Concerns About Surgical Wound Healing
My husband, a 70-year-old male standing 5'10" and weighing 195 pounds, is experiencing issues with a surgical wound that is not healing correctly. His current medications include hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg daily for hypertension), Silver Sulfadiazine Cream (1% applied twice daily), and Cephalexin (500 mg taken four times a day). He does not smoke and only enjoys wine and beer occasionally, with no history of recreational drug use. On January 19, he underwent surgery to correct a stretched Achilles tendon and mend minor tears in two additional tendons. The surgical site was sealed with adhesive rather than traditional stitches. While initial healing appeared successful, the incision has progressively opened up. During a physical therapy session on February 12, the therapist raised concerns about the incision's condition, prompting a visit to the surgeon. The surgeon recommended applying Silver Sulfadiazine Cream twice a day and taking Cephalexin four times daily. However, despite these treatments, the wound shows no significant improvement, and my husband has started to experience occasional mild throbbing sensations. Although the incision itself is not painful, he feels discomfort behind the wound. Additionally, each morning, the area surrounding the incision becomes swollen. We are currently waiting for a follow-up with the surgeon to explore further options. Based on your expertise, is this kind of healing delay normal post-surgery? Are there any additional steps we should take or suggestions we should communicate to the surgeon to address this issue effectively?
Answers (1)
2/16/2026, 5:40:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like your husband is experiencing a challenging situation with his surgical wound healing. Delayed healing can occur after surgery, particularly in older adults or if there are underlying health issues. It’s good that you’re scheduled for a follow-up with the surgeon, as they’ll provide the best guidance tailored to his specific situation. Here’s a breakdown of the situation and some steps you can consider in the meantime.
Main Points:
- Delayed wound healing can happen for several reasons, including age, medication effects, and blood flow.
- It's important to monitor symptoms closely and communicate any changes to the surgeon.
Explanation:
Wound healing can be influenced by multiple factors, including:
- Age: Older adults tend to heal more slowly.
- Surgical Technique: Healing with adhesive strips might result in different outcomes compared to stitches.
- Blood Flow and Health Status: Conditions such as hypertension can impact healing and circulation.
- Infection: Even mild symptoms like throbbing or swelling can indicate a problem.
Since he’s following the prescribed treatments but still not seeing improvement, it’s crucial to ensure that nothing else is complicating recovery.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep observing changes in the wound and surrounding area. Note any increasing pain, swelling, or changes in the discharge.
- Document Changes: Keep a diary of symptoms, including throbbing sensations and the appearance of the wound, to discuss during your follow-up with the surgeon. This will help pinpoint concerns more effectively.
- Optimal Care: Continue applying the Silver Sulfadiazine Cream as directed. Ensure that the area is kept clean and dry.
- Discuss Edema and Pain: During your upcoming visit, bring up the swelling each morning and any discomfort behind the wound. These symptoms might indicate underlying issues like infection or poor circulation.
- Evaluate Medication: Inquire with the surgeon about the side effects of Cephalexin and whether any other medications might be needed if an infection is a concern.
- Nutrition and Hydration: Ensure your husband is eating a balanced diet rich in protein and vitamins (like Vitamin C and Zinc) to support healing, and maintain hydration.
Remember that healing can take time, and it's important to advocate for his care by staying proactive and communicating openly with his healthcare providers. Don't hesitate to reach out if you notice any concerning symptoms before the follow-up. Your husband's overall well-being is the priority.
Related Questions
Deciding on Surgery for a Complete Proximal Hamstring Tear: Seeking Guidance
Greetings to all, At the age of 55, I suffered a significant injury four weeks back—a complete proximal hamstring tear located about 8 centimeters from where it detached from the bone. Since the injury, I've been undergoing physical therapy and can now manage to walk with relative ease. However, I'm faced with a dilemma regarding whether or not to pursue surgical intervention to reattach the tendon. After consulting with two different physicians, I received mixed messages. One doctor indicated that the choice rests entirely with me, even suggesting I seek insights from sources like chat GPT, whereas the other doctor recommended against surgery, encouraging me to stick to my physical therapy regimen. I find myself concerned about my weight and what that might mean for my health and mobility moving forward, regardless of the surgical route I choose. Has anyone here been in a similar position? Perhaps someone who experienced this type of injury two decades ago could share their journey and discuss whether they managed to maintain their mobility with or without surgical treatment? If you think additional details could help, feel free to ask!
