Laparoscopic Appendectomy?!
Question: I recently had an appendectomy & I have three tiny incisions on my abdomen. The doctor said that I could remove the outer bandages to shower (they were bandaids), but he didn't say anything about when I could remove the medical tape covering the incisions. At the time I have to admit that I was so freaked out & medicated that I didn't catch if he said I could remove them before seeing him again or not. They are healing fine as far as I can see, but I don't want to remove them unless I know 100% that it won't harm the healing process.
I also had a question about how long it would take for me to have a bowel movement after the surgery. I'm still eating semi-soft foods, but I haven't even felt like I needed to go since. I had the surgery Friday night at about midnight (and left Saturday). Should I be concerned? I'd call my doc for all of this, but everyone's offices are closed for MLK day & my regular doc is out on maternity leave.
Answers: I recently had an appendectomy & I have three tiny incisions on my abdomen. The doctor said that I could remove the outer bandages to shower (they were bandaids), but he didn't say anything about when I could remove the medical tape covering the incisions. At the time I have to admit that I was so freaked out & medicated that I didn't catch if he said I could remove them before seeing him again or not. They are healing fine as far as I can see, but I don't want to remove them unless I know 100% that it won't harm the healing process.
I also had a question about how long it would take for me to have a bowel movement after the surgery. I'm still eating semi-soft foods, but I haven't even felt like I needed to go since. I had the surgery Friday night at about midnight (and left Saturday). Should I be concerned? I'd call my doc for all of this, but everyone's offices are closed for MLK day & my regular doc is out on maternity leave.
The steri strips will fall off on their own after a few days. You should be eating a regular diet in order to have a bowel movement. I would not be too concerned unless you are not passing gas, become nauseated and start to throw up.
You also can take an over the counter stool softner to help you out if you would like. Also, you need to drink plenty of liquids and eat a diet rich in fresh fruits, veggies, protien and dairy.
Leave the tape on, it helps prevent scarring.
You likely had to clean your bowels out by fasting or drinking that vile liquid that gives you the runs the day before the surgery. It takes time for the new food to get through your system, it's not something to worry about. You will go when you have to.
They are all questions for yr doctor or may you see another coleague of your doctor, even a nurse in the hospital u had the surgery. Sure they can advice you about all this. Better and safe you see it with another doctor .