Anyone Had Cyst Surgery ?

[billt]

They haven't said anything about "packing" the wound with gauze. It had some in with the original bandage I had on it from the hospital, but I changed that yesterday, and again this morning with just a gauze covering and some tape. I've got a bunch of surgical dressings and gauze bandages. The doctor is supposed to call today with more "instructions". I'm not holding my breath. I just hope the thing doesn't start itching and driving me nuts.   Bill T.

[1911 Junkie]

You want to keep the wound bed moist to promote growth of granulation tissue. We usually just do wet to dry dressing. There are a lot of fancy gauzes and dressings out there that may work but I don't think you need to worry about it in your case.

[1911 Junkie]

Just for fun, this is some of the goop I squeezed out of someones back. This doesn't include what squirted on the wall and floor. I can't even begin to describe the smell. I need a raise. 

[PegLeg45]

+1 on what Junkie said about the wound-vac. I don't know if it is a viable option regarding the size of your wound, but it kept me from being an above-the-knee amputee and kept me away from many of the usual bouts of infection (and resultant tissue removal) usually associated with the type of dirty wounds (lots of trash, dirt, and debris) I had. My doctors were amazed that I never experienced any type of infections after all the severe trauma to the tissue and 15 surgeries. I credit the wound-vac, the tediousness of care of the nursing staff, and how well they trained my wife for the after-care at home.

Also, ask about the non-stick wet-style gauze pads. They don't stick to the wound and make bandage changes easier. I think they are coated with an anti-bacterial vaseline based ointment, but still allow the wound to breathe.
Junkie pretty much nailed it, though......wash hands and clean, clean, clean.

Either way, good luck on the healing and I hope you mend well.

[Big Frank]

I had two 4-inch fatty tumors removed from my back. One side was bleeding really bad internally. They cut me open and shoved a few wet sponges in the hole and dry gauze over top of that. A visiting nurse came by every day to change the dressings. After a month or so the hole was small enough not to put any sponges in so the nurse quit coming. I had to bandage it myself from then on. The doctor told me to let water blow in there when I take a shower. He sent me back to work with a hole still in my back. I didn't take any antibiotics and didn't need any.

[Sponsor]

[MikeBjerum]

Thanks 1911. How long before you think it will dry up enough so it won't require a bandage? I'm surprised it isn't leaking more than it is, considering how large of a wound it is.  Bill T.

Drying it up is all you are worried about?  A gauze pad soaked in Viscerol 30 placed on the wound for two hours and then twelve hours in open air will be dried up for good.  If you want I can PM you a funeral home that will soak the gauze for you at no cost, or for $3.50 + UPS I'll send you a pint 

Sorry, but between the problems of many friends and a couple major pot holes here at home I needed to just be me for a minute.

[billt]

The doctor told me to let water blow in there when I take a shower. He sent me back to work with a hole still in my back. I didn't take any antibiotics and didn't need any.

That's exactly what my doctor just told me. Hard to believe they want all that meat exposed to the Shower-Massage? Melanie just repacked it with wet gauze per his instructions.  Bill T.

[1911 Junkie]

That's exactly what my doctor just told me. Hard to believe they want all that meat exposed to the Shower-Massage? Melanie just repacked it with wet gauze per his instructions.  Bill T.

Now where did you hear that before? 

The water from the shower will help keep it clean and can also stimulate tissue growth.

[Timothy]

Junkie describes exactly what they did for me when I had my accident.  I ended up with a three inch diagonal crater in my chest/sternum below my throat from something I hit or hit me.

It was devoid of any skin, about 3/4" deep and nasty looking.  I have some pics here somewhere.  It took daily dressing changes while I was in the hospital.  Usually by the most beautiful girl I think I've ever seen who was the third shift RN fresh out of Baylor.  It was always a pleasure to see her......really sweet Texas beauty!  I fell in love every day...

Anyway, it healed, looks nasty and doesn't bother me..

Good luck!

[twyacht]

Nurse wife totally agreed with wet/dry rotation.  It will be a slow pot hole to fill, and Vicodin is a weird drug. It is the only thing I ever tell doctors I can't take.

Stock up on dressings, tape, etc,... All previous postings are spot on.

Except the one where,....we tell you to suck it up, and walk it off.....

Don't let it stay too wet or too dry for too long. Eat well, lots of Vitamin E, zinc, and C.  

Watch the PSI of the shower, the new tissue can easily be flushed/blasted out, and extend the heal time.

All the best. Get the wife to dress up in one of those nurse uniforms with the white stockings,....