Question:
OK, I am post-op(1/17/02), I had a wound infection and I have two holes in my incision

that are draining some nausty smelling fluid. My surgeon(Dr. Leitman) says the smell is normal. Today when I came home from work and changed the bandages there was a big glob of mucus type discharge(dark grey in color) that was so big I don't know how it fit through the little hole. I don't have a fever and otherwise feel OK. I was wondering if this has happened to anybody else? It also smelled really bad, the doctor (I paged him) said it is nothing to worry about but I am still concerned. Thanks!    — Marie D. (posted on June 3, 2002)

June 3, 2002
Well I think you should go to another dr. I have heard of this before and i think you have a septis (spelling??). Everyone that I heard of has had to have it drained and it was something the doctor took seriously. Please take care.
   — Jenna M.

June 3, 2002
I had my open revision to RNY May 20th. On Sunday, June 2nd, I awoke to find my drainage hole was distended. It broke, and I oozed a foul-smelling ooze. My doctor said to hang tight with warm compresses and keep my eye on my temperature. A few hours later, I was throwing up. Be the time I got to the ER -- 102 Fever! I am still here, hooked up to a grand assortment of antibiotics. They still don't have a diagonosis that they are sharing. Judging from the rotation of all the different kinds of antibiotics, I think they are just playing hit or miss. I went to a support group tonight and some of the people there said they oozed for three months. Add a fever to this symptom though, and it takes a new life. Good luck and God Bless!
   — Karen F.

June 4, 2002
I had a wound infection where the G-tube was. When I was 3 months post-op, the doctor had to open it up again (about an inch) and cleaned it out. It finally healed when I was about 4.5 to 5 months post-op. Make sure you are cleaning out your wound with hydrogen peroxide at least 3 times a day. If you do get a fever, see a doctor right away. When you have a wound infection, it does smell really bad. Cleaning it out often helps. Good luck!
   — Becky H.