After Steristrips are removed from ab incision........

I had 27 staples (nine and a half inch incision) and I really believe that all of the pain that I am having is incisional. Really cant take it much longer. It has been 12 days and I don't feel any better really. Granted, I went back to work the day after the hospital but I didn't really have a choice. I would appreciate any ideas about getting rid of the constant pain.a

Maureen
TAH kept ovaries

Hey I did take the steri strips off and to my horror (kind of), My edges were not put together in the middle of my cut. The outer edges look wonferful, barely a line visible. But the middle---the upper edges are in a little bit and the bottom edge is out. I immediately went the the ER, the Dr assured me the are would close. But I plan on calling my Dr, on tuesday. Thanks everybody for the replies...........

I learned that our incision heals from the inside toward the outside so even tho it looks open, it may just be at the surface. But... better safe than sorry.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by ireland2007 I had 27 staples (nine and a half inch incision) and I really believe that all of the pain that I am having is incisional. Really cant take it much longer. It has been 12 days and I don't feel any better really. Granted, I went back to work the day after the hospital but I didn't really have a choice. I would appreciate any ideas about getting rid of the constant pain.a Maureen TAH kept ovaries

I cannot believe you returned to work that fast after abdominal surgery. Do you not have state disability in Ohio? I had mine May 5th and I have been home and still can't last to do an entire load of dishes standing at the sink. I am afraid that you are causing yourself more harm by working already. Seriously, I have a high tolerance for pain and cannot imagine working with this incision even if it were a desk job and I am not one who has had a lot of bed rest. I have been going on outings to store, etc. since the middle of 2nd week. As far as pain control, make sure you stay on your pain med schedule for sure and ice and heat are natures pain relievers. Best of luck to you.

It's not that law doesn not permit me to take the time off, but money issues and work requirements require that I do. I only worked a few hours on Sat and have been prone on the sofae since then and feel a little better. I guess I have to realize all of the movement is really hirting not helping. Stopped pain pills last night and went to ibuprofen after throwing up (way too much pain involved in that). Trying to eat. My husband went to the grocery store to get some stuff that he thinks I might eat. I will try. Thanks for your good wishes and best of luck to you as well.

My staples were removed 8 days after surgery. I still have steristrips on by belly. Some have fallen off and the incision looks good in those places. By this Friday I can remove the rest and I'm nervous about doing that. Should I just let them come off naturally?

My dr told me to replace the ones that fell off for a seven day period. She even gave me replacements.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by minnie in pdx My staples were removed 8 days after surgery. I still have steristrips on by belly. Some have fallen off and the incision looks good in those places. By this Friday I can remove the rest and I'm nervous about doing that. Should I just let them come off naturally?

I went for the "let them fall of naturally" route....they never fell off. My Dr. took them off at seven weeks.

By the way, minnie...hello there...fellow Portlander.

My doctor did not say to remove mine so I am with Kathy and letting them fall off the natural way. I look at the incision after I show and things seem to be okay so I am not worried. I figured if my doctor wanted me to take them off he would have said too. If they are still there when I go in for my appointment, he can remove them.

my doc said to take them off at 10 days. that's tomorrow. i hate open wounds so if they're not closed i'm going to put a band aid over them- will just make sure they're still getting air circulation.

and hi minne and kathy, another pdx'er here.