Post op excercise

Hi SaraT,

Thank you for getting in touch with us and welcome back to our online community.  My name is Adrienne and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

I’m glad you reached out to us today.  If you had the sensation that the wound had ripped; it is possible that it has opened inside even though the outside may appear closed.  This is called wound dehiscence and can happen internally as well as externally.  This can happen from lifting, coughing, strenuous activity or even just moving a certain way.   

I would definitely suggest you get in touch with your hospital team or breast care nurse so they can assess the wound.  Once they look at it, they may be happy just to monitor it to ensure things heal by themselves.  Or they may offer preventative antibiotics.  In some instances, the surgeon may suggest additional surgery to close the inside of the wound again.  The main thing is that you have the wound assessed as soon as possible.

However, if you notice any signs that the wound may be infected, such as: 

• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Purulent fluid leaking from the wound
• A high temperature/chills/shaking
• Feeling unwell with flu like symptoms,

Then please call NHS 111 this evening or go to the emergency department. 

Please know that you can call the support line to talk this through further.  We are open till 8pm and it gives you the opportunity to ask any questions that may arise.

I hope you find this information helpful SaraT.  Please don’t hesitate to get back in touch with us at any time.

Take care and best wishes,

Adrienne

(Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

Ref:  AMc/DC

Thank you , also I just found out my grand daughter has hand, foot and mouth. Will she still be ok to visit ?

Hi SaraT,

Thanks for getting back in touch.

My name is Fiona and I’m one of Adrienne’s colleagues on the Support Line.

I’m sorry to read that your granddaughter has hand, foot and mouth disease. You may find this information from the NHS useful. It explains how to stop it spreading.

Here on the Support Line we are separate to the NHS, and we don’t have access to your medical information. We would encourage you to speak to your GP or hospital team about what precautions they may want you to take.

I hope this information helps. Please feel free to get back in touch if you want more information or support.

Best wishes,

Fiona P,

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

Ref: FP/HK