Seeking Guidance After Surgery Complications
I’m a 48-year-old woman, and I am currently two weeks post PKR surgery. Prior to the procedure, I informed the medical team about my allergies, particularly concerning adhesives and sulfa drugs, and I provided a letter from my allergist detailing my adverse reactions to certain medications. Fortunately, the surgery itself went smoothly. However, three days later, I noticed blisters forming at the edge of the bandage. I removed it and went to the emergency room, where they cleaned the area and applied cortisone and gauze. A week afterward, I experienced hives on my neck, back, and the surgical leg. Throughout this time, I kept in contact with my healthcare provider and attended appointments following my second ER visit. I’ve been using Prednisone, Benadryl, antihistamines, and hydroxyzine as prescribed. When I finally had an appointment with the doctor, he didn't offer an apology, instead merely acknowledging that the situation was unfortunate. The core issue seems to stem from my prescription of Celebrex, an anti-inflammatory medication, which I was given for ten days despite being allergic to sulfa drugs. While my allergy is documented as moderate—resulting only in hives and a rash—there wasn’t a high level of caution taken. I had previously alerted them about my sensitivity to adhesives, and during my last visit, the doctor removed glue from the suture line, reasoning that this was the cause of my allergic reaction. Now, I have a follow-up appointment scheduled for two weeks from now. Given this ordeal, I’m uncertain about the next steps regarding my care. Should I let the doctor address the issue, seek a second opinion, or consider transferring my care to someone else? I am concerned that I might face negative repercussions as a patient. Additionally, I'm anxious about potential infection issues that could arise in the future. How should I navigate this situation? Keeping thorough notes and possibly filing a complaint is on my mind. Although he is a well-regarded surgeon with excellent recommendations, I am feeling nervous and uncomfortable about all of this. I understand that mistakes occur, but my peace of mind is heavily affected. Thank you for any guidance you can offer! 😊
Answers (1)
6/30/2025, 7:10:42 AM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that you've gone through a challenging experience after your PKR surgery, particularly with complications related to allergies and medication sensitivity. Your well-being and peace of mind are important, so let's focus on your next steps in a structured way.
Main Points:
- Assess the Current Situation: You have dealt with post-surgical complications, including an allergic reaction and concerns about your care.
- Future Care Decisions: You have options regarding how to proceed with your care, including addressing your concerns with your current surgeon or seeking a second opinion.
- Maintain Accurate Records: Keeping a detailed record of your symptoms, medications, and interactions will be helpful for any future consultations.
Explanation:
You’ve experienced blisters and hives likely as a reaction to the medications prescribed post-surgery, especially given your documented allergies. The prescribed Celebrex could have contributed to your reactions, and the adhesive used during surgery may have also caused issues. It's understandable to feel anxious after such experiences, especially regarding potential infections and overall recovery.
Next Steps:
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Keep Detailed Notes: Continue documenting your symptoms, medication reactions, and any treatments you receive. This information will be invaluable during your follow-up appointment.
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Follow-Up Appointment with Current Provider:
- Discuss your concerns openly during the follow-up appointment. Bring your notes to illustrate your reactions and the timeline of events. This is an opportunity to clarify your allergic history and express your desire for thorough consideration of your allergies in future treatment.
- Address your feelings about the past interactions and seek clarity on how to avoid similar issues moving forward. A good healthcare provider will appreciate your diligence and work collaboratively to enhance your care.
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Consider a Second Opinion:
- If you still feel uncomfortable after the follow-up or if your concerns are not adequately addressed, it’s completely reasonable to seek a second opinion from another orthopedic surgeon. This may provide you with added insight into your current situation.
- In requesting a second opinion, you can choose a provider who is experienced with patients who have allergies and sensitivities.
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Discuss Future Allergy Management:
- Discuss strategies for managing your allergies, including alternatives to Celebrex or any other medications moving forward, and how to effectively communicate these allergies to any healthcare provider.
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File a Complaint (if necessary):
- If you feel that your medical team did not adequately address your documented allergies and this led to complications, consider discussing this with the hospital's patient advocate or filing a formal complaint. This step is about ensuring future patient safety and doesn't have to be adversarial.
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Monitor for Signs of Infection:
- Keep an eye out for symptoms of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus around the surgical site, or any fever. If you notice any of these, seek medical attention promptly.
Your health and comfort should always be a priority. Advocating for yourself is important, and finding a healthcare team that understands and respects your concerns will help ease your anxiety moving forward. Don’t hesitate to reach out again if you have further questions or need more support.
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