Concern Over Carpal Tunnel Surgery Incision
41 years old. Here are some health details that may be relevant for assessing my recovery: - I have Type 2 diabetes with my most recent A1C level at 6.6, managed with the help of Mounjaro, Farxiga, and Metformin. - My high blood pressure is regulated through 20mg Lisinopril. - Cholesterol levels are under control thanks to 5mg of Crestor. - I take Seroquel, Lamictal, Buspar, and Gabapentin for mental health management. - I do use nicotine in the form of vaping. I underwent surgery on July 10th, with stitches being removed on July 24th. As a reference for this post, the images were taken on July 26th. I have been applying a significant amount of Vaseline on the incision and keeping it covered with a bandage when I’m more active than just watching TV. Today, I mentioned to my mother that I noticed some blood on the bandage periodically and I still feel a slight sting when I clean the area. Having worked in healthcare (though not as an RN or Doctor), she examined it and remarked that it appeared to be slightly separating. I then sent a photo to a nurse friend who confirmed that it seemed like it might be separating but added that they haven’t encountered incisions on the palm before. I am hopeful that someone here has experienced something similar and can offer their opinion. If the incision is indeed separating, I would prefer to avoid having more stitches applied while I'm awake. I can tolerate a cortisone injection quite well, but I doubt I could endure the experience of receiving stitches in my palm while conscious.
Answers (1)
7/27/2025, 3:30:55 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your incision after carpal tunnel surgery, especially with your diabetes and the medications you are taking. Based on your description, it sounds like there might be some separation at the incision site, along with bleeding and discomfort. Here’s a structured overview of what you need to consider and actions to take.
Key Points:
- Incision Separation Concern: Slight separation at the incision may indicate healing issues, which can be more common in patients with diabetes.
- Ongoing Care: Bleeding and stinging sensations could suggest irritation or infection.
- Practical Next Steps: Focus on proper wound care and monitoring.
Explanation:
Your body’s ability to heal can be affected by diabetes, as it can reduce blood flow and slow the healing process. The combination of using nicotine (through vaping) and your medications can also impact healing. The fact that you're experiencing blood on the bandage and discomfort suggests that the incision may need more monitoring or potentially further evaluation.
Prioritized Next Steps:
-
Keep the Area Clean and Dry:
- Continue to gently clean the incision with mild soap and water, patting it dry.
- Apply a thin layer of Vaseline to keep it moist but avoid excessive application which might cause maceration (softening or breaking down of skin due to moisture).
-
Observe for Signs of Infection:
- Monitor for increased redness, warmth, swelling, or pus discharge, which could indicate an infection.
- If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek attention right away.
-
Rest and Protect the Area:
- Limit activities that stress the incision site (like heavy lifting or strenuous hand movements) to promote healing.
- Keep the area covered with a bandage to protect it from dirt and further irritation.
-
Consider Over-the-Counter Pain Relief, If Needed:
- If you are experiencing significant discomfort, consult product guidelines or your healthcare provider for appropriate pain relief options, taking care to avoid interactions with your current medications.
-
Evaluate the Need for Medical Assessment:
- Given your concerns, plan to reach out to your healthcare provider about the incision status. If it worsens or fails to improve, they may suggest further evaluation, potentially with a follow-up appointment.
It's completely reasonable to feel apprehensive about further procedures. If the healing doesn't progress or worsens, speak candidly with your healthcare provider about your concerns regarding stitches. They can discuss pain management options to ensure your comfort should further intervention be necessary. Stay proactive about monitoring your recovery, and don’t hesitate to seek help if needed.
