Seeking Insight on Post-Surgical Complications
I am a 61-year-old woman, weighing 125 pounds and standing at 5 feet tall. I do not use recreational drugs and do not smoke. Currently, I am taking several medications, including Celecoxib 100 mg, Trazodone 150 mg, Pregabalin 100 mg, Cevimeline 30 mg, Auvelity 45-105 mg, and Orencia 125 mg via Click jet. On February 6th, I underwent a procedure to remove a squamous cell carcinoma from my thigh. This led to approximately 10 internal stitches and 22 external ones. When I returned on February 18th for suture removal, my dermatologist identified an infection in the incision site. After completing a course of antibiotics, I thought the wound was healing well. However, in the past five days, I have experienced recurring pain at the incision site. A small area, around the size of an eraser head, has started to ooze pus and blood, and another spot at the right side has also become troublesome. During my visit to the dermatologist today, she noted that my incision is "spitting stitches," indicating that my body appears to be rejecting the internal stitches. She removed two of the visible white stitches and, once again, prescribed antibiotics. I am curious about how common such a response is. Additionally, for context, I also deal with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and Sjögren's disease. I appreciate any insights or experiences others might want to share on this matter.
Answers (1)
3/22/2025, 1:40:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re navigating a challenging situation with your post-surgical recovery, especially in light of your existing health conditions. It's important to acknowledge your concerns about the infection and your body’s reaction to the internal stitches. Here’s a breakdown of your situation and some steps you can take.
Main Points:
- Post-surgical complications are not uncommon, and certain conditions may increase the risk of complications.
- Your symptoms warrant close monitoring, especially the recurrence of pus and blood at the incision site.
Explanation:
After surgery, infections and complications such as "spitting stitches" can occur for various reasons, including the body's immune response or issues related to the stitching material. Patients with underlying conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren's disease may experience a slower healing process and increased susceptibility to infections due to their immune systems being affected. Following surgery, it's also normal for some areas to take longer to heal than others.
Next Steps:
-
Continue Antibiotics: Follow your dermatologist’s guidance regarding the antibiotics prescribed. Complete the full course as directed to help manage the infection.
-
Wound Care: Keep the incision site clean and dry. If your healthcare provider has given specific instructions for care, follow those closely. If not, you might consider gently washing the area with mild soap and water and applying any recommended topical treatments.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Observe for any changes, such as increased redness, swelling, or fever. If the area continues to ooze or worsens, or if you develop new symptoms, it’s important to seek further medical advice promptly.
-
Pain Management: Since you've been experiencing recurring pain, ensure you manage it effectively, which could involve continuing your current medications like Celecoxib. However, consult with your healthcare provider for any adjustments based on your recovery needs.
-
Follow-Up Appointments: Ensure you attend any scheduled follow-up appointments to allow your healthcare provider to assess healing and make necessary changes to treatment.
-
Seek Support: If you're feeling anxious about your recovery, consider discussing your concerns with your healthcare provider, who can give more personalized insights based on your entire medical history.
Remember, recovery can take time, and it's crucial to prioritize your health and report any significant changes to your healthcare team. You're doing the right thing by being proactive about your recovery.
Related Questions
Understanding the Increased Pain in My Foot While Reclining
At 30 years old, I am nearing the five-week mark since undergoing surgery on my metatarsals. I've encountered a troubling issue: I can’t seem to find comfort when lying down, whether it’s with my foot raised or lying flat. My pain level escalates to a severe 10 out of 10, unless my foot is making contact with the floor or I dangle my leg off the side of the bed so that my toes touch the ground. Is this situation typical for someone in my circumstances? Are there any suggestions that might assist me in getting a better night's sleep?
