Incision--Day 8 - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

cnewmann · 03-28-2003, 01:14 PM

Well, I finally took off the steri-strips and my wound (as they call it) looks really ugly.

I took a shower this morning and washed it for the first time. It is still swollen and feels like there is a big knot underneath. Does this every go away? Will if finally smooth out and lay flat?

I may never wear anything but turtle necks the rest of my life!!

One good thing. Soreness is finally gone in my throat and I can eat most anything. Sometimes I still have a bit of trouble swallowing though. Must still be some swollen.

This is not the time of the year to have to wear a neck brace. It is so hot!! We are having 80 degree weather!

Connie

Mellie888 · 03-28-2003, 02:27 PM

Hi Connie,

Mine looked pretty ugly too and it did feel like I had lumps underneath, that goes away too. Also, just recently (I'm seven weeks post-op, ACDF C4-5 with cage and fusion) I had to go to the neurosurgeon because a suture was sticking out and got inflammed. He just pulled it out and now it really looks good. But trust me, the lumps will go away underneath. It will just take some time for the incision to look good.

Other than that, I hope everything is going well.

Mellie

winged phantom · 03-28-2003, 04:13 PM

Hi Connie,
Don't worry too much about the incision; that's a badge of extreme courage and bravery. Actually, you know there is a lot of swelling in the whole area, and I'm sure the sutures have also irritated the area a bit too. So it will take time for everything, including the sutures, to slowly be resorbed by the body and look better. Like I wrote a few weeks ago, I don't think anyone has ever asked me about my scar, and I've had one for 12 years. Also, I'm sure your doctor chose an area of your neck that forms a natural crease (notice I did not say "wrinkle"), so it will be least noticeable there.

Other than that, it seems you are recouperating as expected? I know what you mean about the hot weather! I wish I could have had mine earlier, but it just could not be helped. I'll have my hard collar here in FL until the end of May.

I guess I'll never go out!

Mellie, welcome to the board! Hope we can help you with your recouperation, too.
wr

SherryElaine · 03-28-2003, 04:30 PM

Connie
I am 3 weeks post op and I never looked at mine at day 8 so I can't compare with yours but right now mine looks pretty good not bad at all but I do have the lumpy knot in it and my throat still feels a little sore and I can eat most anything but sometimes still have a probem swallowing. I been brace free for 2 days now and it is great. First day was weird with my neck feeling weak and wobbley. Did the surgery get rid of all your pain? I still have slight pain in my arm and thumb and muscle twitches in my biceps...
Suppose to start PT next week for that...
Sounds like your doing good so far hope you continue to do so..

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Sher

SherryElaine · 03-28-2003, 04:35 PM

Oh for got to ask, any of you all get the numb feeling under the chin after surgery?

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Sher