Concerns About ALS? A 25-Year-Old's Experience
At just 25 years old, I find myself grappling with several troubling symptoms, including widespread twitching across my body, a tremor in my left arm, and what appears to be muscle atrophy in that same arm. My grandmother was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 60, and I've begun to notice that my left arm has seemed smaller for the past few years, although I initially brushed it off as nothing serious. I consulted both a neurologist and my primary care physician, who both performed neurological exams that yielded normal results. Additionally, my blood tests did not reveal any abnormalities, with my creatine kinase (CK) levels at the low end of the spectrum, measured at 66, suggesting minimal muscle breakdown. Interestingly, no other family members have been diagnosed with this condition; my grandmother had three children, all in their 50s, who show no symptoms of ALS. However, my great-grandmother did succumb to dementia at 88. The neurologist, whose specialty is in tremors (leading me to question the accuracy of his conclusions), and my primary care physician both seem to believe ALS is not a concern for me. This wave of symptoms began after I experienced significant stress, anxiety, and lack of sleep during the birth of my child. Following this, my doctor prescribed Lexapro, and within nine days, I noticed that twitching had escalated throughout my body. A year ago, I struggled with severe soreness in my legs and cramps in my feet but attributed these issues to my job. Additionally, I have a peculiar sensation of clicking when I swallow at specific angles, and I've observed that the back of my throat appears uneven, a change I've noticed for approximately three years now, despite doctors assuring me that this is normal. I'm contemplating whether I should advocate for further evaluations or referrals to specialists. My neurologist chose not to conduct an electromyogram (EMG), and my primary care doctor advised against it. It's been two months since these symptoms began, and the emotional toll is affecting my family as well. I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights from others regarding my situation.
Recovery Timeline After Intubation: What to Expect
To provide some background, my boyfriend, who is 30 years old, experienced a serious overdose. His heart experienced three stoppages while at the hospital, and he suffered from acute kidney failure and severe respiratory issues due to his lungs being filled with vomit and other secretions. During his hospital stay, he was intubated and heavily sedated for six days. It was around the fifth and sixth days when he started becoming less sedated, becoming aware enough to open his eyes and show some responsiveness. On the seventh day, he was extubated and transitioned to a different ICU, where his care could be better tailored to his needs. Currently, he is making notable progress, but he is experiencing significant delirium and irritability. He recognizes who I am, his own identity, and has some recollection of our shared experiences and humor, as well as memories of other people, yet he is unable to walk. He believes he can, although he is not fully aware of the seriousness of his condition. I'm curious if anyone could share insights regarding the expected duration of his recovery and what I might anticipate in terms of returning to his previous self. Specifically, I am interested in understanding how long the delirium and irritability might persist. As a side note, prior to this incident, he was taking several medications including Lyrica, Wellbutrin, Seroquel, Lamotrigine, and a couple of others for sleep, and he is now gradually being reintroduced to those treatments.
Understanding Swollen Thyroid Despite Normal Blood Results
Hello, I'm a 39-year-old female seeking insights into my health situation, as my doctor appears reluctant to delve deeper. For some time, I've noticed that my right thyroid gland has gradually enlarged, but it has become significantly more swollen in recent months, becoming apparent to others. While there's no intense discomfort, I do feel some tenderness when I touch the area. Recently, I have been dealing with various troubling symptoms, including severe joint discomfort, hair thinning, memory lapses, and inexplicable weight gain—essentially mirroring the symptoms commonly associated with Hashimoto’s Disease. I truly believed I might be experiencing this condition. After running some blood tests, my doctor confirmed that my TPO antibodies were normal at a level of 9, and my TSH levels were within the acceptable range as well. The only abnormal result was from a comprehensive test showing my Total CO2 levels at 18. I have an ultrasound scheduled for this Friday to further assess my thyroid, but I haven't received any feedback from my doctor regarding the findings thus far. I’m left wondering why my thyroid is so enlarged when my lab results seem to indicate everything is fine. I appreciate any insights or explanations you might provide. Thank you!
Experiencing Chest Tightness at 19: Should I Be Concerned?
Greetings, I'm a 19-year-old female, and lately, I've been feeling some unusual and concerning discomfort in my chest, particularly around the sternum area. While I initially suffered from severe heartburn, that has since subsided; however, the feeling of pressure remains. I abstain from alcohol and do not smoke, with my main beverage being coffee. A couple of months ago, I had a fright concerning my heart, but after various tests, everything came back normal. Currently, I do not experience issues with breathing, speaking, or swallowing, but I am dealing with persistent pressure and occasional pain. With the examination period behind me, I have eliminated stress as a factor; additionally, I am not anticipating my menstrual cycle anytime soon. It's also important to note that I am not pregnant, as I am a virgin. Should I be worried about these symptoms? Is there any action I can take at home before consulting a doctor, or is this likely to resolve on its own?