Infection after hand surgery for squamous cell cancer

Posted by lisamae @lisamae, Jul 28, 2023

I had surgery on Monday July 16 2023 reason was squamous cancer with the Mohl surgery hand started swelling and hurting when to the doctor on the next Monday did a swab to find out what kind of infection I had. it came back as the following: Hand culture: Heavy Slaphylococcus Aureus, Moderate normal skin flora, Gram Stain: Heavy Gram Postive Cocci, Rare Polymorphonudear cells , they put me on Doxycyline Htc 100mg 2 times a day plus some antibiotic cream for the wound. They said I have Staph does anyone have any information they would share I am really concerned and scared.

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@lisamae You are doing everything exactly right at this point - seeking treatment right away and getting on antibiotics was a good move. I am sure they cultured it to be sure what they were dealing with, and the fact that they put you on doxycycline is encouraging.
Did they caution you to stay out of the sun or cover up while on the doxycycline? It can make you very photosensitive and cause a reaction.
Now that you have been on the antibiotics for a few days, is the wound looking better? Is there a followup appointment scheduled?
Sue

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@lisamae I also had squamous skin cancer surgery on my right hand not too long ago. It was a challenge to keep it clean and covered [site was on top of my knuckle]. My PD nurse reminds me that our skin carries staph cells all the time, and our bodies will fight against it, but an open wound like the surgery site is an invitation for those bad guys!

Glad to hear you took a proactive approach and got it checked out. Like @sueinmn mentioned, are you feeling better?
Ginger

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surgery site is angry red knuckles and hand still swollen sum this is the 5th day for antibiotics follow up appointment this Wednesday

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Take care of yourself.

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I am very scared don't know what to look for if I have sepsis

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You are on the right treatment for Staph so sepsis is very unlikely.
Since most Mohs is conducted outside the hospital rare germs are much less likely to occur. Many offices will tell you to come over for a wound check
if you are concerned. Call the office and see when you may come in sooner.

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@seniormed

You are on the right treatment for Staph so sepsis is very unlikely.
Since most Mohs is conducted outside the hospital rare germs are much less likely to occur. Many offices will tell you to come over for a wound check
if you are concerned. Call the office and see when you may come in sooner.

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ok thanks I'm worried

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@lisamae

ok thanks I'm worried

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Stitches on hand r out now I see clear liquid oozing out is this normal?

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@lisamae

Stitches on hand r out now I see clear liquid oozing out is this normal?

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Clear liquid usually is just an indication of healing. Normally, infectious discharge is cloudy - may be yellowish or greenish - may also have an odor. If I remember correctly you see the doctor or a PA tomorrow for a recheck? They should be able to confirm whether you are okay, and explain exactly what to watch for going forward. Staph is in the air, on surfaces, etc. Be really careful to protect the opening when you are doing things, or out-and-about, to prevent reinfection. I have not had recent surgery, but I have very fragile skin, so I treat every cut and scrape on my hands and forearms carefully. And as ever diligent handwashing & keeping surfaces clean is a important.
Will you let us know what you learn tomorrow?
Sue

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Will give update but Thurs is my appt

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