Two Weeks Post-C-Section: Incision Concerns
At 32 years old, I underwent my third C-section on January 29th, using a combination of dissolvable staples and adhesive for closure—neither of which I had experienced before. I returned for a follow-up appointment two weeks later for an incision evaluation by a nurse. However, I found her examination lacking as she merely observed my incision from roughly three feet away without any direct physical assessment, despite wearing gloves. Later that evening, after taking a shower, I discovered that a considerable piece of adhesive had detached. Upon closer examination with a mirror, I was alarmed to see a bright red section toward the end of my incision. Additionally, I noticed that the middle part seemed to be moist and showed signs of discoloration in the area where the adhesive was peeling away. Should I be worried about these observations? I'm planning to reach out to my doctor first thing tomorrow, though I'm aware the office has limited hours, so I might not receive a prompt reply.
Answers (1)
2/13/2026, 7:10:31 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about changes to your incision after a C-section, especially given the bright red area and moisture you described. Your observations indicate that the incision may require further evaluation to ensure proper healing and to rule out any infection.
Explanation:
After a C-section, it's normal for the incision area to be sensitive and to show some redness, but significant changes can indicate a problem. Bright red areas, increased moisture, and discoloration are often signs that should not be ignored. While some redness around an incision can be expected, a bright red segment that is moist and discolored could suggest healing issues or even infection.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Ineffectively for Symptoms: Check for other signs of infection like increased pain, swelling, warmth around the incision, pus or fluid drainage, or fever.
-
Keep the Area Clean and Dry: Gently wash the area with mild soap and water. After washing, pat the area dry—avoid rubbing.
-
Inspect Regularly: If you haven’t already, use a clean mirror to check your incision daily for any further changes in color, size, or if the discharge increases.
-
Avoid Irritants: When showering, avoid using lotions or creams until your doctor says it's appropriate.
-
Document Your Findings: Keep a record of what you see, including any changes in your incision from day to day, as this can help in discussing your situation with your doctor.
-
Contact Your Doctor: Since you’re already planning to reach out, make sure to express your concerns about the changes you've noticed. If you cannot reach them promptly and your condition worsens, consider seeking urgent care.
Prioritize your health, and it's great that you are set to discuss this with your doctor. If you notice any worsening symptoms, seek care as soon as possible. Your recovery is important, and addressing these concerns is a vital part of that process.
Related Questions
Understanding Sensitivity to Stale Air
As a 28-year-old white male who stands 6 feet tall and weighs around 215 pounds, I deal with thyroid disease, which is well-managed through Synthroid. I have no other significant health concerns or medical history to report. Interestingly, I’ve noticed that I appear to be particularly susceptible to hot, stale air compared to most people. Whenever I find myself in a poorly ventilated room with no means to adjust the temperature, I often wake up with an extremely sore throat. In some instances, this discomfort has even progressed to what resembles a full-blown cold. What could be the explanation for this heightened sensitivity? Moreover, are there any recommendations or strategies I can adopt to mitigate these symptoms aside from altering the room’s temperature or opting for a different sleeping space?
Persistent Tonsil Stones Following Mystery Illness
I'm a 21-year-old female assigned female at birth, leading a fairly healthy life apart from ongoing issues with migraines and asthma. My last serious illness was back in November 2025; even COVID-19 merely posed a mild challenge for me. However, a few months ago, shortly after Halloween—where I confess I was quite intoxicated and exposed to various college ailments—I fell seriously ill. My tonsils became extremely swollen, displaying white patches that concerned me. At one point, when I gently scraped off some of the material, the swab emitted a foul odor and contained traces of blood. Swallowing became nearly impossible, forcing me to lean over the bed to allow saliva to drip onto a towel below. The pain was genuinely among the worst I've ever faced. Dehydration became a major concern, leading me to visit urgent care on two occasions. They conducted tests for streptococcus, COVID-19, RSV, and influenza, while my primary care physician performed blood tests for mononucleosis. All results returned negative. During the peak of my illness, I recorded a temperature of 103.6 degrees Fahrenheit and experienced hallucinations before drifting off to sleep. Fortunately, this high fever subsided fairly quickly with Tylenol, which helped to manage the fever down to a range between 100 and 101 for three days before it finally broke. Although I dealt with a lingering sore throat for two weeks afterward, it had transformed into a mere dull ache. Historically, I have never battled strep throat or influenza, resulting in my tonsils rarely being a concern. I have occasionally suffered from tonsil stones, but since this illness, the issue has escalated dramatically. My tonsils now appear uneven and lumpy, with noticeable deep pockets on the right side—the area from which I experienced the most pain. The stones have become a constant nuisance as I frequently taste them, and they create discomfort until I manage to dislodge them through coughing. I'm uncertain why this sudden change has occurred or what solutions are available to me. I maintain good dental hygiene by brushing my teeth twice a day and flossing regularly. I’ve attempted to use saltwater gargles, but they simply cause burning without providing any preventive benefits. Can anyone offer assistance or advice? What is causing this problem, and how can I address it effectively?
