Steri-Strips off too early?

Hi everyone!
I just had my very first pacer installed 2 days ago. The surgeon and the nurses told me to change the dressing today. But when I gently pulled the bandage off it took one of the steri-strips with it.
I still haven't even made my post-op checkup and I'm worried about the repercussions. Will this make my scar stick out or god forbid the wound widen?
Any help would be great. Thanks so much. I'm blown away by how much this forum has been a help and relief throughout this whole process

Patrick

6 Comments

be careful

by ohiolaura - 2012-09-16 04:09:21

First yes,this site is a blessing,I agree with you 100%.
I was told,after surgery,the steri strips were to stay on and would come off on their own.Those lil suckers stayed on over 3 weeks,and at that time I called the DR and the nurse said I could help them off,so I did.
Id say 2 days you need to be careful,big time.Id call them Mon am and tell them what happened,see what they say.Id keep it dry,as most I believe say it should stay dry for a few days at least after surgery.
I would be concerned about infection with it being so new,keep it protected and ask the medical pro's.
I bet the incission wouldnt change alot without 1 strip,just be careful,and wait and see what others here suggest,and go from there.
For your piece of mind you may want to ask your Dr.
Good luck,Im sure you'll be fine.
Laura

cant be right!!!

by Ouchthatssore76 - 2012-09-16 05:09:47

ive had mine for 4 days and have been told not to touch and get a NURSE to change dressing ect only after a week............i would deffo get onto your dr
abi :)

Your sterile strips

by Richard F - 2012-09-16 06:09:07

I had my implant done on Aug. 1st of this year and was told I could take off the bandage and shower in two days. My daughter took off my bandage for me and all the sterile strips seemed in tact. I would recommend since one of your strips came off, to immediately phone your physician tomorrow morning. I had to take antibiotics for a few days to make sure there was no infection and a month later, I do not hardly see the scar from the incision. At times, I cannot even feel that I have an implant. Keep posting your concerns on this website - we are all here for you. God bless you!!

All Good

by Patchmentallity - 2012-09-17 07:09:44

Thanks so much for the advice! I contacted the heart institute, they said no big deal. As you said, if it swells, turns red, read: gets infected, let them know.

Thanks again!

Call the office

by walkerd - 2012-09-17 08:09:23

and ask them Patrick. Shouldnt be a problem but I would call, it only takes a minute to call. They may want you to come in to replace it. About the only thing I could see happening is healing and bigger scare if it pulls apart a little. Id call but that is me.

dave

Just go to CVS

by PacerRep - 2012-09-19 01:09:02

Go to a drug store, you can buy new steri strips and just put them back on. Pinch your skin when you put them on...problem solved

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