Incision care

My SAH is scheduled for April 6th and I haven't stoppped thinking about it since it has been scheduled. This site is so supportive I feel like I have a whole family of sisters out there. Something I have not read about and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for the incision care. Is there a cream or ointment to help the scar heal better? And also can anyone tell me if after surgery is there any hope of getting your stomach back in shape after surgery I am hoping to excersise after surgery when the doctor will let me. Thanks for all of your support.

Hi there
It's very important to follow your doctor's instructions regarding care of your incision.

My instructions stated that nothing was to be put on the wound, like bandages or creams or anything like that. I was to keep the area very DRY. A wonderful hint I got here was to use a hair dryer to blow dry the incision following a shower. I had no problems at all, and my incision healed beautifully.

Yes, I do have a BIG scar. It's about 8 inches long, but it is also just above the pubic bone, so really, even in a bikini (that's NEVER going to happen ) nobody would see it. I understand that there are several creams out there that can be used once the incision is healed to minimize the appearance of the scar. You will have to speak to your doctor about that.

Stomach muscles are not actually cut during surgery, they are just moved out of the way. So yes it is very possible to get those abs back in shape once you get the ok from your doctor.

s
Tam

Mrs 901 -
You will find w/ this subject like most of the rest of them, every Dr. handles it differently, he/she will let you know what to do w/ the incision -
I basically have to do NOTHING w/ mine, it is also large 9 inches long, and a bikini cut, and so far (1 week post op) it looks great, I had staples, and then when they were removed, steri strips. I just pat it dry after my shower and leave it alone.

I have heard and seen so many variation from Dr. to Dr. you are best to just contact the office if you are worried and ask them what their policy on incision care is - they should beable to give you some idea before hand, and then the Dr. will go over it again after your surgery.

Good luck!

I was wondering the same thing Mrs. 901. My Dr. has told me that unless my uterus shrinks a lot from the Lupron shots I might have to have a vertical incision. I'm praying it shrinks because I don't want that huge vertical scar going from my belly button down. I have always worked out and been blessed with a flat tummy so I'm hoping to get it back after getting this huge alien out of my belly. Has anyone out there had a vertical incision and if so how did the healing go?

Hi sisters - I agree, just ask your Doc and he or she will let you know.

I didn't have to do a darn thing with mine. Good thing! I probably would have passed out if I had. (Queen of Squeam here)
When I showered at first - when the steri-strips were still on, I'd just let the soapy water run down on it and make sure it was rinsed off, then pat it with a towel. After the strips were gone, I just washed it like any other part of my body.

I had internal dissolving stitches, no staples, nothing to be removed except steri-strips which miraculously stayed on until about 3 weeks. I was glad they stayed that long - it felt like kind of a security blanket (I am SUCH a medical wimp!)

Sunlover - I had vertical 6". It healed just fine, not even the slightest complication. I had no numbness at all (that's a horizontal thing, I think) and also ALOT less swelling than the horizontal sisters usually report. Pants all fit fine now. (and belly IS flat! - all I do is walk)

S to all
joano

TAH at 54/kept Ov's

Joano,

I feel sooo much better hearing your positive comments. It gives me hope that maybe if won't be so bad. The wondering and worrying is driving me crazy.

Thanks!

Your sisters are right - follow your dr's instructions to the letter. Afterward, some people swear by vitamin E oils or creams, others by aloe. There is a whole market of scar-minimizers out there.

OR you could wear your scar proudly like the badge of honor it is. I already have a bikini (hah-love the medical professions' sense of humor, don't you?) incision and the only people who have ever seen it are DH and the MDs. Since I wouldn't wear a bikini on a bet, no harm - no foul!

Whichever - you should just relax about it for now. Your sisters have spoken! hee-hee cj