Question:
Any one experience drainage

I know someone posted about this and searched the Library but could not locate. Please note I have already left a voice mail with my surgeons office to see him tomorrow. At 4 weeks my incision healed over excpet for a small area at the bottom. That area has been tender to the touch but was healing nicely. This weekend it bubbled up (look nasty) and is not really draining it is more like oozing. The liquid is thicker but no odor and does not look ifected. Any thoughts or suggestions? I have been putting a warm wash cloth on it, keeping it clean until I can see my surgeon. Also, no sign of fever. Thanks for your input!! Liz Open RNY 3-4-03 down 25lbs    — Liz B. (posted on April 20, 2003)

April 20, 2003
I would continue to wash it out with the warm water, it will keep it draining. You don't want the drainage to stay in there, it could become infected if it does. Keep a dry gauze over it also. If it gets really bad, starts to hurt alot, gets very red around it I would go the ER or urgent clinic, otherwise you should be ok til you talk with your doctor
   — Sandy H.

April 20, 2003
I was told when I left the hospital not to freak if my incision started to open up a bit and start draining. NEVER HAPPENED...THANK GOODNESS! A temp, or redness and swelling is a whole different ball game. I bet things are fine, but you are wise to get to your surgeon...just to be sure. Good luck to you. (Open RNY 10/30/02 down 132lbs)
   — Ginger M.

April 20, 2003
2 weeks after my surgery my incision started leaking exactly where yours did. My incision had healed, then one day I threw up and it open just a little tiny bit. Drained for 4 weeks. I had to keep check on my fever, when it went up I had to start taking antibiotics, then they packed it. It was a minor complication but it is now healed. Best wishes:)!
   — Kimmie C.

April 21, 2003
I thought I would post an updated to let everyone who may read this post in the future understand how important it is to contact your doctor as soon as you suspect things "aren't right". As it turns out, I ripped a staple but since the incision had healed over my surgeon opened it up about an inch, removed the staple and packed me with gause. Eeeeek, scary think is that I have no idea when or how I ripped a staple. Thanks to everyone who responded and emailed!! Your feedback was very helpful! Liz open RNY 3-4-03 down 27 lbs
   — Liz B.