Complications - During and Post-Op, MRSA, Open Wound Care, and Support System

My simple LAVH became an abdominal hysterectomy when my doctor found massive adhesions. At least I won't have any new scars since the doctor opened me up right next to where I was opened for emergency surgery several years ago.

I had made arrangements for someone to stay with me for a couple of days after the LAVH, but had not planned for any complications. Fortunately, I was able to convey to my sitter "I WANT MY MOMMY!" so she found Mom's number on my cell phone and called her. Poor Mom, she's in her 70s and she still has to fly half-way cross country to take care of her daughter.

Just before Mom got in I had been begging for something for pain and they gave it to me. Unfortunately, I don't do well with certain pain killers. I kissed Mom hello and quit breathing. After the Rapid Response Team revived me, Mom says I told her I saw five little angels flying around the room. I spent the next couple of days in ICU. I spent a total of five days in the hospital for what was supposed to be a simple procedure. LESSONS LEARNED: Prepare for complications / unexpected. A Medical Power of Attorney is worthless if the person is not physically present (Mom could not get any information over the phone).

I was discharged for less than two days when I told Mom I was hurting and wanted to call the doctor. I stood up and a bloody discharge puddled at my feet. When the doctor opened my incision and cleaned the wound, it hurt. Between that and the look on his face, I was scared half to death for a while. I was re-admitted to the hospital for four days of treatment for MRSA Staph infection. I also had to have the wound cleaned and dressed twice a day. I continued oral antibiotics after my discharge.

I've been home three weeks now. The first two weeks I had the wet to dry dressings for my wound. This week they started using a wound vac. It feels strange having this thing sucking on my belly all the time. I can't sit up with it because it stings around the edges of the wound if I do. I had to cut my meal portions because I get nauseated if I eat too much. But, after the first time they changed the wound vac dressing my wound had decreased noticably and the tissue in the wound looked so much healthier. The other nice thing about the wound vac is that I can unplug it and take shower without having to change the dressing.

Now I am facing the biggest challenge since all this began. Mom has been here since the day after my surgery and Dad has been here a couple of weeks. They are leaving next week. I know they need to get back home. I live alone. I don't want to be alone. I don't know if its post-op blues or if its just fear of being alone while I finish recuperating.

Wow I am sorry you had so many complications. I hope you are feeling better. I know what you mean about being alone. My best friends took turns coming over so for the 1st 6 weeks i was never alone for more than 2 hours. Rest well and happy healing.

You have been through so much! At least you are finally on the mend.
Do you have a visiting nurse to help with your incision? Mine only comes about 20 minutes a day but she has made a huge difference.
Can you ask friends to visit? I had two friends visit for one night - they brought dinner and did all my laundry!
If you have money, consider checking into a nice hotel with room service and maid service!
You want to keep up with your nutrition. Stop and Shop will deliver groceries. and there are ways to order meals online.
And this site is great for company!
Good luck you will be a little better each day!

sunshineglory so sorry to hear your predicament
But I was happy to hear the you have a Vac dressing on your wound, aren't they just a medical wonder??!!
Rest assured that you now have the best chance to heal, and heal quickly with that Vac in place.

I can understand your fears at being alone especially after such a close call when you weren't expecting it.

Know that you have a whole community of to travail this journey with you.

and s

Oh my goodness! I am so so sorry everything has been so hard.... I hope you are on the road to a smooth recovery now. Big hugs!

I think it's a great idea to get a visiting nurse!

I'm so sorry for all you've gone through. My wound opened all the way across and three inches deep at five days and I would definitely advise a visiting nurse. I am back to work now after almost nine weeks. Please pamper yourself and don't be afraid to seek help. All the best to you.