High Risk Period for Infection After Implant

[Campfire]

Got implanted yesterday and feel like I didn't do enough research on trying to prevent an infection.

Wanted to ask, is there a period where the risk is highest after the implant? And what would the period be before you can feel safe about not getting an infection? Three weeks out? Four, five, more, less?

I'm diabetic too.

Also is this risk of infection ever present? Even in the future like years out if I'm negligent in something?

Any questions you guys would recommend me asking the doctor?

[Mr_beard86]

Hi Campfire,

Congratulations on going bionic. While I haven’t gotten an implant yet, I am preparing for one. I am sure the other experienced members on FT will answer your questions.

I wanted to ask, you mentioned, you feel you ‘didn’t do enough research’ to prevent an infection. Since I am too planning to get an implant in the near future, what are the things you could have done better?

Thank you so much. Your reply will help me plan better too.

Regards

[Campfire]

Hi Campfire,

Congratulations on going bionic. While I haven’t gotten an implant yet, I am preparing for one. I am sure the other experienced members on FT will answer your questions.

I wanted to ask, you mentioned, you feel you ‘didn’t do enough research’ to prevent an infection. Since I am too planning to get an implant in the near future, what are the things you could have done better?

Thank you so much. Your reply will help me plan better too.

Regards

Hey Mr Beard thanks.

I was just wondering about how to shower for example? Should I even shower for the first week or two? Or after stitches have been removed/dissolved? I have a beard too lol so I was thinking if I showered and shampooed it and that all went down and washed off on the implant area, does that pose a risk?

Just questions coming into my head as I'm trying to work through this.

[Captain1117]

Hi Campfire,

Congratulations on going bionic. While I haven’t gotten an implant yet, I am preparing for one. I am sure the other experienced members on FT will answer your questions.

I wanted to ask, you mentioned, you feel you ‘didn’t do enough research’ to prevent an infection. Since I am too planning to get an implant in the near future, what are the things you could have done better?

Thank you so much. Your reply will help me plan better too.

Regards

Hey Mr Beard thanks.

I was just wondering about how to shower for example? Should I even shower for the first week or two? Or after stitches have been removed/dissolved? I have a beard too lol so I was thinking if I showered and shampooed it and that all went down and washed off on the implant area, does that pose a risk?

Just questions coming into my head as I'm trying to work through this.

Hello

The best advice will be from your surgeon. Please get a post-op care sheet from him.
Tangerine has a PDF document available..that should answer most of your questions for general understanding. But your surgeon knows best for your situation so I wont deviate from his process.

Generally..baths are a no-no. Showers are considered safe after 2 days.The greatest role is of the antibiotics that have been prescribed. Keeping the incision clean and dry. Always use a clean and bleach washed underwear if possible.

[Jage64]

You should have received post-op instructions from your doctor or attending nurse in regard to their recommendation on how to mitigate infection risk.

I believe doctors have differing protocols that have to do with the location of the incision, the technique used during surgery (was it no touch?) and how the incision was closed up and dressed.

In my case I was directed to use Hibiclens to wash from my abdomen to my thighs a few days prior to surgery. Post surgery I was directed to just use a mild soap and shower normally the 2nd day after surgery and restart my normal routine in regard to showers (for me, that's daily).

I did my best to keep my grubby hands away from the healing incision, I made sure only clean cloths were used around the ice packs I used and generally just tried to be mindful of the healing process. I also completed the prescribed antibiotic regimen I started the day before surgery, which if I recall lasted a couple of weeks.

As far as I know, once you're closed up and it's been 6-8 weeks, the possibility of infection is extremely minimal. At that point, you're a closed system again and the implant did not introduce any infection at the time of implantation.

[Campfire]

You should have received post-op instructions from your doctor or attending nurse in regard to their recommendation on how to mitigate infection risk.

I believe doctors have differing protocols that have to do with the location of the incision, the technique used during surgery (was it no touch?) and how the incision was closed up and dressed.

In my case I was directed to use Hibiclens to wash from my abdomen to my thighs a few days prior to surgery. Post surgery I was directed to just use a mild soap and shower normally the 2nd day after surgery and restart my normal routine in regard to showers (for me, that's daily).

I did my best to keep my grubby hands away from the healing incision, I made sure only clean cloths were used around the ice packs I used and generally just tried to be mindful of the healing process. I also completed the prescribed antibiotic regimen I started the day before surgery, which if I recall lasted a couple of weeks.

As far as I know, once you're closed up and it's been 6-8 weeks, the possibility of infection is extremely minimal. At that point, you're a closed system again and the implant did not introduce any infection at the time of implantation.

Hi Jage, you know I received no post-op instructions as regards mitigating infection. I was just told not to eat beforehand. I feel a bit bad about that now that you mention it, makes sense that maybe they should've said something, especially since I'm diabetic.

[Captain1117]

Please get in touch with your surgeon/his office staff.

[Campfire]

Please get in touch with your surgeon/his office staff.

Oh yes Captain, the Dr is coming to see me this morning so I'm gonna make sure all this is clarified. I haven't been discharged yet, still have catheter and drain in etc.

[Captain1117]

Now it makes sense.

Usually, they will go over you with the entire protocol to follow. Some surgeons also provide cell phone numbers and or email(mine is on email with me) for any questions or concerns.

Trust me..there are no silly questions. They already know the anxiety we are going through and any good surgeon will be patient and empathetic.

Its normal to have "wtf did I do" moments in next week or maybe more.Just follow the surgeon's instructions and keep your mind distracted with whatever works for you..except sex of course.

All the best with your healing.

[frank66665]

Hi Campfire,

Congratulations on going bionic. While I haven’t gotten an implant yet, I am preparing for one. I am sure the other experienced members on FT will answer your questions.

I wanted to ask, you mentioned, you feel you ‘didn’t do enough research’ to prevent an infection. Since I am too planning to get an implant in the near future, what are the things you could have done better?

Thank you so much. Your reply will help me plan better too.

Regards

Hey Mr Beard thanks.

I was just wondering about how to shower for example? Should I even shower for the first week or two? Or after stitches have been removed/dissolved? I have a beard too lol so I was thinking if I showered and shampooed it and that all went down and washed off on the implant area, does that pose a risk?

Just questions coming into my head as I'm trying to work through this.

Hello

The best advice will be from your surgeon. Please get a post-op care sheet from him.
Tangerine has a PDF document available..that should answer most of your questions for general understanding. But your surgeon knows best for your situation so I wont deviate from his process.

Generally..baths are a no-no. Showers are considered safe after 2 days.The greatest role is of the antibiotics that have been prescribed. Keeping the incision clean and dry. Always use a clean and bleach washed underwear if possible.

This is not always the case, each surgeon applies his own methodology, each surgeon places the stitches as he pleases, mine put in the traditional ones, he didn't let me shower for 20 days, he made me shower before removing the stitches with a waterproof plaster, he was terribly afraid of water, it wasn't even necessary to make dressings, what mattered was that the wound was dry, I made 3 superficial dressings in 20 days, when he removed my stitches and looked at the wound he gave me go to the shower but not the bathroom, so don't take anyone's advice, ask your surgeon