Unsure about wound

Hi,

so a quick question....I had my op 4 days ago to replace my SICD battery.  For the first couple of days I had a mild temp on and off which was helped with paracetamol.  On day 3 I had some oozing onto my clothes (not much) of liquid.  I have a post-op dressing on it covered with a waterproof film that's been there since the op.  I was told not to remove it till Thursday this week at which point I put a new one on.  Today the site has felt a little warm to touch - warm not hot compared to surrounding skin.  Because I can't see the wound or what's going on, I have no idea how it's healing.  I don't know if it being slightly warm is normal or not and the last thing I want to do is ask the unit or anyone because if it's fine they'll think I'm anxious. I'm not, but just wary of the fact that I don't want any problems.  Any idea if this is normal? 

 

Thank you x

3 Comments

wound care

by Gotrhythm - 2016-08-23 12:57:14

I'm with Sparrow. Take the bandage off and look at the wound. If it looks like it's healing cleanly, replace the bandage with a new, sterile one. If not, call the doc. And if you're still not sure, call the doc.

I understand about the reluctance to "look" anxious, but a (possible) infection in an area where there are wires leading directly to your heart is nothing to mess with. Ask a relative or friend to go with you to the doc. Numbers matter. The sheer number of people you have to go through to see the doctor can be intimidating to some people. Underlings have a lot harder time dismissing your concerns if there's an witness. And if necessary, your side kick can say you wanted top ingore the problem but they insisted. [grin]

Nope

by Cabg Patch - 2016-08-23 17:53:55

Nope Don't open the bandage and look...call your doctor immediately or sooner. You said the magical words...temperature and oozing from the wound...enough said you are quite likely to have an infection. I hope I do scare you, cause if I'm right, you could save yourself a lot of pain and anguish. If I'm wrong at least your doctor calms your concerns. As a patient who went through an infection for 4.5 months rest assured I would never want to do that again.

signs/symptoms of infection

by hopefulheart - 2016-08-26 13:44:13

Hi! Fightergirl XX,

Please listen to Cabg Patch.   Your medical care should have given you the warning signs/symptoms of infection upon implant, and that you should act immediately upon even one sign/symptom.....fever, pain, redness, oozing, unpleasant odor and/or streaking.  This is made even more difficult for you to make a safe assessment on your own because your site is covered.  Please consult with your medical care immediately.  

hopeful heart

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