Drainage versus Sternum Incision Bleeding

[clumsydancer]

Hi again,

I've read through the forum and found in a couple situations that oozing can be normal. Mine is pretty clear with some blood in it. Can some oozing be normal?

 

[Jkm7]

I had a small spot that was barely beginning an infection. It was where a bra I wore rubbed. I went to have it looked at immediately and 3 or 4 weeks of antibiotic tablets handled the situation fine. I never had further problem from it. The key is to address it immediately.

You should not depend upon any of us here to tell you what is normal when an infection is a potential.
There is too much to risk.
If your doctor cannot see you, go to the ER. That is what I would do.

I know for sure post op both of my OHS, they ran an IV antibiotic. I think it's rather routine.

 

[pellicle]

Hi

Mine is pretty clear with some blood in it. Can some oozing be normal?

OK, this is my non-medical opinion.
My surgeon remarked that "it can sometimes happen" and didn't seem concerned about it.
In my view this most likely means that 1) there is some infectious bodies living in there and 2) the body normally defeats them. Meaning it clears up without further complications.

Our bodies are always under attack by microorganisms. This is what our immune system is for. Its just sometimes things make it easier for them to win.

Its a war. Fight it

 

[pellicle]

Some images of the amount of discharge in the few days it took to stop weeping after I got home.



Eventually it closed over and the surgeon was happy (back then)



I was on IV antibiotics in the hospital, not at home.

I suspect now that not running a longer course of antibiotics at that time was what landed me here.

As I already said other is no information from you to decide if this situation is transferable to understanding yours

 

[clumsydancer]

Thanks for the feedback, Pellicle. Mine is nothing near the pics above. It's clear. Nurse practitioner says it's the fatty material near the incision braking down. She called it fatty necrosis and said its normal due to them cutting the fat cells, effectively killing them and now they are deteriorating. She said keep a close eye on it and if it got thicker or if I had pain, we'd be concerned. Today, no change and temp is dealing and use of Tylenol is becoming less needed.