Incision question - New post-op seeking wisdom from those further along

Hi, folks - I had an open RNY 11/30/04. So far things are great, but I was wondering if anyone has had trouble with their incision opening back up slightly. My guts aren't visible, so not to worry! My incision was closed with dermabond and mostly the incision site is a neat line. But in 2 places it has stretched open slighly. These sites are about 1 to 1 1/2 inches long and are pink with some drainage but do not appear infected. So far I have just been using large bandaids and Neosporin and changing the dressings daily as recommended by my surgeon's RN. I'm just wondering if anyone else has experienced this and how long it took to heal. Thanks - M.Bell

I have not personally had this happen but I thought it was coming close to that after my surgery. But, I have heard that this is normal to have some 'pink drainage' if this happens. As long as it does not appear infected I would not worry. Keep doing what you have been doing and keep dressing clean and dry. I am sure you will get more answers. Lisa 279\210\150

Hi Martha, I'm happy that you are doing well. I went home with an open incision and had to have it packed by home health care nurses twice a day for about 5 weeks. Your little openings sound like they are doing well and after the nurses left I did the same thing you are now doing. All should be well. Just follow the instructions your doctor gave you, and call him/her if there are any changes. Are you using your big elastic band they send you home in. I use mine for 2 months and I haven't had any problems. I had it on night any day for a month and then just during the day. It did help. I don't know if you made a mistake....but all the people on this board are from September surgeries...not November. You may want to log on to Nov. so you can check your progress with them. They will be able to keep you updated on whats going on. I am happy that you came her for information though as this is a great group of people....I do hope to see you again. Merry Christmas, this is truly a Merry Christmas....and a Verrh Happy New year... Rosey

Hi, Rosey - thanks for the reply, it helps. Yes, I did realize that this was the September board. I've logged into the November board also, and got a couple of helpful responses. I just thought that I'd chance getting replies from folks a couple of months further along to see if that would help...and you did! So thanks, and have a very Happy New Year. Blessings - Martha B.

Martha- I had lap RNY 9/21/04 and after one week at home I started leaking and had to wear a stick-on bag over the incision for a week because of the drainage before it all ended I was wearing two bag (two had opend and a third was thinking about it). End result is- they all healed and now I am doing great. Scared the you know what out of me while it was happening though .... Follow your Dr's advise thats what I did and now I am fine..... Good luck- Victoria