staples and sutures.

so, i had my surgery on 11/17/05. they kept me a little longer in the hospital, due to some cardiac complications, but i'm finally home and resting happily with my kitties. only thing - the little places where the staples go into my skin along my incisions? they're red, and a little....gooey, for lack of a better term. are they getting infected? do i need to make some calls? eeeek.

Amy, Could be early infection, or could just be irritation. My body always reacts like that to sutures or staples but as always, if in doubt, call your doctor. And since the weekend is coming up, you may want to do that now & not wait until MOnday. Vickie J.

Welcome to the OTHER side, girl!!! I would say that what you're having is pretty normal..it was major surgery and a bit irration is normal..the "goo" is pus that is coming out to heal. I was leaking is light reddish/yellowish drippy wet substance. Called the office and they just said keep it clean and wash lightly. I would let the water run down and pat it dry and would wear a LARGE bandage but during the day would let it air dry. If it's a little bit of pus just keep it clean however if it leaks alot, or if you notice swelling or anything major - call the surgeon's office right away!! Don't chance. Good luck..just monitor it for now.

RUTH from FFWOM???? It's Justina!!! Have you been posting here long??? I disappear for months at a time, and when I come back, there are all new people! Laughing a little bit! HI!!!!!

It is natural healing process. Your body will send liquid to lubricate and help wounds heal. If the area becomes inflamed, red, hot or the liquid becomes thicker than clear at any time, like ***** then you need to call the doctor for further information. Keep an eye on it, but don't get too concerned. Like Ruth said above, the best thing you can do is expose it to aira s much as possible, keep it clean and dry! Happy healing!

Glad you are home and your heart is OK. I'm happy your surgeon didn't take any cahnces and released you too early. Your "wounds" sound pretty normal to me. Once my staples were taken out, they dried up and flaked away, but were a bit itchy a few days. If it starts oozing a lot or gross green stuff, call your doctor. Such pleasant conversation...

hi, everyone! thanks for all of your input. i watched the little wounds for a couple of days, and they seem just fine - crusting over nicely, as they should be. i called and spoke to a nurse at the insurance hotline (i love that about my insurance.) who suggested a little neosporin overnight, just to be sure and kill any nasties that MIGHT be there, and it seems to have worked well. i bought a scale the day i got home from the hospital - we're one week and three days out, and twenty pounds lighter. i never thought i'd want to cry tears of JOY looking at a scale, but there you have it - i did. i know it's just the beginning, and i know i have miles to go, but how amazing, and encouraging.... thanks again for all of your help. you definitely managed to calm my fears, and i feel twenty million times better. amy 427/405

If only you could continue to lose 20 lbs. every 10 days!!!! You'd be at goal in NO time at all. Congratulations and remember to be careful with that scale. You're crying tears of joy today but throwing it out the window in disgust tomorrow!!! Jan