TAH - Incision with stitches

Hi,

I got a question, I had a TAH closed with stitches. A week after surgery my doctor took out the stitches, and next week (at the 2 weeks mark) he's going to put some sort of patch that helps with healing and the scarring.

My incision is not completely closed yet, there are little open holes, I can see them when I clean it with peroxide and see the white bubbles, I'm 12 days post op, so my question is (finally), in your experience how long did it take for the incision to be completely closed?? Mine has parts where is closed, parts with scabs and stuff.

It just freaks me out a little bit.

Also, have anyone heard of this patch? I don't know the name of it, I do know it cost $45 and I don't know how long it stays on but, I'll find out on Wednesday.

Thanks!!!

I had staples, not stitches.

They removed the staples exactly one week after surgery. I was worried, b/c the incision was still pretty red and sore, and bit warm to the touch. I also have a few "open looking" areas, and some dark red bits where there is dried blood. But the doc looked at it and said it looked fine, so removed the staples. He then put little strips of suture-tape over it to help hold it together a bit longer, but they're starting to fall off now due to rubbing and showering.

I haven't heard anything about this patch you're talking about.

I'm sure you'll be fine. If they felt it was ok to remove the stitches, then it's ok.

i had staples as well mine were removed after 2 weeks because they revised a scar when they did it and removed a ton of adhesions is what i was told. with mine they didn't even put the steri strips on because i was infected. i go back on the 17th again i am going to ask him about what all he did while he was in there because i am still not totally sure yet.

This incision is like the only thing bothering my mind of all of this surgery, how silly right?

My doctor told me not to let it get wet, so taking a shower is not the most pleasant thing, which should be! I got to put something over it and tape it to my skim so it doesn't get wet and its a drag... I can't wait until I can get a proper shower, it's been 2 weeks and its feel like an eternity...

Thanks girls for responding and hope you have a fast recovery!

Usually instructions are to not use peroxide on incisions because it can disrupt healing. So I wouldn't use it unless your surgeon for some reason suggested it. I wonder if your Dr is talking about a silicone patch? That's strictly a guess. They are used sometimes and it would be interesting to know if that's it---or if not, then what is really is. Let us know what it turns out to be and how it works for you.

My doctor is the one who told me to clean it 3 times a day with peroxide...

I'll let you know on Wednesday what exactly is the patch, since I'll be wearing it, haha.

So what I got was an Oleeva patch. I'm supposed to wear it for 6 weeks and only taking it off for showering.

It's supposed to help with scarring and healing or so they say...

We'll see if it works.

At least I feel that my incision is protected from clothes and everything else.