Question:
MY WIFE HAD SURGERY THE ON 5-8, THE WOULD OPENED ON 5-18, SLIGHT BLEEDING OF 6-5?

MY WIFE HAD OPEN SUGERY ON 5-8, 2 STITCHES OPENED ON 5-18, AND SHE HAS HAD VISITING NURSE SINCE, THE NURSE HAS ALWAYS SAID THE WOULD IS HEALING GREAT, LAST NITE (6-4), MYWIFE OVEREXCERTED HERSELF (LIFTED 2 LAMPS AND END TABLE), AND TODAY THE WOUND WAS BLEEDING A LITTLE BIT, THE NURSE SAID TO TAKE IT EASY THAT SHE WAS TRYING TO DO TO MUCH, AND NOT TO WORRY ABOUT THE BIT OF BLOOD, BUT I AM STILL CONCERNED SHOULD I BE?    — Rich C. (posted on June 6, 2002)

June 6, 2002
Hi. If you're talking about small blood stains on her gauze packing or on the outer dressing, then yes, it's nothing to worry about. It's actually a good sign when a wound like this bleeds a bit. The new tissue that's forming is called granulation tissue -- when it is healthy, it is a beefy red color and very friable (bleeds easily.) What also sometimes happens is that a very tiny amount of blood will mix with wound drainage, staining it to a very red, alarming color. It takes just a little bit of blood to do this. Now... having said this, if you're talking about a large amount of frank (bright red, "full strength") blood and/or oozing from the wound that doesn't stop after 20 minutes, then there may be a small broken blood vessel that needs to be cauterized. But that doesn't sound like what you're describing. Best of luck to you and your wife. JK, RN
   — Joya K.