Medical advice needed

[Str8 Jacket]

I had an operation last week to remove a growth from my thyroid. When they stitched me up they used those dissolving stitches for most of it bar a few "real" stitches, there were a couple that were holding in a drain from the wound, they were black and quite large so I could just cut those once the drain was removed. However theres one little white one that still needs to be removed. The doc's said I could cut it of myself or wait for the next appointment but that aint until 10 May. Problem is is that its right up my neck and hard to reach, it also feels quite tight. Anyone that knows me would know that I probably shouldnt try removing it myself cause Im very likely to stap myself. So what I want to know is does anyone know if its alright to leave it in for a few weeks or should I get someone a bit more stable handed to cut it out earlier?

[James Deuce]

Go to the Doctor.

[placidfemme]

Personally I have no idea, but you could try PMing Keystone as she is a nurse and would know...

[Str8 Jacket]

Go to the Doctor.

Do you mean that it'll be OK to wait until my next appointment with the specialist? Cause I aint paying for the stitches to be removed. I have to go and pay $300 for my bike today!!

[Keystone19]

If it's bothering you get someone to whip it out. Problem with non-dissolvable stitches staying in too long is that the skin tends to grow around them and they become increasingly difficult to remove. They also become prone to infection. I'm surprised that the docs said to leave it until May! Perhaps they thought you had an earlier appointment or it is a different type of stitch to the norm...?

Whatever, I'm sure it's done it's job by now and can be taken out safely by someone with a steady hand. Don't forget to cut close to the knot and pull the stitch through the skin by pulling the knot, not by trying to pull the knot through the skin...!

If you're really worried your local practice nurse will do it for you for not much - well they should do it for not much but it would pay to ring and check.

[Str8 Jacket]

If it's bothering you get someone to whip it out. Problem with non-dissolvable stitches staying in too long is that the skin tends to grow around them and they become increasingly difficult to remove. They also become prone to infection. I'm surprised that the docs said to leave it until May! Perhaps they thought you had an earlier appointment or it is a different type of stitch to the norm...?

Whatever, I'm sure it's done it's job by now and can be taken out safely by someone with a steady hand. Don't forget to cut close to the knot and pull the stitch through the skin by pulling the knot, not by trying to pull the knot through the skin...!

Cheers. The Specialist didnt say leave it until May but I had to go see him today and he said that he wanted it to stay in for a few more days and then I could remove it myself. when I got back to work I realised what he had said and realised that I wasnt to keen on doing it myself. Especially after reading the last part of your post. Sounds yucky!

[Keystone19]

Cheers. The Specialist didnt say leave it until May but I had to go see him today and he said that he wanted it to stay in for a few more days and then I could remove it myself. when I got back to work I realised what he had said and realised that I wasnt to keen on doing it myself. Especially after reading the last part of your post. Sounds yucky!

LMAO! It's not as yucky as it sounds. I edited my above post to suggest you see a practice nurse - I suggest the Newtown Union Health Centre - the nurses there know what they are doing and will probably not make you see a doctor if you ring and make an appointment.

[Str8 Jacket]

LMAO! It's not as yucky as it sounds. I edited my above post to suggest you see a practice nurse - I suggest the Newtown Union Health Centre - the nurses there know what they are doing and will probably not make you see a doctor if you ring and make an appointment.

Cheers for that. I shall ring them now, fingers crossed I can get MORE time of work!

EDIT - My workmates wife is a nurse and is gonna take it out for me.

[Keystone19]

EDIT - My workmates wife is a nurse and is gonna take it out for me.

There ya go...perfect...

[Str8 Jacket]

There ya go...perfect...

Yep, sorted Though I do hope he's actually asked her. Can just imagine turning up to their place and her not even knowing.....

[Laava]

Do you mean that it'll be OK to wait until my next appointment with the specialist? Cause I aint paying for the stitches to be removed. I have to go and pay $300 for my bike today!!

Good Girl! Got to have priorities

[Nasty]

Go to the your GPs office and ask a nurse to remove it ... won't cost more than $20 (normally) ... and they may do it for free ..they are used to cutting off stitches and stuff.

[Deano]

I'll be round with the chainsaw soon mate !!

We'll take the whole bloody thing off at the neck, that'll fix ya !!

[Str8 Jacket]

I'll be round with the chainsaw soon mate !!

We'll take the whole bloody thing off at the neck, that'll fix ya !!

LMAO! Can you take the cat with you when ya done please....

[phantom]

When I had my heart op last year somehow the clever bastards did all the stitches from the inside so there was nothing showing on the outside at all. There must still be a miniature seamstress left in there - I knew I could hear voices