I had my drain removed yesterday am. The nurse said after to use gause for a few days and allow it to close on it's own. Changing the gause for the second time just now and there's a little bit of pus where the wound had dried to the gause. I plan on calling the doc in the am but figured on asking here just to get the general consensus so I can sleep instead of panicking. thanks

I think your fine. Just call the doctor tomorrow to confirm. Usually pus is a good sign as indicates that your body is responding to an injury/surgery. Basically it's a build up of white blood cells that help to fight infections. There are a few sites out there that may help, but I would say you can sleep without worry and get a professional opinion tomorrow. Now only if I can get to sleep

I would put a little neosporin on it as long as doc okays it...

as long as its not oozing you should be fine!

Your body probably was fighting the drainage tube...it was trying to heal and the tube was in the way ; )

Let us know what the doc says

Def call, but just to put ur mind at ease- signs of infection are skin is hot to the touch, redness around the wound, smelly yellowish green discharge and swelling. Clear and milky discharge is normal.

I had a drain for 8 days post op and there was a little oozing from it for the last few days. When my doc removed the drain, he put a large band aid over it and told me to leave it there for 3 days. That took care of the last of the oozing and mine has healed pretty well. At almost 8 months out, I can still find the scar, but it's smaller than the end of my finger and a little pink. Nothing to worry about unless, as others have said, the spot gets hot or the discharge becomes greenish yellow.

If it really worries you, though, a call to your doctor is always a good thing.

Hey, what drain are you guys talking about? Where is this located at?

Thanks!

Jewels, some surgeons use a drain through the left side incision to help pull fluid out after surgery. Not all surgeons use this, so don't be worried if you're pre-op. If you're post op and don't know what it is, count yourself lucky to have avoided it!

Thanks Lissa. I knew you would be the first to respond! You are a expert LOL.........Thanks so much, hopefully I will not have to have a drain, the thought of it kinda freaks me out. I will ask the surgeon when I go visit if I would need one or not and keep you updated!!

a drain isn't too horrible. i thought it would hurt coming out, but i didn't feel a thing! i agree with lissa though. if you don't get one, you're lucky lol they're a little annoying while in