Dissolvable stitches - Can I have a bath?

[CrocodileDundee]

Had a laparoscopy almost 2 weeks ago, have 3 stitched wounds (bigger one over and down from my belly button) smaller ones at each side. All 3 have dissolvable stitches. The 2 smaller ones are almost healed all that really can be seem are the stitches (which don't seem to be dissolving!!)

I was told in hospital to have a shower daily to help them dissolve at a good rate, which I have been doing, but was wondering if I could now have a bath? Anyone know? I'm assuming it would now be fine and to be honest I would quite like to speed up the dissolving process, although my belly button wound still looks quite angry.

PS is dissolvable the correct word...my spell checker doesn't seem happy with it??

I think as long as the wounds look like they have healed well, I.e no ooze or redness or heat, then you should be fine for a bath now. If you are unsure make an appt to see the nurse at yr doctors surgery just to check its ok.
Hth

Sorry, have just read again and you say your belly button looks a bit manky. As long as its healed over the bath should be fine, but don't put any perfumed bath stuff in. Also if you are worried get it checked by yr doctor or the nurse at the surgery.

I think you should be fine. My DS currently has dissolvable stitches and we have been told to bath him every other day. Don't put stuff in the bath tho - we were told conditioner hinders the stitches dissolving

Thanks both, there is no oozing or heat coming from any of the wounds, I think the issue with the belly button is that it starts from so deep in, I am not sure if it is being cleaned properly in the shower, although I do try to splash water into it.

I'll not add anything at all to the water and give it a go tonight, don't imagine it will do any harm then, especially as your DS was told every second day, Strawberry. I hope he is ok

I had dissolvable stitches following an episiotomy and was told by midwives and doctor to have baths to help them dissolve. Midwives suggested putting teatree oil in the bath. Also heard putting salt in the bath helps but I asked the doctor about that and he wasn't really bothered either way.

I had a laparoscopy recently and some of the stitches just didn't dissolve. My kind nurse friend took them out for me in the end. A bath should be fine now tho I reckon.

Actually Sozzle, you have just reminded me that I was also told to have baths following an episiotomy, I had forgotten about that, as it seems so long ago now!

Marian, that is interesting as I feel like mine just aren't dissolving, although I am not sure how long it is supposed to take, but at the sides it all looks practically healed apart from the stitches sticking out. Can I ask how long you waited before getting your friend to remove them? Wishes I had a kind nurse friend

Ooh, can't remember exactly-it was a while. Over a month, I think. A couple had gone a bit crispy and were irritating (bleurgh!)

I was scared to do it myself in case my insides unravelled

Haha I can understand that!

The bath was great, just what I was needing, my belly button was really nippy while I was in it, but today it looks less angry, so it's all good.

If my stitches are still around in a week or so, I might get an appointment with the practice nurse, although I have traumatised her in the past with removing stitches from my hand and left her a sweating mess, so I am sure she will be delighted to see me!