Related Questions
Neurological Challenges Mimicking POTS Symptoms
A 36-year-old female, weighing 265 pounds, is dealing with a complex medical history that includes conditions like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, and a splenic artery aneurysm. There is a tentative diagnosis of hypertensive Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). The patient experiences significant symptoms when not on medication, including a rapid heartbeat (ranging from 117 to 150 beats per minute), dangerously high blood pressure, episodes of vision impairment, difficulty walking accompanied by stumbling and falls, tremors, memory issues, and brain fog. Currently, her medication regimen includes Pristiq, lithium, lorazepam, low-dose naltrexone for pain management, and propranolol to regulate heart rates. She takes ubrelvy when needed. In January, a recurrence of severe pain radiating from her right side led to a hospital admission where her gallbladder was surgically removed due to complications. Although the surgery was successful, she subsequently developed CRPS, further complicating her health. While working in the emergency department, she experienced a sharp tearing pain associated with her known aneurysm. Unable to manage the pain, she informed her manager of her need to leave. During her walk back to her workspace, approximately 1500 feet away, she began to stagger and lost her vision, while also experiencing heavy sweating and shortness of breath. Support from coworkers was crucial, as she lost her strength and collapsed, gasping for air and experiencing vertigo. Her heart rate was recorded at almost 150 bpm and her blood pressure at 152/120. Once lying down, her vitals stabilized but would escalate again with movement. The attending nurse suspected POTS based on her symptoms. Despite efforts to provide explanations, her overnight doctor attributed her condition to anxiety. However, subsequent doctors recognized her situation increasingly suggested POTS and put her on a heart monitor after she began falling to one side, which later confirmed episodes of tachycardia over a monitoring period of two to three days. Her first cardiology appointment revealed a drop in her blood pressure when she stood, further aligning with the POTS suspicion. An echocardiogram was scheduled for the following week, but complications arose the very next morning at work, where rising distress prompted coworkers to assist her following an apparent episode of tachycardia. Administered Ativan temporarily helped alleviate some symptoms, but as her condition worsened, she was transported to the emergency department once again. After several hours of treatment, she was discharged with little clarity regarding her condition. Currently, she takes an extended-release dose of propranolol (80 mg), but without it, her heart rate can exceed 130 bpm, accompanied by memory lapses. Episodes of sporadic vision loss persist, alongside difficulty walking that has progressed to staggering or being unable to move at all, leading to falls. These occurrences are thought to be related to syncope. Neurological evaluations are underway, with initial tests like ECG and EEG returning normal results, but an MRI suggested increased intracranial pressure, though some specialists doubt its relevance. A pain specialist indicated that her pain conditions may not directly correlate but suggested central nervous system dysfunction related to stress could be a factor, as her symptoms often intensify during anxious moments. An Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist found no abnormalities causing her symptoms, and her cardiologist is pursuing further investigation at a specialized clinic, expressing concern about her ongoing employment due to the physical and financial strain it entails. The patient’s aneurysm was treated with an embolism in September, adding another layer to her intricate medical profile, and she is seeking additional perspectives on her challenging situation.
Experiencing Uncertainty: Possible Ischemic Attack?
Greetings, everyone, including healthcare professionals. For the past year, I've been managing high blood pressure, and I'm currently prescribed a regimen that includes Amlodipine at 10 mg and Bisoprolol at 5 mg. At 44 years old, I’m a woman who is classified as overweight and also deals with hypothyroidism, low ferritin levels, liver issues, and slightly elevated cholesterol levels. Typically, my medications maintain my blood pressure within a range of 110/70 to 140/80. However, two days ago, I experienced a stressful episode, causing my systolic pressure to spike to 155/95. Upon standing, I sensed weakness in my left arm, which felt as if it were slightly twisting. A wave of panic hit me, and I feared I might be incapacitated or having a stroke. Despite my anxiety, I was still able to grasp a glass and tightly close my fist. Briefly, my right arm felt a mild sensation that lasted only a second. This peculiar feeling persisted for roughly a minute. I then consumed some mint tincture mixed with alcohol and engaged in deep breathing exercises, which remarkably alleviated my symptoms and brought my blood pressure back to a stable level. I contacted my physician, who inquired about my symptoms and their duration. Aside from the discomfort in my arm, I wasn't experiencing any additional issues. A second doctor relieved me of any immediate concerns regarding the necessity for an MRI, and since I underwent one a month prior that showed no abnormalities in my cranial blood vessels, I felt some reassurance. Now, back home and with lingering fears of having experienced an ischemic attack, I wonder if an ultrasound of the neck arteries is warranted. Do my symptoms indicate a potential attack? What steps should I take next? Has anyone faced a similar situation? Thank you all for your insights.
