7 days post op

I have a question. My mom had the surgery 7 days ago. And this is her 2nd full day back home from the hospital. And this morning she was changing gauze over incision and she noticed a little blood at the bottom of the incision. Is that normal? When she was at the hosptial we didn't see any blood there. She said it was very little but Im still a little scared. Also the pain medicine. It doesn't seem to work as long at should. Is that normal too. One hour after taking it some times she in pain. Is that normal? We wait till the recommend time before she takes it again, but I hate seeing her in pain. Are these grounds to call the Dr.? ps. Lorraine N. Thank you for this website! Hope you're are doing well after your surgery. Thank you for your encouraging words.

Hi, I am about 2.5 weeks post op and have the same problem. It started shortly after I came home and is still draining. I called my Dr. and also posted about this, and it seems to be a very common thing. Just keep it clean and change the dressings when we****ch for redness around the incision and if it is very warm to the touch. I freaked out at first. That's why my husband called the Dr.. He said not to worry. But we are all different. You may feel better calling her surgeon and just checking in about it. As far as the pain meds go, I don't think any of them last the full time they state. I would ask if you can take tylenol to supplement. Congrats to your Mom for having great courage. And good for you for taking care of her! Good luck! Peg G.

I wouldn't worry about a little blood, but I would call about the pain. There is no reason to hesitate to call the surgeon if you have a concern. There is no reason for her to remain in pain, they should be able to give her something else that'll work better. It's good that she has you taking such good care of her. Good Luck!

The key to pain medicine is to stay on it. Even if she is not in pain she should take it when the time comes. It is all about getting ahead of it. The drainage is normal. I assume she is a little more active at home than when she was in the hospital. Any more than a few drops or a small circle I would call about but other than that I wouldn't worry.

Hi Sweetie: Tell your mom hello for me. First let me say that when the body starts to fully function, the pain is a little different. She shouldn't be extremely uncomfortable while taking the pain meds Dr. Randall ordered as they are the same as what we were getting prior to leaving the hospital. Some of the pain could be caused by gas that is trapped and moving around more will release it and help with the pain. I know the more I get up and down I hurt more because I'm using muscles that are recovering and it'll take some time. But if the pain is that intense, you will need to call Dr. Randall. Don't ever be afraid to call him as he needs to know what's going on with us. A little blood is very normal because your mom is now more active and there is suppose to be some drainage while healing. If it's alot, again call Dr. Randall. It was a blessing to have your mom and I in the same room. I do hope she gets to feeling better soon. Hugs, Lorraine