Follow-up visit to the surgeon

Yesterday I had my follow-up visit with the surgeon who performed my umbilical hernia surgery (Dr. Brett Guinn). I went after I got off work - it was just down the street from work - and I wasn't there more than 10-15 minutes.

THE RASH
I have this nasty rash that covers the area where the surgery prep antiseptic was applied - my stomach and sides. He said it was obviously from that solution (it was chlor-something, maybe Chlorhexidine gluconate = Chloraprep). He prescribed me an oral steroid for a few days to clear it up (MethylPREDNIsolone 4mg). It itches like crazy! He said this should take care of it pretty quickly. I hope so.

I've had a little trouble getting the prescription filled though. The doctors office submitted it to the Meijer pharmacy yesterday. I tried calling a couple times later on and could never get anyone to talk to me. This morning I stopped at Meijer, and they had no record of it. So I called the doctors office. They had submitted it at 2 pm yesterday. The lady said she would re-submit it right away. I waited awhile and the pharmacy had still not received it. I asked some questions and the person on the phone suggested that if they'd submitted it electronically, maybe they should call. I call the doctors office a THIRD time, and asked if she could call. She was very apologetic and said she would call right away. FINALLY, the pharmacy has it listed as "in process" - some 26 hours after they should have received it. The rash is starting to clear up, but the itch is still almost unbearable. Hopefully by tomorrow and I can start on this medicine.

THE INCISION
The doctor said the incision looked good and I had no restrictions other than not lifting more than 10 pounds for another few weeks (4 weeks from date of surgery). I asked about running and he said it just depended on how it felt. If I felt okay, it was okay to run; if not, then don't.

I also asked about getting the incision wet. He said I could have gotten it wet the day of surgery. He stitches the inside and uses a water-proof glue on the outside, so it was fine. I told him the orders (and the nurse) said I shouldn't get it wet until I had seen the doctor. He said they refuse to change that for some reason, but I was good to go.

So, as long as I can remember to not lift anything over 10 pounds, I guess I'm free to do whatever. It's kind of difficult, actually, because I feel fine now (9 days out) - other than the itch. I've actually had to stop myself a couple times from lifting or moving something.

I really hope this steroid works fast. That's the worst part of the whole ordeal at this point. Ugh! It's driving me crazy!