Navigating Recurrent Prostate Cancer: A Patient's Journey
As a 60-year-old man living in New York, I faced a challenging battle with prostate cancer approximately 4.5 years ago. My initial biopsy results indicated a Gleason score of 6. However, in September 2025, my PSA levels alarmingly soared to 27.7. To investigate the possibility of an infection, my doctor prescribed a month-long course of antibiotics. Afterward, my PSA levels showed a slight reduction, dropping to 25.5. Following another biopsy procedure, the Gleason score unexpectedly escalated to 10. This prompted serious discussions with my healthcare provider. He explained that, given the radiation treatment I had previously undergone, the surgical removal of my prostate would be quite complex, with very few surgeons willing to perform such a procedure. Consequently, I sought a second opinion from a specialist in urological cancer. The specialist echoed similar concerns, indicating that the potential complications could severely affect the urethra and rectal lining. Instead of surgery, he proposed cryoablation as a viable alternative. Simultaneously, I commenced treatment with testosterone hormone blockers. To say that this experience has been frustrating is an understatement. Most importantly, I also struggle with urination issues that complicate my daily life. I am reaching out for any insights or advice that might assist me in navigating this difficult situation.
Prolonged Miscarriage: Over Four Weeks In
A 35-year-old woman managing Type 1 diabetes with an insulin pump has been experiencing a challenging period marked by a recent miscarriage. This occurred just shy of ten weeks into the pregnancy, following an extremely positive pregnancy test, although medical confirmation had not yet been obtained. The physical symptoms were quite severe, with substantial bleeding that included large tissue clumps and blood clots observed during a shower. The size of these clots was rather alarming, comparable to a fist, causing blockage in the drain. Initially, for the first three to four days, there was heavy bleeding, requiring three pads daily. After that, the situation gradually improved, and around a week ago, she reached a point where only a pantyliner might suffice. Despite the reduction, bleeding persisted intermittently, mainly noticeable upon wiping, with instances of no blood at all, leading to inconsistencies in her experience. Recently, she has been feeling bloated and has noticed a resurgence in bleeding, necessitating the use of pads twice daily. Additionally, she has been experiencing light cramps and has developed acne. A subsequent pregnancy test revealed continued positive results. Now, with over four weeks of bleeding, she reached out to her physician’s office. However, the response was not one of concern, suggesting that she could schedule a visit at her convenience if she felt the need. The cost of visiting a doctor or urgent care deters her from seeking immediate professional help unless absolutely warranted. Overall, she reports feeling generally well, but is seeking advice from others. Is there cause for alarm, or is it feasible to let things unfold naturally? Could this miscarriage have evolved into her menstrual cycle instead? Additionally, it's worth noting that she occasionally finds small blood clots on the toilet paper after wiping. Since the onset of this situation, she has abstained from sexual intercourse.
Gastrointestinal Illness
I am a 44-year-old woman managing high blood pressure, for which I take metoprolol and lisinopril. Last Friday, January 23, my son fell ill at school, suffering for approximately two days. Subsequently, on the following Monday, my husband experienced severe diarrhea and stomach cramps, although he didn’t experience any vomiting. Early Tuesday morning, just after 12:30 AM, I became ill as well, dealing with diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting. We were optimistic that we had overcome the illness. However, on February 3, my mother-in-law visited and stayed overnight. Unfortunately, she developed diarrhea and vomiting the next day. Given that more than ten days have passed since our initial illness, what are the chances that she has contracted the same virus from us? Additionally, is there a risk that we could be reinfected by her? Any insights from those who can advise would be greatly appreciated by this exhausted wife and mother.