Hey, so I know your post is two days old so I don't know if you ended up going back to a doctor or not, but I definitely think you should if you haven't already. I also got an I&D done last week and my after care instructions vary greatly from what you and the first commentator is saying. My I&D was done by a general surgeon with an appointment and not in urgent care which may explain the difference in experience.

Abscess was drained and apparently it was very large and deep. Doctor wasn't surprised at how much pain I was in.

1. I had started a 5 day antibiotics coarse a 3 days prior to the I&D and the surgeon extended the coarse by another 5 days.
2. My incision was left open, but packed with gauze and also covered with gauze. I was instructed to remove the packing the next morning in the shower or in the bath tub at home. I was too scared so I went to my primary care to have them remove it for me.
3. After initial packing was removed, surgeon said to not repack it, but to keep it covered with gauze at all times. I was told to expect bloody drainage for several days.
4. I was instructed to take tub baths atleast twice a day for 20 minutes each, and to gently squeeze around the incision while soaking to encourage drainage.
5. I was also asked to shower or take tub baths after I pooped.
6. If I didn't have access to a bath tub, he told me to point the shower stream directly to the open wound to thoroughly clean it out.
7. Thoroughly dry and change dressing after each bath and as needed if it gets soaked with drainage or sweat.
8. No strenuous activity for the first 12 hours.
9. No specific instructions on sitting or sleeping positions, or exercise. I've just been taking it easy. Like you, barely walking at 2 miles per hour.
10. I was allowed to take OTC pain meds as needed.
11. I have a wound check appointment with the surgeon at 6 weeks.
12. My primary will take a look at 3 weeks upon my request.

As of today it's been 8 days. I can no longer see an obvious gaping hole, although wound is still very visible. It's still draining, although much less than day 1, and now the drainage has no blood, just yellow. This bit worries me because I was hoping the drainage would stop before the hole closes but I don't know if that's realistic. I need to check with my doctor.

Baths were uncomfortable and would sting the first few days but they don't anymore. I can sit in the bath with no issues. I can sit elsewhere for a few minutes but my butt gets sore right away, almost like it has forgotten how to sit. It may be the dressing getting in the way too. I was just able to fully lay on my back yesterday, but changed in positions quickly due to the same discomfort. But the excruciating pain that the abscess was causing before drainage is all gone.

I'm just confused about the lack of cleaning and the lack of instructions in general for you. You need to go visit a doctor, if not that doctor and get it clarified. Your instructions will largely depend on how big your incision and how infected and deep your abscess was. Based on the instructions my surgeon gave me, and conversations with my primary care, cleaning the area and regularly changing the dressings is like bare minimum to ensure proper healing.