fighting infection (surgery, arms, doctor, heart)

[deb8997]

Hi..
im on my 4th week of post-op open heart surgery.. all is going well but last week noticed some redness and puss around bottom of suture area. went to dr and they cleaned it and gave me antibiotic.. does any one know how long it will take for it to close up and heal? there is a little hole where stitch was..

thanks
deb

[anadyr21]

Heal time will vary depending on your age, type of stitching used, quality of the stitch (the doctor's ability), etc. Some people have completely lost their scab within 4-6 weeks, others 2-3 months. If there's an infection, it will take longer. Take your antibiotics, keep the area clean, and avoid putting strain on the chest (pulling or using your arms to rise from a chair). Define what you mean by "hole" where the stitch was.

[Viralmd]

This is the kind of question you need to address with your physician.

[deb8997]

Originally Posted by anadyr21

Heal time will vary depending on your age, type of stitching used, quality of the stitch (the doctor's ability), etc. Some people have completely lost their scab within 4-6 weeks, others 2-3 months. If there's an infection, it will take longer. Take your antibiotics, keep the area clean, and avoid putting strain on the chest (pulling or using your arms to rise from a chair). Define what you mean by "hole" where the stitch was.

its at the bottom of where the insicion is..

[jennaflorrie]

There should be no hole - don't want to alarm you but I think you should go back to see the Dr. At the very least it needs keeping a close eye on.

[Nanny Goat]

THe antibiotic will help it heal faster, as long as it's "right" for that particular germ/infection. It's not uncommon to get these little infections post-op. Check with doctor is you have a fever, or continued redness/drainage from the wound. Eating good foods can help your body fight infection better, too.