Port incision infection

[chrispygal]

Hi everyone. I was just banded on 10/2 and went to see my surgeon today because I noticed some yellow fluid leaking from my port incision. The surgeon said it was not infected, but that I do have a slight chance, about 30%, that it could become infected. He opened the would to let it drain, and then put some fresh steri-strips on me and told me to stay home and out of public places for the weekend. I am going back on Monday to have him check things out.

So I'm wondering if anyone else has problems/an infection in their port incision, and what the outcome was? I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this just goes away, but I can't help but be nervous about an infection.

Thanks!
Chris

[Diva]

You've got a great hospital and I assume great surgeons.
But I wonder if you should be on an antibiotic just in case? I am not a doctor by any stretch of the imagination but I understand your concern. If it gets hard or red or hot or really starts to hurt you even more- call them asap even if you are seeing him on Monday.
You probably will be fine, its good you got it checked.

[shackdog]

Good luck with everything, your doctor should know what they are doing just follow the instructions

[chrispygal]

Hi Diva, the doctor said he didn't want to put me on an antibiotic because he didn't see an infection yet. He was worried that if he did put me on antibiotics and an infection did develop, I would get a harder-to-kil strain of an infection.

I will definitely watch it this weekend to make sure it doesn't worsen. It looked good this morning, which makes me feel a little bit better.

Thanks everyone for the well wishes!

[Diva]

Great! I'm so glad it looks better, keep us posted. Let us know what he said on Monday.

[chrispygal]

Will do Diva. Thanks again!

[NurseTeresa]

Chrispygal make sure you shower only and dont sit in a tub bath or get in a pool or hot tub until its healed. That will make you have bigger chance of infection to develop.

[TrishS]

Glad it looks better... port infections are not something to be fooled with. I had a port infection and had a 6 inch deep hole I had to pack everyday sometimes twice a day for 4 months. I think you will be good, and I am glad you went and got it checked out right away. I look forward to hear what your Dr. will say on Monday!

[Jmo]

Chrispypal,
Hi, The fluid your leaking could be normal, Serous fluid is clear or a light pink tinge. That is your bodies way to clean the would to prevent infection. If it is leaking yellow pus, that is fluid filled with bacteria and dead cells which means there is infection already there. Your Dr. is right not putting you on an antibiotic until it is sure you have an infection. I am glad it is looking better but make sure you watch it... And if you smell anything abnormal, go see your doc ASAP. Good luck!

[chrispygal]

Good news everyone. I saw the doctor today and he said everything looks great and he is not worried at all. It looks 100% better than it did on Friday. So it looks like I'm in the clear. Thanks for all your support!

[TrishS]

Oh that is wonderful news!!!! I was thinking about you today. but I am so glad that is 100% better, I love to hear that kind of news!

[Diva]

That is great news! You couldn't help but be worried. I am so happy it turned out fine.

[PhotoNut]

Hey Crispy :)

I wasn't here over the weekend, so I missed the suspense and the chance to support you during what must have been a very stressful and worrying time. I am glad though that things worked out ok! Phew!

*big hugs*

[chrispygal]

Thanks P'nut! I appreciate it!