Question:
Has anyone had an abdomianl leak?

Chris's surgery was March 5th, he did come home for a short 1 1/2 days, but was readmitted with a post-op infection. It's been 2 weeks, numerous ct scans, tons of IVs later, and yesterday he had a test for leaks where he had to drink some Methalene Blue. Fortunatley none showed up in the drain bags! Were not sure where things go from here - but he has been one sick puppy. Has anyone out there experienced an abdominal leak??? Is so, how did it affect your recovery? AND did anyone come home wih a few drains in place? I need some input please!!! Thanks, Patti (Mrs. Chris)    — Chris M. (posted on March 19, 2002)

March 19, 2002
Hi, when I had my revision in May 2000, I ran a low to mid-range temperature throughout my hospital stay and a low-grade fever even after getting home. At 13 days post-op I went to the ER on my doctor's orders because my fever went back up. I had a very bad infection and they found a pocket of fluid where my JP drain tube had been. I had the rounds of CT's, powerful IV antibiotics, and the leak test. No leak was detected but I was in the hospital for 5 more days. The antibiotics cleared up the infection, and I never had any more problems! Hope your Chris has the same outcome! Best of luck!
   — Kellye C.

March 19, 2002
Yes I had a leak, feel free to view my profile for details. They are listed in Aug if you want to scan through the dates for that specific information instead of reading the novel I've posted. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me. Kim open RNY 7/17 -93lbs
   — KimBo36

September 7, 2002
I did have a leak that did not occur for about a week after my surgery. I was in the hospital for about 10 days on heavy antibiotics. I did have several cat scans during my stay. I was allowed nothing by mouth my entire stay. At the end of my stay my leak seamed to have cleared up and I was fine from then on. I am now 5 months out and have lost 70 pounds. I hope you all the best.
   — Michelle B.

February 16, 2003
I have not had an internal leak but have incisional leak from infection and it's just about closed up until tonight when it began bleeding red blood. Am waiting to see if it stops and if not call nurse again or go to hospital. I'm 2 weeks post-op tomorrow.
   — blank first name B.

April 1, 2003
I am 3 wks post-op and my incision started to leak fluid my Doc said it was a wound seroma and it was not serious however, I did go to the E.R. and was admitted and given a catscan to see if the fluid was indeed incisional or deeper. Fortunately it was topical and so far not infection. It has only been 4 days and it has not healed over yet. And no I did not come home with any drains. Just staples. Good luck to you.
   — Marianne S.

November 21, 2004
Patti, My doc says I have a leak. I still have a JP drain (4 1/2 weeks out) and it drains sometimes particles of what I eat. He said it may take 6 weeks, 6 months or even a year. I just can't see myself wearing this drain and G-tube for a year. I'll let you know what happens.
   — debi327