Concern About Possible Stitch Infection with No Medical Response
Subject: 26-year-old White Female, Weight: 145 lbs Greetings, I underwent what I think might be Mohs surgery two days ago, where a precancerous mole was excised. I've adhered to post-operative instructions and have just now removed the bandage after a 48-hour period. Although I felt unwell prior to the surgery, my condition has not improved since the procedure. On the first day post-surgery, I was in significant discomfort, leading me to reach the maximum dosage of both Tylenol and ibuprofen by 10 PM. I found myself largely incapacitated and took an oxycodone for relief. I have since decided against using that painkiller again but have again maxed out on over-the-counter pain medications for today. While gently inspecting beneath the bandage with a Q-tip, I noticed a strange-smelling fluid seeping out from the edges. As for the wound, it is situated approximately an inch away from my spine on my back, complicating my attempts to take a clear photo. Unfortunately, I'm hesitant about heading to the hospital, especially since getting to urgent care could take over 12 hours, and my doctor’s office remains closed until Monday.
Answers (1)
3/29/2025, 7:00:50 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing discomfort and concerns about your recovery after Mohs surgery. The presence of strange-smelling fluid around the surgical site raises the possibility of an infection, which is important to address. Here’s a structured approach to your situation:
Key Points
- Possible Infection: The seeping fluid and unusual smell can indicate an infection at the surgical site.
- Managing Pain and Discomfort: It’s crucial to find safer ways to manage your pain and discomfort without exceeding medication limits.
- Observation of Symptoms: Monitoring your symptoms closely is important.
Explanation
Post-operative wounds can sometimes become infected, especially if there is drainage or a strange odor. The discomfort you're experiencing, combined with the maxed-out pain medications, suggests that your body is reacting to something that may need further attention. It's great that you followed your post-operative instructions, but your current state of feeling unwell and the symptoms emerging suggest caution.
Next Steps
-
Assess Symptoms Quickly:
- Monitor for any additional symptoms like fever, increased redness or swelling around the wound, or worsening pain.
- If you notice any of these symptoms, it would suggest a need for urgent care, even if it means traveling.
-
Manage Pain:
- Since you've hit the maximum dosage for over-the-counter medications, it's important to take breaks. Consider non-pharmaceutical methods for pain relief, such as applying a cold compress (not directly on the wound) or practicing gentle breathing exercises to help with discomfort.
-
Wound Care:
- Continue to keep the area clean and dry. If you haven't yet, consider using sterile saline to gently cleanse the wound edges without pulling on the incision.
- Avoid touching the wound and using tools for inspection, as this can introduce bacteria.
-
Follow-Up:
- Since your doctor’s office is closed until Monday, if your symptoms do not improve or worsen, plan to reach out to urgent care as soon as you can. If traveling continues to be a barrier, see if there are virtual care options available to consult about your symptoms.
-
Monitor Your Health:
- Track your overall condition. If you feel more significantly unwell, or if pain levels increase, prioritize seeking medical attention rather than waiting for the office to reopen.
It's understandable to feel hesitant about seeking care, but don't hesitate to reach out for help if symptoms worsen. Your recovery is important, and addressing these concerns proactively can help ensure you get back on track. Please take care, and let me know if you need further guidance!
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