Stitch Question

[Thumper169]

Ok, here is a weird one, on the top part of my scar their was an internal stitch that was sticking out after the scab fell off, called the OS a couple weeks ago to ask about it and I was told it happens from time to time but not to worry and cut it down as short as I could and leave it alone, my question is has anyone else had this happen and if so how long does it take for this little sucker to fall off, it's annoying due to the fact it grabs my pants and pulls it, as long as I'm in shorts its ok but it's getting cold now:skp:

 

[tom67]

Hi Thumper169, I didn't have stitches mine was glued. I do
however have one lone stitch at the top of my scar too.
If your wearing pants I'd just put a bandaid over it so It
won't get aggrivating. Best Wishes, Tom

 

[Thumper169]

Hey Tom, I had staples but the stitch in question was an internal stitch that was hanging out from the inside and healed up hanging out :sct:. I have used the band aid but was just wanting to know how long this stitch will take to rot out or whatever it's plan is.:evil:

 

[tom67]

I Know what your talking about. I've had many of those before
(3 previuos L wrist surgeries) It depends, but it will at least take a couple of weeks. But whatever you do don't tug on it! It will come out when its ready. Tom

 

[moe]

I also had one at the incision on my thigh where he put the camera in. It was very annoying and I kept trying to pull at it which was very irritating to it, myself, and my family! When I went to see the OS at 6 week visit, he pulled it out! Ouch! I was so glad it was gone.

MOE
RTKR 1/27/09

 

[Josephine]

It does happen and is a telltale that the assistant either doesn't know the proper technique for cutting sutures or was careless.

What you need to do is cleanse a pair of eyebrow tweezers and the finest, sharp pointed scissors you have, the ones out of a manicure set would be perfect. Or even a cuticle or small nail pliers - anything with a fine sharp point. Then cleanse them thoroughly just in hot soapy water - washing up liquid is fine - and dry them with a freshly laundered tea towel or hanky. This makes them about as clean as you can achieve.

Now wash your hands thoroughly.

Then wash the wound carefully with some freshly boiled water, cooled by leaving to stand in a covered bowl, with a drop of soap in it. If you have some Savlon, TCP or other antiseptic stuff would be good.

Firmly grasp the end of the stitch with the tweezers and pull on it as hard as you can bear. Then, with the sharp point of the scissors, snip the thread as low down as you can manage, even if it means going into the wound by no more than a millimetre. It might bleed a tiny bit but don't worry. Just cover it with a clean, dry dressing and press gently but firmly until it stops which should take about 4 or 5 minutes. Don't keep lifting it off to look as this means the clotting process has to start all over again.

Pulling on the thread means that when you have cut it, it should drop back under the skin level so it won't be felt. But this is why you need to be scrupulously clean about it.