[Micodiscectomy, Laminectomy & Laser Decompression] Is Post-Op. Itchiness normal?

[Justin]

Hi Susan,

I'm sorry that you are dealing with some post-operative issues. In my layperson's opinion, it sounds like a reaction to the adhesive on the bandaid. I had a similar reaction after my last surgery (I had welts and my skin actually scabbed over, as the adhesive caused a minor chemical burn on my skin). The way you describe your reaction to the bandage is that it is a localized reaction that is not systemic in nature, so it is unlikely that you will have issues with breathing. However, if you start to have any difficulty breathing, please consult a trained physician and go to the Emergency Department to be safe. Also, it might be a good idea to switch to another bandage that does not have the adhesive (removing the adhesive will remove the irritant to your skin).

Good luck and I wish you the very best in your recovery.

[Susan.303]

Thank you PVC and Justin for your input. Thanks to all your responses, I see that these welts are rather common and will most likely go away completely when I can stop wearing Band-Aids. Yes PVC I have stitches, they are supposed to dissolve eventually. They are each covered in tape so I'm not sure how many there are. All I can tell you is that they look like the Panama Canal back there with the stitches connecting the line of my back to my bottom.