Question I am going to try to make this short. I had a lump next to my shin for a few years now. My doctor was concerned that this may be a cyst so she ordered me to see the surgeon. The surgeon agreed and wanted to remove the cyst. After surgery I was told that it was a hernia. (The fascia was ripped and the muscle was bulging). So, they stitched the fascia back together. A week later I noticed edema and redness. I went back to the surgeon and was tested positive for staph infection with cellulitis. He prescribed me cipro. A few days pasted and went to see my family doctor and she took me off the cipro and put me on Keflex. The following Sunday the incision split open and started draining. Being alarmed I went to the ER where they tried to push the infection out. I returned to the surgeon's office the next day, per his request. Where he said that it would heal and just from the inside out. I was appauled. A week later I went back to my doctor's office because the stitches were coming out. She was shocked because the incision was gauging. She sent me to the Infectious Disease doctor's immediately. There he put me on Bactrim and also Flagyl. Seemed I developed an infection from the previous antibiotics. Now, I have been seeing him for the past 3 weeks or better. And every time he takes measurements. He measures the length width and also the depth. I just went to his office last Tuesday where he told me that it had gotten deeper (by a 1/2 inch). However the incision itself was getting smaller. I asked him why and he said that he must not have been measuring it correctly. Mind you that I still have drainage (greenish-yellow). I am in persistant pain (the pain meds DO NOT HELP). And that I have been cleaning it as instructed and also dry packing the wound. I also have been elevating my leg and have been taking Neurotin (I am done with the antibiotics) with my pain meds as prescribed by the ID doctor. I cannot bare the pain anymore. (I was eyeing up the cahinsaw last night :(!) Not that I would do anything, but it is making me miserable. It is hot to touch and is often red and my skin looks shinny. Also, my first incounter at the Infectious Disease office I was told a wound as I had will heal from the inside out. Howvere it is getting deeper and healing the opposite way. Does anyone have suggestions? I am worried and cannot take the pain anymore.
Answer Dear Janice,
It is unfortunate that you are suffering like this. I do have suggestions for you. I would get an opinion of the best Vascular Surgeon I could find, where do you live in this big world of ours???
In the USA there are doctors that are Board Certified and belong to the American Medical Association, the American Venous Forum, and the Society of Vascular Surgery. The American College of Surgeons as well as the American College of Phlebology.
These doctors are the best qualified to help you. At a minimum they should be able to point you in the right direction.
This is a starting point and I believe it is a much better choice for you right now. I again feel badly for you and all the pain you are in but you can get through this...
Contact me again if you have any further questions or concerns,
