About Pattie Richardson Expertise I am a Psych RN in a local hospital in my area and an volunteer EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)in my local fire department. I can answer questions on first aid, CPR, and safety for infant, child and adult. I can also help with psychiatric questions on adults.
If I can not answer your questions, I can recommend an area (internet site) to check.
Experience I am a Psych RN in a local hospital in my area and an volunteer EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)in my local fire department.
Organizations Who's Who Among Professional Women.
Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads.
International Association of Firefighters.
Question I recently (one week two days ago) slipped and fell on a road, causing a gash in my leg to the bone. I did go to ER, but being stressed at the time all the care was given I am shaky to the aftercare procedures. I have called but the answers seem to match exactly what was printed on the release forms and seem generic. I am hoping for a second opinion on this. I was told to keep it covered for two days, then uncover it, keeping Neosporin on it. I have seventeen stitches, the gash is on the lower half of my knee, is five inches across, and the gash went to the bone. I still have some "seepage" and my family seems to think it is due to my keeping Neosporin on it. I have read that keeping the ointment on the sutures helps for removal of them which I would sincerely love to do b/c I am extremely squimish. On that note I am desperately wanting to do everything the right well so the healing goes well. I was also instructed not to bend my knee for the two weeks, again being advised by others now that I should begin bending it slightly to avoid tension in the skin when sutures are removed. Any advice is welcomed, I am going for another opinion but not until next week. Thank you for your time.
Answer If it is still seeping, you can keep it covered with a clean bandage. The seepage is probably not due to the Neosporin, it is probably to the wound still draining.
Keeping your knee/leg straight for 2 weeks will not make it harder to bend once the stitches are out. You will probably bend it some anyway (i.e. sleeping, moving) not intentionally.
