Healing After Surgery: Incision Care
Hello, Doctors, I’m a 37-year-old male, weighing 145 lbs, and I recently underwent a laparoscopic radical hysterectomy on March 10. The procedure involved a single incision made at my navel. Although the steri strips were removed last Wednesday, I've continued to protect the incision with a nonstick gauze pad. My follow-up appointment was originally set for Monday the 24th, but it has now been moved to the 31st, prompting me to reach out for guidance now. From what I observe, the incision seems to be healing nicely—there’s no discoloration, discharge, or unusual warmth. My primary concern is whether I should keep the area covered. I’m apprehensive about lint or particles from my clothing getting into the incision. While I usually prefer to sleep shirtless, I’ve opted to wear one recently because my cat cuddles with me at night, and I want to prevent any fur or debris from contaminating the site. Am I at a stage where I no longer need to be overly cautious? Additionally, I have some loose skin on my abdomen resulting from significant weight loss, meaning the incision is usually not exposed. However, I tend to worry a lot about these matters and want to avoid any risk of infection. I experienced some complications after surgery, including a few days of difficulty urinating, which was emotionally distressing due to the delayed response from the care team and the pain I endured. Therefore, I am keen to ensure that I don't encounter any further issues with this. I’ve shared a photo in the comments. I appreciate any support or reassurance you can provide!
Answers (1)
3/22/2025, 12:50:42 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's great to hear that your incision is healing well! Keeping an eye on your incision and practicing proper care is essential for a smooth recovery.
Main Points:
- Your incision seems to be healing well, and with appropriate care, you can gradually reduce how much you cover it.
- Continue to protect the area from potential irritants, especially since you have a cat and are concerned about debris.
Explanation:
It sounds like you've been very diligent about caring for your incision. Since there’s no discoloration, discharge, or unusual warmth, it indicates that infection is unlikely at this stage. Covering the incision can still be helpful, especially if you are worried about fur from your cat. Selecting breathable, non-irritating fabrics and keeping a watchful eye on the area is wise.
Next Steps:
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Assess Coverage Needs: If the incision is well-healed (looks healthy with no signs of irritation), you may be able to transition to wearing loose clothing without a gauze pad during the day. You could keep it covered at night if you're worried about fur.
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Keep the Area Clean and Dry: Continue to gently clean the incision with mild soap and water during showers, and pat the area dry. Avoid soaking in baths or pools until cleared by your doctor.
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Monitor for Changes: Keep an eye on the incision for any signs of issues like increased redness, swelling, or discharge. If these occur, contact your healthcare provider.
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Emotional Well-being: Given your concerns and previous surgery complications, allow yourself to engage in activities that soothe your worries, like deep-breathing exercises or adjusting your environment to feel more comfortable.
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Prepare for Follow-up: Compile any questions or observations to discuss at your follow-up appointment on the 31st. This will ensure you address any concerns you may still have with your healthcare team.
It's completely normal to feel apprehensive about your recovery, especially after previous complications. Just know that being proactive about your care makes a significant difference. If you have more questions or need further reassurance, feel free to ask!
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