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Problems with surgical incision healing

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Posted 10/25/2007 7:07 PM (GMT 0)
I had pelvic surgery in September to remove by tubes and ovaries, and was diagnosed with Chron's about a week before that.  I'd been on Asacol for about 2-3 weeks before the surgery and then was put on Entocort a week after coming home from the hospital.

Problem is, here I am over 6 weeks after surgery and the incision is not healing as well as it needs to be already.  They tapered me off the Entocort already because the GI got involved and isn't so sure it is helping me at this point.  I took the last one this Sunday.

I know that Entocort is not as absorbed by the whole body as prednisone is, but am wondering if this healing problem is due to the steroid?  I am also type II diabetic but it is very mild and my blood sugar is in control and I don't even take meds for it.

Anyone ever have this problem?  Funny part is, the surgeon is changing partners and is not available until December.  But I had my primary care look at it early last week.  He pulled out a couple of undissolved stitches that were poking through and it started to heal up, but now I'm having problems again this week.

If it doesn't get better by Monday, I'm calling someone, of course.  But I'm curious what you all think or if you've ever had that experience.  I confess I only stayed home from work for 2 weeks, went back half-time but have a desk job.  No running around, vacuuming, heavy lifting...

thanks!

Posted 10/25/2007 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
The Entocort might have been slowing your healing down some. Steroids can do that. Maybe now that you are off of it then will start to heal better. I would still have it checked by your PCP at least, if it doesn't seem improved by Monday. Good Luck!
Posted 10/25/2007 7:50 PM (GMT 0)
I had been on steroids and Remicade, and my sugical incisions were not healing. They ended up getting infected. Definitely get in somewhere to see a doctor! I definitely think the steroids may be playing a role, since they can slow healing. Take care.
Posted 10/25/2007 11:07 PM (GMT 0)
Also, there is the rare possibility that you are ALLERGIC to the internal sutures. I had surgery on my arm. At the 8 week mark, internal sutures that were supposed to dissolve, began coming out through the skin. When all of them came out, the incision healed quickly. I had been on Entocort and pred for 3 months and had finally weaned off three days before the surgery.

Get into someone and have them look at your incision. Do not wait until December. Also, ask for the name of the internal sutures that were used. It should be in the surgical record and the nurse in the office should be able to read it to you. If they used VICRYL sutures, be VERY suspicious that the lack of healing might be related to the sutures. If you want more info, please email me [use the blue envelope icon under my name].
Posted 10/25/2007 11:59 PM (GMT 0)

They are definitely VICRYL sutures.  That might make sense.  It was healing fairly well for the first month and then started opening up in spots and bleeding a little.  When the doc pulled out those stitches it felt better immediately and started to heal, but now another even bigger spot opened this week that had more bleeding but it's not as sore as the first time.  No infection - I've had that before and man oh man I don't want that.

I promise I'll go back to the doc next week if no improvement.  No way would I wait until December.  I do have the option of seeing the surgeon's new partner but I have to take a day off and drive to San Jose (I'm in the California central valley).  But I will if I need to - sigh...

It's probably a combination of sutures and steroids.  Fortunately, I'm not in a big flare right now.  There's always hope somewhere, right?

thanks everyone!

Posted 10/26/2007 2:49 AM (GMT 0)
Since they are Vicryl sutures, you are going to have to figure out how many were put in so you can look for them when they come out. I was lucky and had a small incision so only had 5. Those were relatively close together and came out about the same time. My PCP had me pull them out with tweezers when they appeared and put them in a cup he gave me. He did something with them after I gave him the cup.

I am so sorry this is happening to you!
Posted 10/26/2007 7:58 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Ides!- I was wondering if I could just pull them out myself tongue   the incision is about 5 inches and most of the problem is on the left side.  It looks much better today already, thank goodness.  But still needs close watching.

I'm going to remember to mention this if I ever need another surgery.  And definitely am not going back on any steroids until this think is healed.

Appreciate your concern and advise very much!

Posted 10/26/2007 8:05 PM (GMT 0)
Be careful. If you have something brewing underneath your suture line, you may need to open it up and have it heal from the inside out. You may need wound care to have it heal correctly. This is probably something that you shouldn't delay medical attention for. Good luck
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