Re: Staple Removal (To Pam)

[Guest guest]

Hi Pam ---

Boy do I know how you feel!! I just had a vertical incision c-sect

(with a myo) to deliver my twins (and remove a 2 roids). . . and all

through my recovery, all I could think about was getting the damn

staples out. Yes, everyone described it as " light tugging "

and " little pinches " . I wasn't buying it. I had about 24 staples

that were quite irritated by the time I had them removed (11 days

post surgery) -- especially the ones lowest on my abdomen (where you

bend at the waist). Fortunately my DH was able to go with me, and I

got to squeeze his hand for the less than five minutes it took to

get them out.

I can HONESTLY tell you the worry is MUCH WORSE than the actual

experience - it is over before you know it. The doctor will be so

calm (cuz staple removal really is no big deal, except for

us 'fraidy cats), you will be able to relax a bit.

It does pinch. Some pinch more than others. Many I didn't feel at

all. Do you have a tattoo? Silly question, but I have one, and I

likenend the pinch to a quick poke of the tattoo needle --- not

really painful, just really different. It is NOT unbearable, and you

will probably feel a little silly for all the anxiety you built up

before hand! I did.

Now the best part ---- you will feel ONE THOUSAND times better once

they are out!!!!! I assume they will be putting on the littel steri-

strips on in their place -- It is sooooooo much more comfortable!!!

It's easier to wear real people-type clothing (ya know, pants! )

and you don't feel as ensteinish.

You will do great tomorrow, to be sure. I will be thinking pinch-

free thoughts for you at 9am. Recommendations :

1) If you can have a " hand-holder " with you, it does help ebb some

of that worry-wart syndrome you might be feeling.

2) Take some Ibuprofin about a half hour before you go - helps with

the tenderness. May not help with the bruising, I'm not sure.

3) Can you ask your OB about a topical local anesthetic? You may be

billed for it, but if you let you OB know you have experienced pain

in the past from the removal, maybe he/she would be willing to rub

some on before hand.

4) If you don;t think this is a possibility; take you ice pack with

you! Numb yourself up real good before your doc starts, and ask for

a quick re-numbing break if it starts to hurt more than you'd like.

5) Don't forget to breathe - it helps to think about something else

while it's going on; write your grocery list, sing a song, try to

think of adjectives (or torture methods) that start with each letter

of your doctor's name . . .

You have my blessing as President of the " I'm More Worried About

Staple Removal than I am of Major Surgery " club.

Hey, after 9:05 tomorrow, you can be Vice-President!!

We could get Roma to write our theme song . . . ooohh, I digress. . .

All my best to you, It will be over before you know it!!!!!!

> Hi everyone,

>

> I'm very nervous about getting my staples out tomorrow morning. I

> remember the last surgery I had the staple removal was the worst

part

> even though everyone told me it would be nothing. YEAH RIGHT!

>

> Anyone else experience a lot of pain during the removal? Anyone

got

> any tips to help minimize the pain. I go at 9am so hopefully it

will

> be quick and I'll be done before I know, but I'm so scared because

my

> belly/incision is already so tender and sensitive. Tomorrow will

be

> 9 days since my surgery and I think I'm doing great. The staples

are

> very irritating because they burn and itch. I keep and ice pack on

> most of the times I'm sitting and watching TV.

>

> Oh yeah I had a vertical incision with about 22 staples. Anyone

> else's stomach bruise?

>

> Thanks again, all of you have been so wonderful helping me through

> this scary time.

> Pam

[Guest guest]

,

Thank you so much. I'm a big scaredy cat. My hubby will be with me

so I can squeeze the heck out of his hand. Thanks for all the other

options. I'll be up bright and early tomorrow trying all of them. LOL

Thanks for the support.

Pam

I just had a vertical incision c-sect (with a myo) to deliver my twins (and

remove a 2 roids). . . and all through my recovery, all I could think about was

getting the damn staples out.