Leaking wound

[Madgranny2]

It's 4 weeks since my heart surgery and although the start of the incision wound has always been a bit swollen and sore it's been ok. However since my shower yesterday it's leaking slightly blood stained watery liquid and is a little red and sore. Anyone else had this so long after the op ? I have an appointment with Cardio Nurse tomorrow but not sure if I should see practice nurse today as I'm diabetic. Thanks Joan

[Sina-6491]

Yes I would go and see your practice nurse. You don't want to get a infection after all you've been through.

Probs a silly question, but are you keeping it as dry as possible. I wouldn't even put cream on at this stage, it will still be quite vulnerable.

You may have just split it slightly. Hope it's sorted for you today, take care Jo ☺

[Madgranny2 in reply to Sina-6491]

Yes Jo keeping it dry and uncovered as much as possible. Got a hospital eye screening this morning but may ring my GP surgery before I go for advice. They may say to see Cardio Nurse as have appointment with him tomorrow. Thanks again

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi there, I did experience similar, I did get it checked to be told it's perfectly normal and to place a fresh dressing over the area

[Madgranny2 in reply to skid112]

Thanks, feel ok in myself except this is tender now. Haven't had a dressing on even in hospital but last night put gauze one over as dripping onto my nightwear.

[skid112 Heart Star in reply to Madgranny2]

I'd ring the surgery just to be sure

[Sina-6491 in reply to Madgranny2]

No they took mine off straight away as well.

No harm in checking it out with nurse. Like skid112 said, they will probs just put dressing on it.

Even if you didn't have one before.

Also, are you waring normal bra, or a sports bra.

I wore sports bras for about six weeks, less pressure you see 😊😊

[Madgranny2 in reply to Sina-6491]

Yes I'm wearing like sport type bras can't wear a normal one yet. At least I have an appointment later today, just need to be a little careful due to my diabetes. Thanks to you all for your advice, it has put my mind at rest

[Hidden]

Hi there - I'd see your practice nurse today and ask them to teach you how to clean and dress your wound in as sterile a way as possible, that way you don't have to keep making trips to your surgery every time it needs changing. A little oozing is quite normal, as long as there aren't any signs of infection like increased redness, swelling, pain or heat around the wound, or you have a fever. Also keep an eye on the colour of the discharge - if it starts to look more like pus than clear or bloodstained fluid you'll need to get someone to look at it for you.

Take care, Chris

[Madgranny2 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Chris I have an appointment with nurse practitioner later this afternoon. My wound has never been dressed not sure if they will dress it now but yes I agree if it needs doing I am quite capable of doing it at home

[Madgranny2]

Well it is an infection, wound has been dressed, swab taken and antibiotics given. At the moment they want to see me to dress it at the surgery but once it improves I will be able to do this at home. Nothing I've done wrong apparently, pleased I made an appointment

Thanks everyone for your support Joan

[MKB38 in reply to Madgranny2]

I hope the antibiotics soon kick in. Keep your chin up. Margaret

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi Joan hope it clears up quickly

[Heather1957]

I too am diabetic and while I was lucky with the scar as it has healed okay (still tight though) I had a few issues with the drainage scars. I had to go to the drop in wound clinic a few times where they told me that as I was a diabetic it does take longer to heal.

I got a bit fed up going every other day to the drop in clinic so they gave me some dressings and I changed them myself and luckily it didn't take much longer to heal.

I wouldn't have thought plain water from the shower would hurt as in hospital they had me in the shower on day 4 after the op.

Having it checked out though won't hurt - so why not!!

[Madgranny2 in reply to Heather1957]

No plain water fine Heather, I've not used soap on it, or rubbed it yet as advised against that. Just patted dry and, made sure it was fully dry before I got dressed. Some of the scar has healed great other parts not bad but this has never been quite right. Should be fine now it's getting the medication , pleased you are doing well