Need help ASAP!!

I just got my JP tube out today. I came home and took a nap and when I got up nasty smelly yucky stuff started pouring from my open incision that the dr. only put a guaze pad on. It is also a tiny bit red around the edges. As a note: When I had my c-section I had to have my belly stuffed with guaze for a month because it developed an infection. My mom says Dr. should have closed up the wound. Please let me know what you guys think. I am going to call the dr. in the morning but I'm afraid he will just shruge me off and I will develop an infection that I could die from. Jennifer

Are you talking about just the incision from the JP drain? If so, I've had them several times and have never had them 'closed' after the tubing was pulled; they've just healed on their own. If however, you had drainage and it appears red/inflamed, it's possible you have an infection. Were you not placed on antibiotics for any given period of time? And don't fear being shrugged off by your doc. From what I've read on the boards, he's pretty well liked. Breathe deep, relax, and call in the AM

Yes just the incision from the drain site. I was not put on any antibiotics either. Yes Dr. Byrne is the best so that is why I chose him, but he is a very busy man and I guess like the people say his bedside manners do lack a little bit.

I'VE NEVER HAD DR BYRNE'S BLOW ME OFF FOR ANYTHING ... &, I'M A VERY DEMANDING PATIENT. I WANT ANSWERS TO EVERYTHING, SO IF HE CAN PUT UP WITH ME, HE'LL TAKE CARE OF YOU! ACTUALLY, IF YOU JOKE & BANTER BACK & FORTH WITH HIM, HE IS FUNNY AS CAN BE & VERY PERSONABLE. I LOVE HIS BEDSIDE MANNER. DEFINITELY CALL TOMORROW ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE STILL HAVING A DISCHARGE FROM YOUR OPENING, OR IF IT IS STILL RED OR TOUCHY ... OR, IF YOU MIGHT HAVE A FEVER ... NO, THEY DIDN'T CLOSE MY DRAIN OPENING; IT HEALED ON IT'S OWN ... BUT, IF YOU'D LIKE, E-MAIL HIM AS WELL ... HE HAS ANSWERED ALL MY E-MAILS WITHIN 24 HOURS, USUALLY MUCH LESS ... [email protected] HOPE ALL TURNS OUT A-OK ... GOD BLESS YOU ... DAWN & NICk

No, you do not want to close up your wound. You want the stuff to come out, that is what it is supposed to do. Red around the edges is fine, and it might even get a little bigger and warm to the touch. If it has red streaky areas and then you spike a fever over 100.6, then call the doc. You are fine, mine did it too. If you are really worried, call and ask, but let it drain out!! Just put a 3x3 square on it and some tape and don't make it too tight. Just enough. no bacitracin yet either. Keep it dry and covered, but not tightly covered. Deb

It was great meeting you at the Christmas party the other day. That said, I am sorry you have such a time with Dr. B. I found him wonderful and willing to answer all, like Dawn said. With respect to the drain, I asked if they were going to close it and they said no. So, I did not have mine closed. I did have alot of draining but not that yucky stuff you are talking about. My advice... CALL THEM. This morning if you have not already when you get this. I wish you luck and keep us posted. Julie

No, they don't close up the drain site, it's left open to continue draining and will heal on is own. Mine drained for about 3 weeks after it was removed and yes it was what I call yucky. Thick yellowish, blood tinged, and smelled funky. I was assured it wasn't infected, even though it was red and 6 weeks post-op is still red and still sore. I wouldn't worry unless you start running a fever,and if that happens then call the Doctor. Good luck with everything! Take care! Mary