Wound opening, losing it
Hi guys, I’ve been reading through this group and everyone’s stories have brought me so much hope. I’m really struggling mentally at the moment and just seeking some advice, perspectives, and stories from anyone who’s had a personal experience.
I’m almost 3 WPO. I was bandaged until the 1 week mark, and when removing the bandage my left nipple looks deep purple, almost black at some parts. I was so scared it was necrotic, but my surgeon reassured me that it was just badly bruised. I used NitroBid ointment on it for a week and the color improved, but then it started to look super scary around the 2 week mark. Basically have what looks like a 1/2 inch opening alongside my left nipple that goes down to the stitches underneath (kind of nervous to post a pic here, but basically it looks terrifying to me, although it doesn’t hurt, thank god). There is also some tissue or skin poking up out of the sutures, which I haven’t seen anyone else discuss, which also scares the shit out of me.
I sent pictures to my surgeon. He said to stop using the NitroBid and use an antibiotic ointment (silver) twice daily, wash it, bandage, etc. He says this is okay and it’s healing from the inside out. I’m worried the opening is getting larger but it’s hard to tell. It just feels deeply not okay.
I’m struggling because my boobs have been such a source of insecurity for so many years, and I love the size now but just feel so sad that I can’t celebrate or feel joy/relief about this surgery because looking at it without the surgical bra, taking showers is so scary. I can’t stop crying about it, dealing with a lot of medical anxiety and obsessive googling, checking pictures.
Would love to hear some stories of people who have gone through this and come out the other side because it feels like it keeps getting worse and worse.