Steri-Strips

My doc told me I won't have external stitches, just internal stitches and then steri-strips on the outside. I was wondering if they will really stick to me for several days/weeks until my follow up visit? I don't go back for my follow up until 09/18, and my surgery is Monday. I'm just worried that I'm going to pop open if I have a good hard sneeze or coughing fit.

I had a friend who had a c-section with twins (she was somewhat overweight before and even more overweight after her pregnancy) and I remember her telling me that she was just "taped shut" and we both were freaking out about it, but I'm here to tell you that she didn't fall apart.
Don't know how long the steri-strips stayed on though.

Hi!

I had steri-strips for my hyst and two pacemaker surgeries. I know it doesn't seem possible that they will hold, but they really do.

It's good if you blot them dry really well after showers, and of course don't put lotion near them. They fray at the edges first (usually) and they often tell you that you can snip off the edges of the frayed parts but also NOT to tug or pull at them. Rest assured that even a really, really hard cough or sneeze won't set them free!

If it makes you feel any better, I had only internal stitches plus teh steri-strips. I had little blisters underneath (don't worry - it's very rare) and they decided that three days after surgery they were going to remove them. I was so worried! But, they removed them and although I usually get horribly thick, discolored scars, I actually healed up very beautifully and have just a "pencil line" for a scar. It's not even numb like some Sisters have, and I have no complications with it. I'm at 12 weeks today, and am very, very happy with my skinny little scar!

Anyway, the point is that steri-strips work really well. Some people's come off a few days early, but it just varies from person to person. Mine were off at 3 days and even though I was frankly a bit terrified about that, it worked out well and with no extra support from the steri-strips I healed up quite nicely.

On a side note, I used the SwellyBelly Band starting the day I came home from the hospital. It provided a LOT of support for me, and the wet coolness helped so very much with pain. It was a bit of an expense for me, but I still use it even today for support and comfort. I think it was part of the reason I had a many fewer problems than I thought I would. If you have any questions about it, please let me know. They're extremely versatile and I recommend them for everyone - they make them for vertical AND horizontal incisions.

Best of luck to you! I know your surgery will be go very well! Take care of yourself while you're healing up.

Hugs,
Julia

I've had the internal stitches with just being "taped up" and actually did open part of my incision with coughing still on the day of surgery. It was reclosed and all was well!
You'll likely be at the hospital for a few days and staff will be watching it and there to help if you have any difficulty. Always support your incision with a pillow when you feel a cough or sneeze coming (or IF you feel it coming)
Best of luck Monday.

Thanks for the info. That helps quelch my fears. I was assuming I'd have stitches or staples. I was wondering about the swellybelly band, and if it was worth getting. How long did it take to get to you after you ordered it?

I had the ster-strips when I had my laparoscopy in March. But the doctor used a glue of some sort to close the incisions and the strips were just added protection. As you heal, they start to fall off.

By the way, where are you in Maryland? My husband and I grew up in Cumberland (Western Maryland). We lived there until we married in 1987.

I had one of those bands when I had my c-section and it was wonderful! It kept everything in place and made getting up and walking so much easier!! It helps support your ab muscles.
I didn't order the belly band from the hysterstore, but I did order some other things this past week and my order arrived on the 2nd or 3rd day after I placed my order! Very fast!! Shipped Priority Mail.
I ordered the chillow, Natural Woman Progesterone Cream, Princess Package (hyster sister book, night shirt, mug, tiara), and sudden menopause book. So, it was a fairly large order and nothing was out of stock!

I got my Band at HysterSisters and it was here within 3 business days. I have to say I've been very impressed with the HysterSisters store the two times I ordered. I once e-mailed them late at night and they got back to me in less than five minutes!!! WOW.

It comes completely flat in a Priority Mail envelope. Once you soak it in ice water in swells right up! I really don't know how I would have gotten through such a long recovery without it, and I seriously still use it several times a day and today is Week 12. I never get in the car without it because it supports your incision so well as you go over all those little bumps in the road. Personally I was worried about the cost before it arrived, but it probably paid for itself many times over. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the info about the bands. I just placed my order, so if I'm lucky it will be here when I get home from the castle.

Good luck with everything! We'll be waiting to hear how you're doing - I know it will all go great for you!