Infection following C Section

[Picky]

Hi all

As some of you may know. I had my 2nd baby on the 20th July, he was a big baby, 10lb 11oz and after 8 hours in labour, I was given an emergency section under a general. Although I am feeling lots better, I have now got what my doctor is classing as a 'serious' infection in the c section wound, which became worse once the clips were removed. I'm allergic to penicillian which has made treating it more tricky, but I've had another swab taken yesterday to see how the infeciton has developed. I've got a lump the size of an egg on one side of the scar. I've been on cefalexin, erithromycin and metronidozole (please excuse spelling!). What else could they give? Has anyone else has infections following a section and how long did it take you to get better. I'm fed up of it all :0(

Px

[Sqad]

It is a stitch abscess.

The treatment with antibiotics is correct.

The swelling my either burst or will need to be surgically drained.

You will always have a small scar there.

Ask what the swab has grown.

[tamborine]

poor u - picky. In my day (eons ago) it was just antiseptic wash and salt baths.

Hope you recover soon - it takes 6w to heal normally.

[Picky]

The first swab showed just general bugs which I didn't understand, I only had the second one taken yesterday so need to wait for it to be cultured.

I am now having it dressed daily by the district nurses, starting today, but it has been leaking lots of fluid, although the lump is still there, although probably not as big. What other antibiotics can they give me?

Thanks for your quick answers. I'm having tea tree baths tamborine, don't fancy the idea of salt baths, eeekkk! I've just felt so poorly and it's been so hard with the new little man and baby Picky number 1 - all I seem to do is cry and feel sad. I'm sure it'll sort itself out soon

Thanks again

[Sqad]

picky, plenty more antibiotics that you can have, but of course they would depend on the culture and sensitivity of the swab growth.

You treatment seems to me exemplary.

[Picky]

I've got no complaints about the treatment at all. The midwife, my GP and the hospital have all treated me very well, the continuity of care has been excellant and although I've now got an infection, I believe the decision to give me a section was totally the correct one. My son is here and safe which is the main thing. I'm just feeling a bit sorry for myself and I hate feeling poorly and it seems like it's been going on for ages.

[daffy654]

My sister had a similar infection after her son was born by C-section (over 20 years ago),it took around 2 months of daily dressing and an admittance to hospital for wound drainage before hers cleared up....mainly because she was lazy and unhygienic.She was in quite a lot of pain and reckoned she could barely move...then she developed a blood clot because she wasn't moving around enough.
If you do as the doctors and nurses tell you re:keeping the wound clean etc. i'm sure you will heal much more quickly than my sister did.

[tamborine]

picky, please try salt baths - salt is an antiseptic. Handful of salt in bath!

[Picky]

I wish I could just sit still, but a 2 1/2 year old and a newborn are enough to keep me running around! I've almost got obsessive about keep it clean - the gp's given me a couple of big boxes of gauze and advise to redress it with that as often as I can, which I'm doing, and baths twice a day, making sure it's dry. Ok tamborine, I will bite the bullet and give it a go - all suggestions are greatfully received!

[upsydaisy]

Aw Picky you poor lamb, I'm not at all surprised you feel tearful and fed up, you've got so much to deal with physically and emotionally. Can a friend/family member give you any time out at all? You need some rest and tlc - I know, I know, not easy when you are a mum.
Take care - rest as often as you can, sod the housework and take up any offers of help that come your way. Big hug x

[Picky]

Thanks upsydaisy!

I'm going to Norwich to see Mum at the weekend, and Mr Picky is on his paternity leave at the moment, so I've got help. I'm just knackered and feeling poorly doesn't help, but I'll get there.

Appreciate the hug xx

[lilacben]

Hi Picky, I am so sorry to hear you are still feeling so poorly and depressed. It must be awful for you and very upsetting for your husband. Take it easy,do what you are told to do, rest.! Don't worry about the housework ect. there will be pleanty of time to do that when you are better. If anyone offers to help you please take them up on it and don;t think you cannot ask them.As I am sure they wouldnt ask if they didnt mean it. What part of the country do you live in.?If it is in the south west and I am near I woulod be only to pleased to help out.
Take care. love Brenda xx

[Picky]

Oh Brenda, that is so sweet of you, and I really appreciate it (oh crikey, more tears!). I'm in Bolton, so it would be a bit of a way! I think things have just got on top of me a bit, I lost my Dad 3 months ago as well and I haven't really had a chance to get over losing my lovely Daddy, let alone dealing with this too. I think once I feel better with this infection and I'm back on my feet properly I'll feel lots better.

Thanks again, you've all been lovely

Pxxxx

[tamborine]

Picky, I know lots of caring families in Deane, Bolton who wouldn't let you suffer alone - are you near there?

You have to gather your strength for your children and hubby, you need some relatives to help you - are there none you can ask?

[Picky]

That's so sweet thanks. My in-laws are not far away, although they've gone on holiday for 2 weeks. I think my Mum is going to come back for a couple of weeks and look after me again. She stayed for 2 weeks after Woody arrived which was fantastic, I miss her now! We're going to visit Norfolk this weekend and see my family, so that will take a lot of pressure off. Thanks to you all, I feel very looked after now (oh Lordy, MORE tears!!) xxx

[rosiedobie]

Hi Picky,

Sorry to hear you're going through the infection process :(

I was recently on a trial for an antibiotic that is currently being reviewed for licensing on the NHS.

If you like, I could give you the email and maybe you could write and ask if they can help?

Kindest Regards and Speed in Recovery.

Rosie