Understanding Possible Seizure Triggers and Recurrence Risks
Health Background: I am a 21-year-old female, standing at 169 cm and weighing 65 kg. Over the past three years, I have been using oral contraceptives. As of this morning, I started taking 25 mcg of levothyroxine along with a weekly vitamin D supplement of 0.266 mg. Recently, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and found to have a vitamin D deficiency that I suspect has existed for the last three years. I do not consume alcohol or smoke, and I can confirm I am not pregnant. Two years ago, I experienced a mild concussion. I currently reside in Spain. A couple of months back, in mid-December, I blacked out twice. The second occurrence took place while I was at the doctor’s office after seeking urgent medical care for the initial incident. Following the second episode, I underwent a CT scan and an EKG, both of which returned normal results. Further tests, as directed by my physician, revealed a critical vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism; however, he expressed doubt that either of these conditions led to my loss of consciousness. I was then referred to a neurologist, and I am presently awaiting an appointment. Although the waiting period is lengthy, my doctor indicated that I should receive priority for scheduling, although the exact timeframe remains uncertain. The referral document summarized my events, labeling the second episode (which the physician witnessed) as a potential seizure devoid of tonic-clonic movements—a revelation that took me by surprise. After regaining consciousness, I felt extremely disoriented and terrified, struggling to process what was happening. I have no prior history of seizures, epilepsy, or any related conditions, and there is no known family history of these issues. If this indeed was a seizure, what might have triggered it? Additionally, what is the likelihood of experiencing another one? Since that time, I have not had any further incidents, but I have experienced moments where I felt a sense of impending doom, which I managed to overcome. I intend to wait for the neurologist's evaluation, but the uncertainty surrounding a possible neurological condition is quite distressing. Thank you for any insight you can provide!
Persistent Pain in Right Shoulder and Arm After Lifting
Hello, everyone! I’m a 23-year-old male and have been engaged in weightlifting for several years now. Recently, I’ve been struggling with ongoing discomfort in my right shoulder and arm, which I haven’t been able to accurately identify. The pain manifests during particular movements, especially with lateral raises or when my arm is raised to shoulder level while rotating my wrist. Certain pressing and pulling activities can also provoke this discomfort. Rather than feeling sharp, it’s a deep, nagging sensation that sometimes seems localized in the front area of the shoulder or at the biceps tendon, and at other times it feels more like it’s situated between the shoulder and upper arm. Fortunately, there’s no numbness or tingling involved. This issue began while I was working out. I decided to take a break for around two months, but when I returned, the pain persisted. After consulting a physician, I was diagnosed with bicipital tendinitis. Since then, I’ve reduced my upper-body workouts, completely steering clear of shoulder exercises and heavy lifting, and have begun a gentle rehabilitation regimen focusing on external rotations, pendulum movements, and scapular exercises. Despite adhering to this routine for about a week, I haven’t experienced any noticeable improvement. Is it typical for this type of tendon injury to require an extended period for recovery? At what point should I consider diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI? Additionally, are there frequent rehabilitation errors that might impede the healing process? I appreciate your insights in advance!
INTENSE Spine Discomfort, Breathing Difficulties, Muscle Twitches, and Sweating
To elaborate on the situation mentioned in the title, I’ve been experiencing unusual muscle twitches and spasms for the past few days, along with some discomfort in my back. However, today, I felt an unexpected sharp pain shoot through my spine, which has left my legs feeling numb and made it impossible for me to sit up straight. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with cold sweats for the last hour and struggling to breathe properly. Perhaps I’m just overanalyzing things and it’s a common occurrence, but the intensity of the pain is overwhelming—it's truly unbearable. I’m shaking quite a bit, and unfortunately, my parents aren’t responding to my attempts to reach them for help. I have a history of a chronic heart condition and arthritis, yet I’ve never experienced pain this severe, especially in my spine. For context, I am nearly 15 years old and female. My current medications include pain relievers, anxiety medication, beta blockers, and some vitamins, though those specifics may not be particularly relevant. I don’t smoke; however, I have tried vaping a few times, which might not matter much, but I thought it was worth mentioning as it was requested.
Concerns About My Toes
Age: 30, Female Currently, I am on the lookout for a reputable podiatrist in my vicinity. However, I've encountered a perplexing issue with my foot. Just last night, I noticed a growth on the side of my toe, something entirely new to me. I maintain a nutritious diet and have a demanding job that requires me to be on my feet quite often. My footwear includes brands such as Brooks Ghost Runners, Hoka Bondi 9’s, and Nike Motiva’s, and I don’t opt for restrictive socks. I also apply Vick’s Vaporub to my feet, a practice handed down from my family, and stick with simple, non-fragrant lotions like Vanicream and CeraVe SA Cream for my skin. In addition, I am curious about the my big toenail's change in color. What might be the underlying reasons for this? Also, I have these persistent dark spots on my toes that I've struggled with since my days on the runway. Despite my efforts, nothing has succeeded in lightening or diminishing their appearance. I'm just looking to determine if there might have been a factor from the past that could have contributed to these issues. I’m not sure what else to include, but I’m open to answering any questions you might have. Thank you for your attention! Best wishes from a worried soul!