Anyone know anything about wound care please help

[angelbear]

Hi, I had a TAH Mon Nov 17 staples removed on the following Mon. Was running a low grade temp(99.8) at the office and c/o of continued extensive pain. She just said to wash incision daily with half NS and half peroxide. She opted not to put me on another ATB as the one i had in the hosp gave me nasty case of thrush. She did give me nystatin swish and swallow and changed pain med from percocet 7.5/500 2 every 4 hrs to mepergan 50/25 Q 6hr to switch back and forth with the percocet. On Wed I began to bleed rather badly from the incision but the incision was not open it was just seeping rather quickly. So off we go to our local ER day before TG. ER MD did ct scan and phoned my gyn in the city to tell her I had a rather large hematoma. She told them that noone from her office would see me before mon but to either open it himself or send me to the city ER. He opted to open it himself as he felt I was bleeding to badly and in to much pain to make the trip. Ok so that done the ER md that did the draining and packing told me to have it redone daily. When we got home I called my gyn office myself they said the same thing that I could come to the city ER for dressing change but they would not see me til mon. So hubby tried to get me into urgent care(cheaper ya know) They will not touch it. So back to ER TG night and again on Fri night. Finally on Friday night we asked that ER md to show my hubby how to do it or if one of my nurse friends could do it. He said that he did not think we understood just how bad this was so he showed my hubby now my hubby wont do it at all and doesnt want my friends to either. I cant see it but he says it is horrible and deep. Anyway this ER md said I did not need to have it changed until Mon which will be 72 hrs. That was great news they bandaged it with packing 3 4x4's inside 6 4x4's ontop and 2 ABD pads over that and the whole thing is covered with clear plastic tape. Problem is we can see that it is completely saturated again though the plastic taping is keeping it from leaking so far. My question is, Is this normal for it to drain that much and to wait that long for dressing change. The gyn said dressing change needed done BID but of course they cant do it and I would have to go through ER with all those charges each time. I am simply at a loss. The first ER md did put me on ATB and the pain is controlled to 4or5 with the mepergan but I am just scared to death this thing is going to get worse. And I am totally peeved at my gyno. Any thoughts or advise welcome.

[ktwlpn, LPN]

Originally posted by angelbear

I have an appt with my gyno tomorrow and I intend to give her a piece of my mind. I am glad I have the appt as I am having a temp of 99.2 and feeling like total crap. Thanks for your advice and for caring.

Lay it on her-IMHO you have been treated entirely INAPPROPRIATLY......Hope you feel better fast....

[jnette, ASN, EMT-I]

Originally posted by ktwlpn

Lay it on her-IMHO you have been treated entirely INAPPROPRIATLY......Hope you feel better fast....

I agree wholeheartedly. This is a crying shame. I'm just SO sorry you had to endure all this while your GYN doc and Group were all enjoying their holiday. It really bothers me... a LOT. Nothing like just throwing you to the wolves to fend for yourself...

Please keep us updated, and get the care you need and DESERVE !!! :kiss Thank your nurse friend for us, ok? We'd be there, if we COULD, Angelbear... truly... and I believe you KNOW that, too.

Please rest, and take care of #1 right now. YOU ! :)

[Tamera]

Have you thought about a wound vac? These are great to use with such surgical wounds like yours & it is easy to use with minimal training. You may want to contact a couple of local DME companies & check it out. If you want a number to contact the company that makes this product I will be glad to give it to you & they can answer reimbursement questions & other questions you have. If not, home health is a good choice as these nurses have seen a lot & know a lot. :)