Infection on incision???

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hess

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Apr 15, 2008
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MO, USA
Yet more problems,

My incision has been healing beautifully, but 10 days ago, when I made my 4 week post-op visit, the nurse practioner pulled the scab off of my incision. He said to use a little neosporin, and it would clear up.

Well, needless to say, it got infected. I am oozing green stuff, and it is hot around the area. I've started anti-biotics, and hopefully, this will clear things up, but I am worried about the actual prothesis. Could the new knee joint be infected, or is it just limited to the incision? According to the doctor, the joint is fine, it is just a skin thing. I'm pertrified though!!!

How does it sound to you?
Hess
 
It sounds like a skin thing. But what was going through her head? Why the heck did she pull off the scab? I know I was told not to touch mine by my OS, PT, and home visiting nurse. Pulling off scabs seems to make no sense at all. I'd watch it and if it seems to involve a deeper feeling than skin, call the OS immediately.

--Jackie
 
The signs of the joint being affected would be general heat in the knee area and a deep aching. Therefore it sounds like a superficial infection which isn't uncommon. It is a risk but quite a minor one so try to keep it in perspective, stress affects your immune system and you don't want that!

As for the nurse, you said 'nurse practitioner', does that mean he wasn't actually a trained nurse?
In any case, I would make an official complaint about him. That is very poor practice and needs to be addressed.
 
Nurse practioners in the US have more training than a registered nurse, they seem to be someplace between a nurse and a doctor. Mine was excellent, she worked along the side the doctor seeing patients and he would come in and give his diagnosis when needed. I loved my nurse practioner, she listened when no one else was paying any attention and I will always have a soft spot for her. Rowdy
 
Ah - gotcha. We have the same here but they don't do home visits! Still think a complaint should be made. pulling scabs of wounds is a big no-no, in my opinion.
 
I had the same problem but maybe not at the same level as you. Anti-biotics and a week later it was all healed. Good luck.
Ern
 
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