their eyes I was back and shouldn't have to have asked them for help. I don't want to go thru that again. I will just have to push forward and put the pain in the back of my mind, but it is going to be tough.

Again thank you every one for your support and comments. It means the world to me.

Always - JRo

• By alan41241
• Reply 3436986
• October 6, 2012 at 5:46 pm
• Report post

JRo, what kind of place do you work in? I can't imagine that kind of environment. Your boss must be an anus (ah) and your fellow employees aren't much better. I know losing your income would be awful but it sounds to me like it would be a blessing in disguise to lose your job.
Blessings,
Alan

• By JRo12
• Reply 3437082
• October 6, 2012 at 6:45 pm
• Report post

Oh I hear you loud and clear Alan as if you were standing right here. And don't get me wrong it's not as if my boss didn't say don't come back if you are just going to end up sick again but actions speak louder than words if you know what I mean. Because I agree with her and it sounds nice, but if I would take off than they get upset because you get behind or the work is done half assed (hope I can say that on here) and their down your neck because of it, the whole we just want you to be healthy stuff doesn't seem so true to the heart. Do you know what I mean? It is a tough battle to feel what you can handle the most, the physical or the mental. I guess the job is what it is and if I lost it well I think so be it, I wouldn't miss them, but it is the insurance that worries me the most. I wouldn't be able to afford it and that scares me. How would I be able to pay for the Doctors and most of all the supplies? Sometimes you have to wonder why life has to be so difficult.

I also am wondering how you are doing? I always see you posting your advice for every one, but never see you asking for advise. Are you doing ok? Is there anything I can help to impart some wisdom to help you? Not that I have much, ha ha. I think all the anesthesia I have received in the past has sucked any knowledge I had right out of me. ; - ) again ha ha.

Thank you every one for listening and sharing your thoughts. I can only hope to be able to help you all some way, some how, some day :- )

• By alan41241
• Reply 3437363
• October 6, 2012 at 9:14 pm
• Report post

I'm fine, JRo. I really am. I read about all the problems so many on this site have and I just feel so lucky because I don't have to deal with any of it. I do wonder, "Why me?" I never have a problem with my pouch, with leaks, with blockages, with infections. I'm seven months post-op and I couldn't be better.
When I decided (and I did say decided because I believe it is a decision) to accept life on life's terms including my ileostomy pouch I felt so much better about myself. My life hasn't been a bed of roses but every disappointment, every challenge, every success has made me who I am today and I wouldn't change it if I could.
Blessings,
Alan

• By Alaskansurvivor
• Reply 3437491
• October 6, 2012 at 10:12 pm
• Report post

Wow, JRo! You seem to have a wonderful attitude and I'm sorry your workplace is anything but supportive! I know there is a law (can't remember it's name) That you can't lose your job due to your illness. Even worked for my husbands job, his job was safe even after taking six weeks off to come to Seattle for my surgery. Anywho, I know I'm not much help, but I can share in your experience. I recently had a ridiculous parastomal hernia fixed and yesterday morning I had what looked like a busted staple in my incision that was bleeding. When I couldn't get it to stop, I called my Doc and went in. Turns out he should have put in a drainage tube after the surgery, but didn't. So know all this fluid has to go somewhere. They can't fix me till Monday, So for the time being, I have to stuff gauze (what feels like 2 pounds of the stuff) only about 3 inches of it, into this opening he made by removing a few staples. I have to change this twice a day, and while doing this I think this is the worst thing I have ever had to do. Mind you, I, along with each and every person on here has gone thru more than any one person should, but I don't usually feel this undiluted angst and ickiness. In fact, I've flown thru most of it like a champ, if I don't say so myself=)=) I know the nurses have told you they've seen way worse, and undoubtedly they are speaking the truth, but really???? I don't like to hear this from anyone other than someone who's actually gone thru it themselves! Don't get me wrong, I kiss the ground these nurses walk on!! Good luck to you!

• By Mare5785
• Reply 3437615
• October 6, 2012 at 11:33 pm
• Report post

Sorry your trial are so difficult right now. Praying that life will settle down and return to a "normal" state, very soon.

