My Tummy Tuck Journey...- Frederick, MD

Well I wasn't crazy. I had sn infection and a hematoma. So they started me on antibiotics on weds. Thursday the surgeon cut me open over the hematoma trying to get the fluid out but didnt get much. When I went to wound care on Friday they found that I had a tunnel from the large wound (central lower abdomen) to the new spot the surgeon opened. They called the surgeon and it was decided that I should be admitted. So they ran a CT scan and inserted a drainage tube. By Sunday the tube fell out. Today is Tuesday and I am still in the hospital. I will be having surgery today to clean ghe hematoma out. I need all these complications to stop!!

Update...For a week I packed the open wound (above my private area) and also inserted packing strips into small holes that formed from my belly botton down to the open wound. Then I had my wound care appointment. Not a good appointment. The surgeon opened me from my belly button down to the top of my private area. The open wound is now 6 inches long, 3.3 inches wide and 2.2 inches deep. There is also necrotic tissue on my right side (groin area). I also have a tunnel that is off to the right inside the wound that measured around 5 inches long. The surgeon has decided to leave it alone. I am using santyl cream everyother day and keeping it covered. The cream should dissolve the dead tissue.

On September 12th the vac was put on. They pack the tunnel with a white foam and I have to admit it hurts like hell when they insert the foam. They then stuff a black form into the wound, lay a thin clear plastic sheet over it and it then they hook up a tube that attaches to a small machine. This machine provides a negative pressure that sucks all the nasty stuff out.

It is a pain to lug around but I am told it will cut the heealing time in half. I was told I would need the vac for two months.

Emotions.....

I am feeling depressed and scared. I just can't get my mind around the fact that I have this open hole in my abdomen. I had a tummy tuck to make me smaller but I can't wear my normal clothes due to swelling and the wound vac. I can't imagine going through this for another two months!