Translab post op ear swab

[NancyMc]

Well, just had my first shower and total hair wash.  Wondered where much of my hair was until I remembered they shaved it off.
Yesterday, Dr. McKenna swabbed my ear with alcohol and told me to do the same once a day after showering.  I decided to just dab the swab in first before adding alcohol so as to absorb some of the water, and it came out blood-stained.  Anybody else have this experience?
My larder supplies are on their way in a bit, so will have my mommy have a look (90-year old retired pediatrician).  But I don't think I want to go back in there with any heavy equipment right away.  Any danger of knocking things loose? 
I know.  Euuuwwww!  Sorry.

[Cheryl R]

Is the swab real bright red or kind of dark red?      There can be dried blood in the ear that just stayed till is wet and then wipes off on the swab and even may be fairly red too.   Also betadine is probably in the ear which is brownish reddish.         There even could be some dried blood that was stuck in there and when came loose is causing a bit of bleeding.           I would just watch the amount and bet you are fine.   If it was running out of the ear in huge amounts than you could get worried.              You would have had trouble early on if was a real problem.                 
                                                                               Cheryl R

[NancyMc]

If it was running out of the ear in huge amounts

Eek!  It seems fine.  I got brave and swabbed with alcohol before my mom could get her hands on it, and it came out clean this time, so phew!  I think Dr. McKenna did suggest that it was just dried blood where he closes up the ear in there.  So, we're just getting it cleaned out gradually.  I just thought perhaps he had cleaned it and all I had to do was keep it from getting infected.  Mom's going to bring her otoscope next visit, but I'd rather she keep that sharp point away from me.
Thanks.