Question:
Can anyone tell me how long the drainage from the incision which is yellow

and no odor, continues? I am 5 wks post op and it just goes on and on. I am so weary and I am going in debt buying Surgipads and gauze and tape! I go to the doctor once a week for "wound check" and he has me pour peroxide on it twice a day and change dressing. I shower and gently wash with Gold Dial and let water run down it. I change dressing at lease twice a day. My poor skin on my "trunk" looks like a war zone! Any advice appreciated. Thanks My doc says don't put neosporin on it as this can harbor bacteria more than help. Will this ever stop? It is fat liquified and is yucky. Marilyn    — Marilyn C. (posted on January 2, 2001)

July 15, 2001
I completely know how you feel. I am 6weeks post op and am still draining. Just be thankful yours doesn't smell. Mine has a horrific odor. I think the key is patience. Every time I look at it I want to cry...and sometimes do. I'm just praying it ends soon so I can start feeling relatively normal again. Try to be patient, Marilyn...it'll be over soon.
   — Kristie J.

July 15, 2001
Re the expense of surgical dresings: Ask your docotr if "surgically clean" (vs truly sterile) surgipads would be okay. If he/she says yes,any hygiene pad meant for menstruation or urinary incontinence (except the deodorized or perfumed kind) would be fine, and is often more absorbent than surgipads from a medical supply store. They are "surgically clean", which is most likely all you need. Just be careful with them, too, that you don't touch the inside of them which will lay against your wound, and that you change them as frequently as instructed......I'm sorry you are suffering, but maybe it will help to realize that fat which "melts" this way won't have to be lost the traditional way! Best wishes, Jesse (RN)
   — Jesse M.

May 27, 2002
Oh thank God I found this topic.....I thought I was the only one.....the only word I can think of to describe it is disgusting....it smells so bad........and I thought I was only in for a week or two of it.........up to 6 weeks?? Oy!
   — Terry S.