SI Question - Skin graft

ems · 23-06-2008, 07:01 PM

Hi, not sure where to put this... but basically i have to go to frenchay tomorrow morning, as i have a 3rd degree to my arm. They said they'll probably have to do a skin graft. Anyone had one/ know what its like/what happens? is it a local or general anaesthetic? ::scared::

Starz* · 23-06-2008, 10:06 PM

i would imagine it depends of the size but when ive seen it on tv its been under and general and involved a piece of very very thin skin being 'shaved' from a healthy area(thigh for example) and placed over the wound, where it will heal over.

D-liscious · 24-06-2008, 09:51 AM

hey,

i agree with starz* it will probably be a general anaesthetic as the procedure usually envolves 2 areas of skin a healthy area the 'graft' and the damaged are of skin,

we can only speculate on what will happen the best thing to do is tell the nurses your fears and concerns, and dont worry they deal with this everyday, your not the only one who has had to go through this for the first time, and hopefully they will be able to explain exactly what you should expect, before during and after the procedure

hope this helps
and i hope you get better quickly
*hugs*
Debbie

blondiebear · 24-06-2008, 02:50 PM

Wishing you a speedy and complete recovery.

Foxtrot Oscar · 24-06-2008, 06:27 PM

I have had skin grafts for burns on my legs. I had to have a general anaesthetic but was well looked after and the procedure went fine and as planned. I was treated at Odstock (Salisbury) but know that Fenchay (Bristol right?) has a very good reputation for the treatment of burns. My Dad was treated there as a child.

Feel free to PM me if you'd like to know anymore.

I would echo what Debbie said, talk to the team and make sure you are fully informed of the procedure, ask questions, seek reassurance if necessary etc.

Let us know how you get on.

Stefanie · 24-06-2008, 06:50 PM

I've had a graft to my lower leg, also at Frenchay - sorry to be the bearer of bad news but it hurt like hell.

It is under general anaesthetic and I was kept in for 3 days afterwards, on total bed rest to allow the area to heal, although this may be different for a burn on your arm.

The donor site (the area the graft is taken from) was from my thigh, which was actually far more painful than the actual wound, which barely hurt at all due to it being 3rd degree and mainly dead tissue.

I was off work for about a month and on lots of codeine and tramadol for the pain. This was actually what made me want to stop self harming - a real wake up call as to what I was doing to myself.

On the plus side, Frenchay are the specialists for the south west for burns and plastic surgery and the treatment I received there was exemplary. Good luck Emma. xxxx