I get very upset when the docs or nurses say.."Well.. I've seen worse..".. or "You are a lot better than some people.." What do they think that accomplishes or how it makes us feel?? When I hear that, it's like they are saying.."stop you whining... suck it up..." They don't have a clue.. and obviously have not been chronically or seriously ill.. Yet.. when they have a cold..or flu bug.. It's like their life could end and they can't deal with it!! sigh...

Good luck Alaskansurvivor with your setback! Praying that Monday will bring you much needed relief and another day closer to full recovery!

Alan.. I totally agree with you!! I am the person I am BECAUSE of all that I've lived and dealt with! I'm so thankful that your ostomy does not give you any "back talk" and behaves itself!

• By alan41241
• Reply 3437911
• October 7, 2012 at 5:55 am
• Report post

Thank you, Mare. I continue to marvel when I read some of the posts here and realize how lucky I am. I would use the word "blessed" but I fear if I do that would imply that others are not blessed and I don't want to do that.

Alaskansurvivor, I sure hope all goes well for you tomorrow and that you get your wound fixed.

Blessings,
Alan

• By Jhast
• Reply 3438631
• October 7, 2012 at 12:39 pm
• Report post

I woke up in the middle of the night thinking that my bag was leaking. When I got to the bathroom I realized that I had stream o puss squirting out of my incision. When I finally malde it to the hospital they opened me back up. I had a hole in my belly the size of a . I also had to have two drain tubes put in because they found other absesses. I spent another week in the hospital before they sent me home. For four months I needed homecare nurses to change the dressings. All of the drainage caused my bag to loosen and leak at least once a day. I awoke covered in output on an almost nightly basis. It was a living hell and I thought and hoped for that matter that it would kill me. I had two open heart surgeries when I was younger and thought this would be a walk in the park compared to those. Was I ever wrong. After all of that I feel better than I have in years. Ive got my life back now and it was all worth it.

• By JRo12
• Reply 3438755
• October 7, 2012 at 1:49 pm
• Report post

Morning Everyone! I say morning because I just woke up!

1st off I want to say that when we talk like this on-line one of my biggest fears is that I might be coming off the wrong way so what ever I say I hope that I am never ignoring anyone or showing any disrespect.

Reading all of your posts this morning has overwhelmed me. It makes me feel so good that Alan you and Mare are feeling so well. It is truly a testament to your personalities that you recognize how lucky you are and that is a great thing. Some people could really look on the bad side of things all the time and not the good, and that is a hard thing to do. You are very strong people. Not that the rest of you are not but you all know what I mean.

Now JHast and AlaskanSurvivor I am sorry to see that you are going thru so much but it sounds like you both are very strong and will make it thru this. I am glad that you have posted what you are going thru so we can be here for you. It just goes to show you how very different we all are and how are bodies react so differently from each other.

I am so glad you guy's said something about the care takers saying that they have seen much worse. I wanted to say that I didn't think it was right but didn't want to sound selfish or something. I think it is ok to feel bad about what you are going thru and knowing yes it could be worse but it is ok to feel bad at times for yourself as well.

This is a lot more painful than I thought it would be and had a very tough night, not being able to find a good position. I kind of wished I would have stayed that extra night at the hospital. I have been thru much but for some reason this one is tough and when ever I am changing the packing I want to pass out. My only fear now is that if this pain keeps up if I bring it up to the Doctor the way I did before he is not going to believe me the way he did before. Can anyone tell me how you know if you are over thinking about how you are feeling or if you are really in the pain and discomfort you feel you are? Hope that makes sense.

Mare, Alan, JHast, AlsakanSurvivor, TJane and Dimpy ( I hope I didn't miss anyone) I hope you all have a great Sunday. Here it is a beautiful sunny day and I hope it is the same on your side of the world. The only thing I ask of you all is if you could throw in a quick prayer that I can make it thru work tomorrow I would really appreciate that and I will be throwing in prayers for each of you as well. I know I bable a lot so If you made it thru the end of this I give you all kudos ; - ) That right there goes to show how tolerant you all are, ha ha. You know this is 5 minutes that you will never get back : - )

Always

JRo

• By Jhast
• Reply 3438807
• October 7, 2012 at 2:07 pm
• Report post

I wiuld take a vicodin an hour before it was time to change the dressings and it helped but I still had to just grit my teeth and bare it. Good luck. I hope you feel better soon. Who Dey!

