Perianal Abscess

[Bifauves]

Hi all,
I had surgery this morning on a fairly big, deep perianal abscess that needs to be packed every day by a visiting nurse. I just wondered if anyone else had any experience of the healing process, when I can have a bath again and things like the best way to remove the packing to be able to pass a stool and wipe etc. obviously don't want to be leaving any infection down there.
Thanks all.

[Sqad]

Never had one, but have drained a few in the past.

To save me typing:

https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/resources/patient-information/gi/recovering-after-your-peri-anal-abscess-operation.pdf

[Mamyalynne]

I am a little surprised they didn't give you any instructions, but here is a guide from a very good hospital to tide you over till you speak to the district nurse.


https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/resources/patient-information/gi/recovering-after-your-peri-anal-abscess-operation.pdf


Hope all settles soon.


(not a nurse)

[Mamyalynne]

oops sorry Sqad.

[Sqad]

Never mind...as long as Bifaiuvres gets the picture.

[lcg]

hiya....my son had one last year and heals in 10-14 painful days, unfortunately. you have to be careful wiping - away from the wound, clean it every time if necessary (using water initially to flush the wound) and change the dressing daily (or rather, get your dearest to do that for you!). there are lots of ways in which wounds are supposed to be dressed, but makes sure it is comfy, secure and flush to your skin as far as possible - the last thing you want down there is loose dressing bits flapping around and sticking to everything. also, the nurses at the ward put huuuuuuuuge dressings on him, but i am of the school of thought that less is definitely more - the size of the dressing should decrease as the healing process goes on and does not need to be massive - he had a hole the size of a marble and he came home with an A5 sized dressing on it - utterly ridiculous. also keep it dry - do not put any cream on it and watch out for signs of infection (common down there!), such as pain, redness or oozing from the wound - seek gp attention asap if that happens. otherwise, between you all you will work out what you need to do and get better at it over the coming days. don't panic and follow the above rules x

[lcg]

oh - and you can get all necessary supplies (or top ups) from your local pharmacy - ask if they are not on display. sticky tape (white papery stuff good - less sticky if things go wrong!), a dry/non-fluffy gauze, a larger dressing pad to go on top.......is all you need. you can cut things to size and experiment - find out what works for you. and my 22 yr old son tolerated me looking at his *** for two weeks without complaint (several times a day), so it isn't that bad, i promise. do not be afraid to ask for help and it may be that if you need to ask your gp to help or send someone out to show you and someone else how to manage the wound.....ASK! that is what they get paid for x

[mazie]

Sounds really awful Bifauves.... Get well soon xx