Joanne's Journal

Joanne Low  Yes on 3rd lot antibiotics after the wound opened up and cleaned out . Hypergranulationon on parts of scar as well . Wound still leeking after 4 weeks 

Robert Miller  That doesn't sound right. I assume you did follow the instructions in regards to showering (an not taking baths) and how to touch the wound with a towel rather than rubbing it like one usually dries skin. And I assume you airdry the wound and not have it covered in bandages. 

If you followed all those instructions, then I think it's time to consult with another doctor. Also check for any immune deficiencies or other underlying medical issues. 

Yumiko Ishida  Sorry, it must be uncomfortable. I had a skin infection on my chest, but luckily it did not spread to the incision or heart, but it did slow down the healing of the wound. It took a good 5 weeks or so post surgery before it stopped oozing. 

I had two kinds of IV antibiotics for 3 days. When I went in for a follow up a couple of weeks later it was not gone, so then took 10 days of oral antibiotics. I would talk to your surgeon about how to care for the wound. Based on what I read on this site, each surgeon seems to have their own preferred approach. Mine was “do nothing,” but at about the 3 or 4 week point post surgery told me to run water over it under the shower and pat dry every day. No soap, no ointment. The biggest issue was my gut from all the antibiotics. Took lots of probiotics and prebiotics but it still took a long time before my stool was normal. 

Joanne Low  The hospital do not want it touched much . Just keep a clean dressing on . It's had a dressing on constantly for 4 weeks now because of the leeking still apparently. Apparently covered is better than uncovered 🥴🥴

Yumiko Ishida  Make sure the dressing is not sticking to the wound. I don’t think covering is necessary better, just practical in many instances. I covered mine loosely with gauze, one to prevent the fluids from getting on my clothes and two because the area was very sensitive, and fabric moving across it was very irritating. Surgeon told me to change the dressing at least twice a day, so I did that even if it looked clean. I sometimes went without any dressing at home, left the front of my shirt open to prevent it from touching the sensitive area. Two of the drain tube wounds healed relatively quickly, but the third one was under the fold of my breast, and it took a while, I think because it was not getting enough air. The one under my breast and the main incision line was oozing for at least 5 weeks, but they eventually closed. I hope yours turn the corner soon!

Joanne Low  Could it be anything to do with mitral valve repair which failed with massive complications which then led to a redo operation 10 weeks later ... 5 months later another operation on scar ... thoughts 

Robert Miller  I was in the same boat, i.e. mitral valve repair which failed. In my case it was 10 months from the first to second surgery. It's my understanding that they prefer not to do a second surgery within 6 months but it's more about the heart than the chest. In any case, I had no issues with the scar. They cut at the exactly same place so only one scar down my chest. The drainage tube did go in about half an inch from the original one so two small scars there. But again no issues. Did you have any issues the first time? Was anything different from the first surgery and second surgery? 

Joanne Low  First scar healed amazing but complication was hemolytic anemia from his valve . 14 units blood needed till emergency second operation. From second operation constant issues with scar leading to 3rd operation of a debridement to the bone . Now still infections