If you've had surgery or are a nurse come in

[LaceyV]

I had a emergency surgery Wednesday to have my appendix taken out. I got the care directions and it said not to remove the steristrips over my wounds and to let them fall off. When I had my gallbladder out I had the same instructions so no big deal. But when I went to change my bandages a few minutes ago I discovered that they used staples instead. I have no idea how to take care of it with staples. And the surgeons office is closed on Fridays so I can't ask them.

If you had staples put in after surgery did you use neosporian or anything? Did the staples leave a scar? I feel like my incisions hurt more this time then with my gallbladder but I don't know if that's from the staples or because I'm pregnant and everything already hurts.

[LaceyV]

PS sorry if any of that didn't make sense. I just took Percocet so I'm a little out of it

[cuddlyevil]

When I had my c-section, they removed the staples before I was discharged.

There should be a number for the resident or attending on call (like an after hours number), you should call them. If there is no number, get the number for the operator at the hospital and call them--they will point you in the right direction.

[moonfrogx]

I had 27 staples in my knee after a surgery - I didn't do anything special for them, just cleaned the incision as instructed. My staples were removed a week later. They left tiny little scars where they were in my leg, but I think if there were only a few you'd never even notice.

[audry80]

I had staples for three weeks after my surgery. Do not put anything on it, keep it as dry as possible. I was able to take a shower but not a bath, they don't want you soaking the staples. I started using vitamin E as soon as the staples were removed.

I have scars from the staples. Little dots but they are fading away.

[usuallylurking]

The staples for my c-sections were removed within a week. Probably around 5 days? I can't see any scarring from my staples, only the scar from my incisions. No extra care - no neosporin or anything. Just kept them covered with a big pad so they didn't get caught on anything.

[lilybug]

You don't have to do anything special for staples, just keep them clean and dry (except showering.) I am surprised they didn't have you make an appt to get them removed, and more surprised that they didn't make it clear to you what they used to close the incisions. I would call asap.

My c-section staples didn't leave a scar at all, just the main incision scar. It probably hurts a little worse this time because your skin is stretched from being pregnant.

[LaceyV]

They said I'd have a follow up appointment in ten days but said nothing about removing the staples or anything. I just read the instructions they sent home and it said nothing about staples so when I saw them I was confused. I called and left a message for someone to call me back.

[natsnow]

typically: clean and dry for 24 hours, after that it's ok to rinse with soap and water once/day, but not soak (no bath). You probably don't need any neosporin at this point. They should come out about a week from your surgery. disclaimer: i typically work with traumatic wounds, not surgical incisions

[Deleted]

How did they not mention this to you? Staples have to come out sooner than sutures, I'm glad you have a call in.

[Deleted]

I'd be pretty pissed about this. Sending you home with the wrong discharge instructions is not okay. I agree that I'd call the on call person and insist that someone give you instructions on how to care for this.

[hopecounts]

I had my c/s staple removed at a week post delivery.
I machine they'll remove them at your 10 day appointment but I wouldn't hesitate to call the office and confirm.