Newbie in need of guidance - operations/scars/healing

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magswales

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Hi everyone, I'm new to this support group. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 12 months ago and was told I have background retinopathy. I have really got my sugar levels under control and my recent HBA1C was 5.9. However, I have large ovarian cysts and am due to have an operation. My consultant mentioned to me today that the healing process for my scar may be problematic due to diabetes. Has anyone else had problems with slow healing scar (post op)? I'm assuming that as my sugar levels are under control it shouldn't be a big problem but would be grateful for any guidance. Thanks, Magswales 🙂http://www.diabetessupport.co.uk/boards/images/smilies/smile.gif
 
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magswales said:
Hi everyone, I'm new to this support group. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 12 months ago and was told I have background retinopathy. I have really got my sugar levels under control and my recent HBA1C was 4.9. However, I have large ovarian cysts and am due to have an operation. My consultant mentioned to me today that the healing process for my scar may be problematic due to diabetes. Has anyone else had problems with slow healing scar (post op)? I'm assuming that as my sugar levels are under control it shouldn't be a big problem but would be grateful for any guidance. Thanks, Magswales 🙂http://www.diabetessupport.co.uk/boards/images/smilies/smile.gif
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Hi Mags,
as long as your blood sugars are well controlled there should be no problems at all.
Recovery is quicker the fitter you are 🙂 So make sure you are fit and supple before your op and you will be fine.
Hope all goes well for you.

Oops forgot to add welcome to the forum 🙂
 
just wanted to say Hi and welcome 🙂
 
Welcome to the forum. Sorry I cant help.....I had a cyst removed from my ovaries but it was a long time before I was diagnosed with Diabetes
 
Hiya

Well I was diagnosed in 1972. I was sterilised (keyhole) in the mid 80's and in May 1995 I had a total hysterectomy and bilateral oopherectomy. Which is in the same ballpark LOL

I've always healed just as well as I ever did, which is well. And still do.
 
Hi Mags and welcome to the forum.

Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to wounds taking longer to heal, but if your diabetes is well controlled that shouldn't be an issue.

Saying that any stress can cause your blood sugars to rise as can infection, so be alert for this and if it happens ask for help in rectifying the situation.
 
Thank you

Hi everyone,

Thank you very much for taking time to reply to my post. I really appreciate it. I feel less anxious now! I've only just discovered this group and I'm sure I will be on here lots. Its so much better interacting with others who have real insight into diabetes. Have a great day! Mags
 
Welcome Magswales

Did the surgeon discuss the type of incision? Often cysts are removed through laproscopy / key hole surgery, which means a few very small scars, usually about 1cm long.

Healing depends on avoiding infection, proper wound closure and dressing for everyone, plus good blood glucose control for people with diabetes. Some people are more prone to getting noticeable scars - dark skin is usually the most significant feature, obviously, outside anyone's control. Being overweight / having stretched skin across abdomen also makes scarring a bit more likely. But, no operation should be carried out unless it's necessary. Most surgeons are keen to mention scars, so that, after surgery, a patient can't say they didn't expect them.

Personally, when I faced an arthroscopy on my knee recently, I was determined that my wounds would heal well, which they have. Probably because I'm a nurse / competent person, the specialist nurse offered to give me a few dressings so I could replace mine a few days after surgery, without having to go to practice nurse at GP surgery, and I happily took this option - always being keen to avoid unecessary contact with medics / save pressure on NHS! I also continued to eat a good diet, with good mix of protein, carbohydrate, fats, vitamins, minerals etc.
 
Copepod said:
Welcome Magswales

Did the surgeon discuss the type of incision? Often cysts are removed through laproscopy / key hole surgery, which means a few very small scars, usually about 1cm long.

Healing depends on avoiding infection, proper wound closure and dressing for everyone, plus good blood glucose control for people with diabetes. Some people are more prone to getting noticeable scars - dark skin is usually the most significant feature, obviously, outside anyone's control. Being overweight / having stretched skin across abdomen also makes scarring a bit more likely. But, no operation should be carried out unless it's necessary. Most surgeons are keen to mention scars, so that, after surgery, a patient can't say they didn't expect them.

Personally, when I faced an arthroscopy on my knee recently, I was determined that my wounds would heal well, which they have. Probably because I'm a nurse / competent person, the specialist nurse offered to give me a few dressings so I could replace mine a few days after surgery, without having to go to practice nurse at GP surgery, and I happily took this option - always being keen to avoid unecessary contact with medics / save pressure on NHS! I also continued to eat a good diet, with good mix of protein, carbohydrate, fats, vitamins, minerals etc.
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Hi Copepod,

Thank you for your reply. I am having 'normal' surgery as the cysts are large (11cm, 9.5 and 8cm diameter). I was a little disappointed but consultant advised best option due to cyst size. My diabetes is well controlled. I 'm off to get my HbA1c done tomorrow - fingers crossed! Thanks again, Magswales.
 
Welcomes to the forum Mags 🙂
 
I am a very newbie too, and can't offer much but wanted to say hi and how amazing this forum is 🙂
 
magswales said:
Hi Copepod,

Thank you for your reply. I am having 'normal' surgery as the cysts are large (11cm, 9.5 and 8cm diameter). I was a little disappointed but consultant advised best option due to cyst size. My diabetes is well controlled. I 'm off to get my HbA1c done tomorrow - fingers crossed! Thanks again, Magswales.
Click to expand...

Welcome to the forum magswales 🙂 Hope all goes well with the HbA1c and the surgery when it comes around - fingers crossed for tomorrow! 🙂
 
I have a fair collection of scars from a wide range of operations (including tracheostomy and MRSA infected arterial line), just to say that if you do find yourself with any scarring I cannot reccoment Bio-Oil highly enough, most of my scars are now all but invisable unless you really look for them!

Having said that, as everyone has said if your D is undercontrol it's no9t likely to be a major issue.

Good luck x
 
Hi

Just want to send you best wishes for your op.

My type 2 was picked up on my pre-op tests for surgery (early breast cancer). Buy 1 get 1 free!

I was told at the time it may mean you take a little longer to heal but to be quite honest I healed very well & back at work a week later on my first op & 2 weeks on the second.

Be kind to yourself; with good levels which you have I don't think it should cause any issues.

Perhaps be a little more aware if you start to feel unwell after as being diabetic can make you more prone to infection; & seek help from GP etc sooner rather than later if anything crops up which concerns you.

Regards
Lynne
 
Thanks everyone. I had my HbA1c back and it was 5.7 (down from 5.9 on last test) and my cholesterol down to 3.6, so things are going in the right direction! I really appreciate everyones comments and advice. I don't know anyone who is diabetic (or don't know they have diabetes) so don't have anyone to chat to about it all. Am so glad to have found this forum 🙂
 
Hi Mags,

Just wanted to say a belated welcome! Good luck with the op 🙂
 
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