INFECTION?

Hello, this is my first post on this forum. I just had my 3rd ICD replaced a month ago. Each time, it has taken a long time for the incision to heal and it drains. My doctor has always followed me carefully for infection. This time, about a half inch of the incision opened up, exposing stitches, and drained blood and pus. I called the DR. and spoke to his associate (mine was on vacation) He asked a few questions and told me to keep it dry and covered until I could see my own doc. He was supposed to call the next day. No phone call, but the incision looked better and seemed to be healing so I didnt try to call again, given my history. A week later, it opened again somewhat and more pus drained out, but not as much. Now it seems to be trying to heal but there is a small spot that is draining yellow pus. IT is not red or hot around the incision, just the incision itself.

I am hesitant to call the Dr back since they are not apparently concerned or would have returned the call. Maybe they think it is just as my other post op complications were. Maybe I got lost in the shuffle since he had been on vacation. I might add that my DR. is WONDERFUL, has been for 20 yrs.

Does anyone else have these issues with healing? Thanks

4 Comments

slow healer

by JessiWay - 2010-08-03 04:08:08

I heal slowly...my pacemaker went in on the 23rd of February & is still not healed all the way. I have not had any puss or oozing at all, though! Not even in the beginning, nothing opened up, I did stretch my scar...I think for doing too much too quickly, but i don't think that is normal. I would suggest you have it checked out, call them again. Maybe you did get lost in the shuffle, I had that happen recently at a wonderful office where I have been a client for years. It happens. I would call again if I were you.

update

by tachyjacky - 2010-08-04 05:08:36

Update: Went to the Doc, I have an infection that we are treating with antibiotics. I did, in fact, fall through the cracks because my Dr. was on vacation. Got a lecture on second guessing myself. Thanks for the input!

See a doctor

by cruz - 2010-08-04 09:08:24

You need to see the doctor. Call and make an appointment to come in so they can see firsthand what's going on. They can give you and antibiotic at the very least. If there is puss, there is a problem. I think you have fallen through the cracks. Your doctor is most likely not even aware you called and doesn't know you are having a problem.

Call them

by sln - 2010-08-04 12:08:35

It is so easy for a message to fall through the cracks when someone is on vacation, especially if another associate dealt with the issue. Your question might have inadvertently been filed as resolved. I would call them for sure right away. Letting an infection go on untreated seems awfully risky.

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