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Original poster

Removing wound packing

16 replies

Processedpea · 22/05/2019 12:32

Had a 5cm wound packed on Sunday after a small op. It has been packed twice. The Dr told me to go to get it changed for next 5 days so have three remaining. However the nurses at my go can't see me Nd I've so far waited three hours at walk in. I can't do this for the next few days.

What would be the consequences of asking the nurse to remove the packing and not replace and just let it heal naturally now.

OP posts:
Original poster
Processedpea · 22/05/2019 12:33

Why do they pack wounds ? It's horrible

OP posts:
PintOfBovril · 22/05/2019 12:37

Wound packing is an essential part of ensuring that the wound heals properly, from wound bed (bottom) up. This is called secondary intention healing. If a wound is unpacked too soon it could cause the top layers of tissue to heal together with a cavity underneath. This would usually fill with fluid and can cause a nasty infection. Therefore it's really important to follow the treatment plan fully. You have my sympathy as it's not a nice procedure. If you can't get access to the nurses as frequently as needed you may be able to access an ambulatory care unit nearby or a wound service through the acute Trust. Ask your GP for details of these if those services are available in your area.

LIZS · 22/05/2019 12:42

Is there no outpatient clinic associated with the surgical department or a district nurse?

Greybeardy · 22/05/2019 12:43

Packing helps fluid to drain out & keeps the ‘hole’ open so the wound heals from the inside (rather than just the skin closing up over the top leaving a potential space that can become infected). The only people who can answer your questions are the ones who know what you’ve had done/why/where/how well it’s healing so far & any other medical history.

KellyMarieTunstall2 · 22/05/2019 12:48

Hi
It's essential, I had a wound packed and unpacked and it took 6 weeks to heal and close as it was big. I accessed an evening wound clinic, see if you have one in your area.

Original poster
Processedpea · 22/05/2019 12:54

Can i leave it in one more day ? I can't believe the hassle I'm having getting this sorted

OP posts:
Original poster
Processedpea · 22/05/2019 13:06

District nurses only available weekend . I really don't know what to do. I came here yesterday and got seen quickly at 8am but the told me to come back today at 10 for dressings. The waiting keeps getting longer.

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Original poster
Processedpea · 22/05/2019 13:07

Am meant to be resting at home and recovering Sad

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PinkSubscriber · 22/05/2019 20:28

Can you get a partner to pack it for you? I did this for dh. The nurse showed me how to do it and gave me a bag of tweezers, swabs, gloves etc.
It wasn’t nice but saved us 6 weeks of daily trips to the surgery.

madcatladyforever · 22/05/2019 20:36

Yes I agree get them to show you how to do the dressing.

PencereTencere · 22/05/2019 21:02

I'm so sorry you're going through this - you really do need to have it packed. Do ask the nurse if they can show you how to pack it (providing it's in a position you can pack it).

Do keep checking with your GP's surgery though and be firm about it. You are at risk of infection if the wound isn't cared for appropriately and they should be taking care of you. Last year I had a wound that needed daily packing for over a month and I couldn't do it myself because of the location of it. It was a horrible time and you have my every sympathy.

Original poster
Processedpea · 22/05/2019 21:18

I did get to see the nurse after 4 hours and she thinks i will need this packed for at least a couple of weeks. There was lots of gunk still coming out so I am def going to listen to them. Strange as hospital said it should only be for five days. Getting the appointments are going to be hard though they don't have any though she did find one for me to Friday. Still no joy with my local gp they gave nothing next week at all though I will call daily for cancellations.

Feeling so sorry for myself. Dh won't be able to do it Nd has refused. I wonder if they would let my ds (17) do it? Though that isn't great is it. It's under my arm so impossible for me to do. Thanks for listening to my rambles but I really didn't think it would be so stressy to sort.

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KellyMarieTunstall2 · 23/05/2019 08:05

Aww sorry Op that's disappointing. The nurse taught my husband how to pack and dress mine so we could do it over the Xmas period. He took it very seriously! Your DS should go to an appointment and observe, see if he feel he can do it.

Sparklfairy · 23/05/2019 08:09

Is it that your dh can't or won't do it?

Original poster
Processedpea · 26/05/2019 12:36

he is just scared i think, I managed to get a couple of appointments at the surgery for next week and have been going to community nurses at the weekend.

Can't understand why the surgeon said only five days of packing though, as it's obviously going to be at least a month!

OP posts:
Sparklfairy · 26/05/2019 15:02

It's a joke really! Both the surgeon and your dh!

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