• By alan41241
• Reply 3438944 · In reply to 3438755 by JRo12
• October 7, 2012 at 3:16 pm
• Report post

JRo, never be concernced about how you come across on this site. We all understand and all of us can get wordy sometimes or write a sentence that reads differently than it was written.
Nobody can decide if you are over thinking about your feelings or overreacting about your feelings. Only you can determine that. I will say, I never found it to be true in anything I have read that you posted. You just be yourself and we all will love you like we do everybody else.
Blessings,
Alan

• By Alaskansurvivor
• Reply 3439307
• October 7, 2012 at 6:41 pm
• Report post

Thank you everybody for your well wishes!!! I really shared my story (these are the only places I do) to try and show you how tough I think you are, JRo!! I've always thought of myself as such and my little 1 1/2 inch wound I have to pack is nearly taking me out. Of course, we all have our different battles and challenges. Please, please don't ever let anyone diminish what you perceive as pain or suffering. No one can quantify it for you but YOU!!! If any Dr. makes you feel like you should just be sucking it up, then you, my friend need to find a new Dr. Believe me, I totally understand that you may feel the need to toughen up and not complain, but you will heal faster if you manage your pain more efficiently. Think about that. Wouldn't you rather heal faster and suffer less??? I know It took me a long time to figure out when to cry uncle and let someone treat my pain. I hold on to it like a bragging right almost. 'I grew up on a farm.' 'Look how tough I am.' If it's impeding your rest & healing, ask for help and don't feel bad for doing it=)=) I am definitely praying for you to have a good day at work!!!!!

• By Mare5785
• Reply 3439487
• October 7, 2012 at 8:01 pm
• Report post

Jhast... that's nasty! I can relate though.. While we are "in it".. it is life in hell!! Then we get to the other side.. and there is the Light of Day.. and Life is Great! Even with the little trials of living with an ostomy... the quality of life is so much greater! I'm happy that you are basking in the Light!

Alan.. I think you can say "blessed".. I belive we are all blessed.. the only difference is, we are each in a different spot. Some trials are greater than others.. but we are still here.. and everyone will get to a place of healing.. One Day at a Time..

Alaskansurvivor... Yes.. being Stoic.. what purpose did it serve us?? lol.. Takes years for some of us to learn that! You are so right though... it does impede the healing process.

Prayers for a good day at work tomorrow... and for each of us..no matter what's on our schedule!

• By JRo12
• Reply 3439768
• October 7, 2012 at 10:17 pm
• Report post

Amen to that!

• By Alaskansurvivor
• Reply 3439987
• October 8, 2012 at 12:20 am
• Report post

Thanks, Mare!!!!!! Right back atcha=)

• By Jonsey
• Reply 3440387 · In reply to 3438631 by Jhast
• October 8, 2012 at 8:33 am
• Report post

Jhast, I read your post. I am also going through what I think is the worst time in my life for me. I had surgery going on 7 weeks ago. Now I have pyoderma sores on my stomach close to my stoma. I was back to my surgeon Friday. He sent me to the wound stoma nurse their at the hospital. She told me how to take care of it. The problem is that it gives me a lot of pain and really hurts. When I have to change my appliance. it pulls so hard that I can't hardly get the wafer off. When the doctor took my appliance off in the office I cried, it hurt so bad.The wafer lays right on the open sore. The home health nurse comes this morning to help me change my wafer and bag. I hate to think how bad it is going to hurt. I will be so glad to get that over with. The nurse at the hospital said it could take up to two months to heal. The doctor has me back on steroids. I just pray this will heal and that I get through this. Things were going well until this all happened.
I am so glad that you got through all of your problem. God was watching over you.

Marilyn

• By JRo12
• Reply 3440449
• October 8, 2012 at 8:53 am
• Report post

Marilyn,

I am sorry to see that you are going thru this. I had that when I first got my ostomy and the stool would come under te waifer on to the sore and oh god that was painful. I cried all day at work. Are you using the stoma powder? Also they gave you wipes that help take off the waifer? Mine took a little while to heal but with the right products it should help and I say should because every one is so different.
Are you on Prednisone? I hate being on that stuff. Luckily I haven't had to be on it since my 1st surgery in 2002. I don't miss it. I remember this women in the hospital who they could not be discharged because she was on Prednisone for 15 years! They couldn't get her off of it

I wish all the best for you and hope for a quick healing.

Always
JRo