Black Blister On Scar

[MAMAYAMA]

Hi Everyone,

I can't remember the last time I post. I went back to work at five weeks and it has been tough. Thursday morning I noticed what looked like a blood blister at the top of my scar. It is more black than red and it has gotten bigger. It is also very sore. I don't know whether to run to urgent care today and have them look at it. Does anyone have any advice?

Thanks
Susan

 

[Rowdy66]

I Would Definitely Go To Urgent Care. You Need To Know. Nothing Is Worse Than Not Knowing. Good Luck. Rowdy

 

[ttlncsc]

Hello Susan,

Please understand that I am not a physician and therefore offering you my opinion if I had a change in my scar's presentation.

There are two courses of action that I would take. First call your physician and inform him. If necessary call the answering service and leave an urgent message.

Secondly, if you don't get a call back within 1 1/2 hours, I'd go to the ER where the physician practices....they should/would have an OS on call or in the hospital. If the "blister" is quickly increasing in size, I wouldn't wait more than 30 to 40 minutes.

Chances are >80% you are going to be told by the urgent care folks that you need to be seen by an OS. They may be able to reassure you but after years of being on call for flight medicine (I am not an MD)---opinion is that most urgent care MD's would not assume the legal liability to say don't worry. They'd more than likely call an OS to see you. The soreness and the blackness by your report tell me you need someone to see you who knows joint replacement. Bottom line is if courses 1 and 2 are not options, I'd be seen by an MD, period.

Good luck, hopefully it is a simple matter. Take care, Tom

 

[Josephine]

The blister is back because the fluid contains blood but this most likely comes from a tiny blood vessel inside the blister. I'd echo the need to get it checked out although the degree of concern would be governed by the size of the blister. If it's about the size of your thumbnail or smaller, then it's probable that you've chafed it on your clothes or something but any bigger needs seeing to.

And try not to break the blister whatever you do. Any blister is always best left intact.

Keep us posted ...

 

[MAMAYAMA]

Thanks Josephine, Tom, and Rowdy. I just got back from Urgent Care and have an oral and topical antibiotic. It is an infection, and the blister is full of puss. The doctor said that if I do not see any improvement by Tuesday to see my OS.

Will this EVER END?????

 

[Rowdy66]

Yes, Mamayama, It Will End And You Will Feel Safe In Your Own Skin Again. I Know This Must Be Terribly Frightening And I Just Want You To Know You Will Be In My Prayers And The Prayers Of Many Others Even If They Don't Respond. This Is The Best Bunch Of People Around. I Am Just Glad You Didn't Wait And Let This Get Worse. Good Luck. Rowdy

 

[Linda2]

Good for you for going in. Like Rowdy said, we will be sending positive thoughts and prayers your way. I hope when you see the OS, he/she will say it's just surface infection and will clear up with antibiotics.

I think as long as it is shorts weather, I will wear shorts--no danger of irritating the incision area.

 

[Josephine]

Yes, well done - and Linda's taken the words out of my mouth again! Are you sure you're not a nurse or something?!

The odds sound in favour of it being a superficial infection but I'm sure many of us will be holding you up in prayer till we've heard more.

 

[MAMAYAMA]

Thank you everyone. I found this sight by accident about one week before my surgery. It really has been a God Send for so many reasons. It's nice to compare notes and get advise from people that have been there.

You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan