Post op infection

I had a DaVinci total hysterectomy on 1/8/09. (I still don't know all the letter short cuts). Sadly, I post as a cautionary tale. Should you get a fever after surgery, please take it very seriously. I know the complication rate for this type of surgery is low, but it happened to me, in a big way. Exactly 7 days post-op, I started running a fever of 101.5. I called my doctor and was sent immediately to the maternity triage area of my hospital. I had bloodwork, a chest x-ray and ct scan. Three areas of infection were identified. I was admitted and started on IV antibiotics. I experienced severe bladder and vaginal pain as one area of infection was at the top of my vagina, but it was not yet an abcess. I was catheterized as well. I went home the following Weds with the catheter. (Total misery). I started with fevers again the next day and was admitted again. An infectious disease specialist was brought in. I got a picc line and more IV antibiotics and other extremely unpleasant tests. I was discharged again this past Tuesday to home IV antibiotics. What a total nightmare. I relied heavily on this board prior to my surgery, but because I have been so sick, I have not been back on until now. I hope my story will help keep you vigilent in your recovery. Wish me luck that I'm home for good.

emcee43

I am so very sorry to hear of what a terrible time you have had of it... really hoping you are on the mend and the worst is behind you. Take care, sister! Hang in there. **HUGS**

My thoughts and prayers are with you sister ... Think postive and take care...Hope you are better soon..Luv ya sister!!

OMG, what an awful experience. I am so sorry you had to go through all of this. Glad you are back home, and hopefully for good. Do they know what caused the infection? Regardless, many many prayers and hugs from me. I hope you continue to let us know how you are doing. Rest and take it easy.

They don't know exactly what caused it. I had every possible thing cultured and examined and near as they can figure, something formed called a ceroma (sp?) which is a collection of fluid and blood that occurs following abdominal surgery that becomes infected. By the time they accessed that collection, it had become "sterilized" by all of the antibiotics and did not grow anything on the culture. Thank you for your good thoughts. Back to bed now!