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:
-
Keep Detailed Notes: Continue documenting your symptoms, medication reactions, and any treatments you receive. This information will be invaluable during your follow-up appointment.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Related Questions
Unusual Rash Beneath the Knee?
A 40-year-old man, standing at 5 feet 11 inches and weighing 200 pounds, residing in the suburbs of New York City, noticed an unfamiliar mark under his knee last Wednesday. Initially, he assumed it was a bug bite. However, he observed that the area began to spread over the next couple of days and decided to consult his primary care physician. Upon examination, the physician noted the rash's linear appearance and suggested it might be poison ivy, subsequently recommending a topical steroid cream. Two days later, the rash showed further expansion and was accompanied by a sense of malaise, resembling feverish symptoms, although he did not develop an actual fever. The discomfort was somewhat alleviated with Advil. Concerned about a potential infection, his doctor also prescribed an antibiotic. While he has included some images for reference, he remains doubtful regarding the poison ivy diagnosis, particularly since the rash has not itched and was only slightly tender at most. Any insights from medical professionals on Reddit would be greatly appreciated!
Persistent Ear Itching
For the past three years, I’ve been battling severe itching in my ears, which is increasingly impacting my overall well-being. The urge to scratch is so overwhelming at times that I do it reflexively, which frequently results in recurring ear infections every few months. The irritation is primarily located within the ear canal, though I occasionally experience discomfort on the outer part of my ears as well. I’m curious if others have had a similar experience?
Understanding Chronic Pancreatitis Diagnosis
Greetings. In 2023, my husband received a diagnosis of indeterminate pancreatitis. By 2025, his condition evolved to a suggestive diagnosis, as an endoscopy revealed some shadowing. This likely contributed to the classification change. Tragically, his brother passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 50 in 2023, prompting my husband to undergo an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for reassurance, which led to this new finding. Earlier this year, he decisively stopped drinking alcohol. Previously, he consumed about six or seven beers on two occasions each month as a social activity. For several years, his triglyceride levels were notably high, reaching 300. He has recently altered his diet in an effort to improve his health. Additionally, his cholesterol levels have fluctuated, at times exceeding 500. Despite these issues, I am worried because he has never experienced an acute pancreatitis attack, leaving us without a clear connection. Currently, he exhibits no symptoms. We have a consultation scheduled with his doctors next week, and I would like to prepare a structured approach to our discussions. Has anyone encountered a similar situation? Can halting moderate alcohol consumption and controlling high triglyceride levels help avert further deterioration? Or is this condition akin to Crohn’s disease, where once the damage is done, the situation cannot be reversed?
Swelling in the Inner Lower Eyelid
A 17-year-old experienced an allergic response which resulted in redness and itchiness around the eye. In an attempt to soothe the irritation, cold water was applied and restraint was practiced. After a night’s sleep, the individual awoke to find that their pets had brushed against their face, exacerbating an allergy to pet dander. This led to a new sensation of itching in the lower inner eyelid. Upon looking in the mirror, a slight pouch was observed, which became more pronounced when squinting. Although it didn’t appear red or excessively itchy, it felt smooth and had a sensation of fullness. What could this indicate, and what are the potential risks associated with it?
Natural Approaches to Managing Epididymitis: Is It Possible?
Is it feasible to address epididymitis without antibiotics? I’ve been experiencing uncomfortable pain in my testicles for the past five days, and as a 26-year-old male, weighing around 13 stone and standing at 6ft, I'm eager to explore alternative solutions like over-the-counter treatments or dietary adjustments. Are there natural remedies or specific foods that might alleviate the symptoms of this condition?