Persistent Morning Nausea and Dislike of Food for Over Three Weeks
Greetings, I am a 25-year-old male, standing at 180 cm tall and currently weighing about 92 kg, down from approximately 100-102 kg just three weeks ago. For nearly a month now, I have been grappling with some perplexing health issues and have yet to discover a resolution. This all began after a small gathering where I consumed two beers, a couple of vodka and juice shots, and a burger. I rarely drink alcohol—once a year, if at all—so initially, I assumed I was experiencing a hangover, though I did not feel intoxicated at the time. Yet, the discomfort has persisted since that night. Each morning, I find myself waking up around 7 AM, shortly followed by an overwhelming gag reflex, as if I were on the verge of vomiting, though I don’t actually throw up. This sensation tends to last between 30 to 60 minutes, after which I experience a recurrent wave of nausea along with a strong aversion to food that lasts for the majority of the day. My appetite only begins to improve as evening approaches, allowing me to consume something other than yogurt or pureed foods. I was admitted to the hospital for evaluation, where a comprehensive blood test yielded normal results. An abdominal ultrasound failed to reveal any underlying issues, and a follow-up X-ray was also clear. The hospital staff were unable to diagnose my condition, prompting me to seek advice from various medical professionals. My first consultation was with a gastroenterologist who suspected a stomach infection and prescribed medications including xifaxan, mesopral, and sodium butyrate, all of which proved ineffective. Subsequent treatment by my family doctor included a prescription for biseptol 960, which is a combination of two antibiotics, yet this did not alleviate my symptoms either. Additionally, I tried ranigast, IPP40, and emanera without success. A gastroscopy was performed, and the doctor indicated all was well with my stomach and duodenum, and tests for Helicobacter pylori were negative. Following that, I underwent an MRI of my head, which displayed no abnormalities and no changes from two years ago when I had a similar scan. I consulted a neurologist recently, who, after an extensive discussion, concluded that she could not assist me as there were no indicators of a neurological issue. Despite each assessment returning normal results, I continue to endure intense discomfort each morning. I feel I am beginning to recover more quickly after the morning episodes, but the gag reflex is so severe that I often find myself sobbing next to a sink, desperately trying to vomit when nothing comes up. I am truly at a loss and feel as though no one can provide the help I need. I would greatly appreciate any guidance or support available.
Could Poor Circulation in My Brain Lead to Serious Issues?
At 21 years old, identifying as AFAB, with a height of 5'7" and weighing 134 lbs, I have been struggling with some health concerns. My history of scoliosis has led to complications with the blood vessels in my neck, resulting in spasms. Currently, I experience occasional headaches and bouts of dizziness; however, these symptoms have not intensified. Alongside these, I also face challenges like memory lapses, difficulties with concentration, and overall fatigue. I am uncertain whether these issues stem from my mental health struggles or if they have a neurological basis, as my mental state is far from optimal. Unfortunately, the healthcare system in my country is significantly lacking. Medical professionals often seem indifferent to diagnosing the root causes of issues, typically providing only basic advice. Additionally, much of the medical knowledge they rely on is outdated. Accessing essential tests, such as MRIs, CT scans, or ultrasounds, is quite challenging unless it's an emergency, which means waiting for months or incurring expensive out-of-pocket costs. This brings me to my query regarding the urgency of my situation. Although my symptoms currently do not cause substantial distress or disrupt my daily life, I wonder if inadequate blood flow could lead to future complications or result in irreversible damage?
Lump on Back of Neck
A 38-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 8 inches and weighing 200 pounds, has a medical history that includes Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD), yet maintains full kidney functionality. Overall, he is in good health, does not smoke, and consumes alcohol infrequently. Initially, I assumed the issue was simply an ingrown hair, but it has noticeably worsened over the past few days. The area is tender when touched, but it isn’t warm to the touch, and I am not experiencing fever or general fatigue. I have concerns about the possibility of sepsis. It's currently 2 AM, and I’m seeking advice on how to proceed. Should I apply warm compresses? Is it better to visit urgent care during the day tomorrow? Or should I go to the emergency room right away? While I don't feel an urgent need to head to the ER, I would greatly appreciate a medical opinion. The main issue is the pain upon contact. I read that if there are any developing red streaks, it could indicate a serious condition, and that I should consider seeking urgent care within the next 24 hours, especially if a fever or those symptoms arise.