Open Wound

[BrynCP]

I had a minor operation (incision and drain) four weeks ago which results in an open wound. This was on my back.

I have been advised to not cycle as the wound is still open and the moisture caused by sweating could cause reinfection.

Does anybody have experience of this and at what point during the healing process it's safe to cycle again?

I want to go but not risk my recovery! I've had I&Ds before, but before I was cycling, and they've taken 2.5 months to heal entirely.

 

[vickster]

Do as the medics advise. How big is the incision?

 

[midlife]

Infected sebaceous cyst?

Have a word with the Nurse Consultant next time it is dressed when you can start.

Shaun

 

[RedRider]

Pure anecdote but I had a " classic" boil on my breast incised and drained last year. It was in an easy position for me to clean and dress on a daily basis myself and to keep an eye on. I continued cycling, even riding back from the hossy after the op. though cut back on longer rides. Not saying I was sensible but I did get away with it.

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

http://www.advancedtissue.com/can-exercise-accelerate-wound-healing/

 

[vickster]

http://www.advancedtissue.com/can-exercise-accelerate-wound-healing/

Or cause infection as the OP's HCP has warned

 

[jefmcg]

Pure anecdote but I had a " classic" boil on my breast incised and drained last year. It was in an easy position for me to clean and dress on a daily basis myself and to keep an eye on. I continued cycling, even riding back from the hossy after the op. though cut back on longer rides. Not saying I was sensible but I did get away with it.

This seems OK. If the problem is sweat, then don't exert yourself. If you work at about the same pace as brisk walking, you shouldn't have sweat running down your back.

Of course, individual results may vary. I went riding with someone in about 5 degrees, and he was dripping sweat onto the road - it was a 200km ride, he was fit, just sweaty. He probably shouldn't ride at all under these circumstances.

OP, listen to your doctors. This is really one that no one can help you with. If you aren't sure and you have been discharged from the hospital, make an appointment with a doctor or nurse at your GP. They'll give you correct advice based on your wound.

 

[BrynCP]

Thanks All.

I did ask the nurse, it's 2 weeks every time I ask

I am obeying their advice, there is no question about that, just wondered if anybody had a better estimate.

 

[vickster]

Somewhere between 2 weeks and 2.5 months from what you've said

 

[mjr]

Infected sebaceous cyst?

Have a word with the Nurse Consultant next time it is dressed when you can start.

It never occurred to me not to cycle with one. I rode to the surgery for them to examine and they dressed it and prescribed stuff. They didn't mention not cycling either Distances around here are too far to walk, buses aren't frequent and the roads are congested

Oh and it healed up nicely. By the time they were going to operate, they couldn't find it!

 

[mjr]

This seems OK. If the problem is sweat, then don't exert yourself. If you work at about the same pace as brisk walking, you shouldn't have sweat running down your back.

This is a very good point. I've caused a few problems pushing too hard immediately after minor procedures. Allow plenty of time and pedal softly. Do not give yourself a tight schedule that doesn't allow for headwinds and the like. A few extra minutes each ride now is worth avoiding extra treatment.

 

[vickster]

It never occurred to me not to cycle with one. I rode to the surgery for them to examine and they dressed it and prescribed stuff. They didn't mention not cycling either Distances around here are too far to walk, buses aren't frequent and the roads are congested

Oh and it healed up nicely. By the time they were going to operate, they couldn't find it!

Except the OP has had the operation and has an exposed wound so not the same is it

 

[mjr]

Except the OP has had the operation and has an exposed wound so not the same is it

That reply wasn't in reply to the OP, was it? But mine have burst which I'd expect to be even worse tbh.

 

[jefmcg]

That reply wasn't in reply to the OP, was it? But mine have burst which I'd expect to be even worse tbh.

but (warning: i have already proven to be a medical ignoramus today), surely it depends on your dressing as much as your wound. An open wound that is exposed to the air would need much more circumspection than wound covered with a waterproof dressing (even if the wound under the dressing was much worse).

But in these circumstances everyone should take the advice of the person applying the dressing. Which everyone has done

@BrynCP , go for a walk. I did that quite a few times when I broke my clavicle. It was quite a pleasure, and a change of pace.

 

[midlife]

The wound most likely will be covered by a film / gel dressing and not open to the air. Whilst sweat itself is sterile it carries skin bugs with it and best kept away from any sort of wound.

Shaun