Stitch site infection

[JudyS]

I did not know where to post this.
I noticed the top of my back incision looked pretty red yesterday. I was glued together, but the underneath stich in that location stuck out for about 3 weeks before it fell out. This was all completed by at least 3 weeks ago.

At pt today my therapist said it looks like a pimple with a small infection under it. There was no redness around the spot. He told me to keep an eye on it.
My question is do I go to the surgeon or just watch for it to get worse? At what point does it require treatment???
Thanks
judy

 

[Karen54]

Judy, it could be an underneath stitch that didn't dissolve. I had a spot that looked similar and that is what my PT told me it probably was. Didn't turn out to be anything in my case, though.

 

[JudyS]

Karen I had my surgery on Jan 9th. The underneath stich popped out and finally fell off leaving a little tiny hole. Did you go to the doc for yours?
judy

 

[Karen54]

Nope, because the little bump I had just went away after a few days.

 

[JudyS]

OK thanks
judy

 

[PRGal]

With no redness, it could just be a plain old pimple . . . if it doesn't get any worse, maybe your RA doc could take a peek when you go (isn't it Friday?) and allay your fears. But if you're really concerned, give your primary care doc a shout . . .

 

[Judles]

Keep an eye on it! Maybe just cover it with some Bacitracin and a band aid tonite so you don't further infect it! Aren't we a bunch of nervous nellies? If we all weren't dealing with joint replacements, we never would give these things a second thought! Keep us posted, Judy!!!

 

[JudyS]

Nervous nellies we are!!!
thanks
judy

 

[Jamie]

Judy, any of your doctors can check this out for you and ease your fears. It is probably nothing if it is not red or hot to the touch. But a check is always good when you are concerned by something.

 

[Josephine]

Those pimply-type things are always so superficial they'll never be more than that. Don't fret. Even if it is connected to a stitch or something, it's still very superficial. Keep an eye on it but don't get too fraught about it. Our skin is a wonderful antibacterial organ all on it's own!

 

[JudyS]

Thanks Jo
I remembered that you had said in the past that they are superficial or I would have gone directly to the doc's office after pt!!!!
I just did not know exactly what I was watching for!!!
As PPRGal suggested, I will have the rheumatologist take a look at it on friday.
judy