Help with wound care

[Owensfamily]

I am a pre-nursing student. My husband had a perirectal abscess and 3 days ago had a perirectal I&D. He is to have daily dressing changes and Sitz baths for 3 weeks. The home health nurse is coming today to show me how to do the dressing changes. I don't know if I'm scared or nervous, but, how do I "suck it up" and just do it? I think I'm nervous because he's my husband and I've never done anything like this before. I feel as though if it were someone else I wouldn't be as nervous. KWIM?

Kendra

[TazziRN, RN]

It's different taking care of your own family member. When the nurse gets there talk to him/her about your fears.

[Owensfamily]

she's here! Wish me luck!!

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Luck!

[Owensfamily]

That really wasn't so bad!! The easiest part was pulling the gauze out. The hardest was putting it back in because his abscess was in a BAD spot. It was next to the rectum, so I have to pull the cheeks apart hold the q-tip with the gauze and pull the incision part slightly. But I did it!!! Woohoo for me!! I feel like if I can do that, I can do just about anything!

Kendra

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Well done, Kendra!

[Cattitude]

That really wasn't so bad!! The easiest part was pulling the gauze out. The hardest was putting it back in because his abscess was in a BAD spot. It was next to the rectum, so I have to pull the cheeks apart hold the q-tip with the gauze and pull the incision part slightly. But I did it!!! Woohoo for me!! I feel like if I can do that, I can do just about anything!

Kendra

Kendra,

You CAN do anything. Think of this as REAL practice for future nursing!

[caliotter3]

Good job! I did wound care on my sister-in-law when I was a student once and really felt like I had accomplished something. Relatives make good guinea pigs as long as they are willing and cooperative.