Question:
I'm 13 days post op open rny

I have about 32 staples and I just noticed that a few at the bottom are showing some yellowish, green yuck coming out of the staple holes, (not the insicion). I have an appt this thursday to have them taken out. Do you think it's ok to wait? Thanks for your thoughts! Hugs!! Oh I did put some hydrogen peroxide on them.    — luckyflowers (posted on July 6, 2003)

July 6, 2003
hello. I would call your dr in the morning and explain what is coming out. Is the staple line red and puffy? I wanted to let you know though that you shouldnt use peroxide on your wounds. the peroxide actually kills the healing cells that are around the incision. I know it sounds crazy, I am in school for nursing and respiratory care and that was one of the things we have been taught. you should only use soap and water on it.
   — harleigh2002

July 6, 2003
Yellow/green cloudy discharge from any wound is a sign of infection. I would call your Doc first thing in the am. If the drainage becomes more (soaking through a bandage) or if you develope a temp, I would call the on call Doc and ask his advice rather than wait.
   — adeas

July 6, 2003
Wow...13 days post op and you still have the staples. My doctor took mine out the day he released me from the hospital (day 4). He did put some butterfly bandages on the incision. I know all doctors do things differently. I would let the doctor know you are experiencing the discharge. Just to be on the safe side. My doc did tell me there COULD be some seepage from the incision. He said if it became red and inflamed and hot, to notify him. Fortunately, I didn't experience any of this. Do check in with your doc. Open RNY 10/30/02 down 170 lbs.
   — Ginger M.

July 6, 2003
It doesn't hurt to call. I had a lap, and my staples were removed on day 6. I was practically all healed by day 13. But, when I had my c-sections, I had the staples about as long as you. It you get a fever, I'd go to the ER. It doesn't hurt to be on the safe side.
   — Diana L.

July 6, 2003
I had mine in almost 3 and a half weeks. The doc didn't have any openings available to get me in sooner. The oozing you are seeing is normal, however if the area it is comming from is very red, puffy, and sore to the touch, or if you see red streaks radiating out from the site, you may have the beginings of an infection. Wash the area gently with warm water and use a gental antibacterial soap, then gently coat the area with a&d ointment. (That's what my doc suggested). You can use neosporin, however it can make the site "fragile" and cause it to kilo. That's what my doc told me. If it dosen't go away, or if gets worse, contact your doc. He/she may have you go on a round of antiobotics, or give/suggest a topical cream until you can get in to get them out. Good luck, and God bless!! Out 10 weeks, down 45 lbs
   — mellyhudel

July 6, 2003
Sounds like what I had when I had my first c-section and it was infected. Don't wait, call! Also my staples for the RNY came out exactly 14 days postop - no oozing or green yuck :>) Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 7, 2003
hi, yes the hydrogen peroxide is good, and if you have mositer around there area use your blow dryer to help keep the area dry. This will help the infection dry up better. I had to do that on one of my surgeries. It really worked.
   — RAQUEL S.