I had my surgery on March 12, I've been trying to get the liquids down that is required, but I can't. The protein shakes are too sweet and too heavy when I sip them, they hit my stomach like a ton of bricks and my stomach ends up cramping really bad. And on a different note i had my stitches removed and one of the wounds opened back up, I don't think i had enough stitches in my wound. Now I'm afraid to move, because more wounds might bust open.

Most of my incisions healed really fast, and they all looked fine when I took the stitches out. However, I overdid things a couple of days ago by bending and twisting, etc., and the one small incision in the middle of my chest right under my breasts did open up a little. So weird because they all looked healed. This one did look a tiny bit different though, but the knot was being pulled into my skin, so I had a hard time getting it out as it is. Bleh, I didn't like that part! Just don't do a lot of lifting, or cleaning, or constant bending, etc. for another week or so.

once they heal start using mederma cream for your scars or Scaraway silicone sheets. i use the sheets and they work great at softening and making scars look much better. Add more water to the protein powder, some watered down protein is better than none.

I used some Steri strips for the incision that looked like it might be pulling open, or butterfly closures work too.

Starla, your brother said he soaked in a tub with Epsom salts 3 times a week. How soon after surgery do you think it is safe to do that?
Also, sorry you are having trouble with protein, I hope the diluting it might work?
Suzanne

I took my stiches out last Thursday as instructed and 3 are now "open" I am going to try butterfly bandages, but I am a little freaked out, the main long incision they had the drain is is REALLY open. like more than a 1/4 inch.

Two of mine gapped. My GP told me to clean and dress them twice daily and they would eventually close. I cleaned them with hydrogen peroxide, using a sterile piece of gauze to wipe out the buildup, then squished in a glop of Triple Action Polysporin. Then I covered them with a bandaid. I did this after I showered in the morning and before I went to bed. I know some doctors say not to use Hyd. Per. And polysp. But I followed his advice and they healed up well. It took about 3-4 weeks extra. Annoying but nothing more.

The same thing happened to me years ago when I had laparoscopic surgery here. It was by my belly button and it, too, gapped. I guess I'm just lucky that way. Lol

Oh, goodness, truffles, I'm glad I'm not as lucky as you! ;-) So I checked my incisions out really well, and when I saw that they looked very sealed and didn't budge with gentle pressure, I figured it was safe to take out the stitches. Now that top, little incision was tricky because it had a large, dark-colored scab, so I thought it was good to go. I have been cleaning it with Hibiclens and using a wound spray. I tried putting a butterfly band aid on it, but because of where it sits, the bandage seems to gape most of the time. I just freak out wondering if germs and things can get inside my body. lol! The rest are staying closed.

I figured if they didn't look good and sealed, I was waiting a couple more days. Like I said, I think the one only opened because I just did too much too soon. KWKIKI, can you go to the doc? That would freak me out good.