My incision is still leaking

[wendysig]

Hi all,

This is just unbelievable!  My incision started leaking on August 6 and has given me false hope that it would stop many times.  For the past week or so, it was just leaking for a while in the morning and maybe into the early afternoon.  It would then stay dry until the next day.  I really thought this was an indication that it was almost done leaking.  The last couple of days it hardly leaked at all and I was sure it was almost done.  Lat night it started leaking again.  I just want to scream!!!  When I saw my doc a couple of weeks ago he offered to suture it but said if I could be patient it would probably stop soon on its own, which he thought was a better course of action since he thought it was leaking for a reason.  I agreed that I'd rather deal with the leak than possibly risk an infection which is what he was getting at.   He also said if it was still leaking by my next visit he would suture it then.  That is still two weeks away and I am not sure of what to do.  This on and off again leaking is driving me crazy!  I have no signs of infection and it still looks like serous fluid but enough is enough!  I'm not sure I expect any answers -- I just really needed to vent a little.

Wendy - STILL eaking in NYC

[Kaybo]

Wendy~
That just stinks!!  I could call you & you could hold the phone up to your head and I could tell it that it "BETTER stop right now"  in my sternest teacher/parent voice.  It usually works on the kiddos...shall we give it a try??   

I am so sorry - how incredibly frustrating! 

K

[Tamara]

You are taking this "Queen of the Icky Head" thing a bit too far my dear!  I definitely sympathize and hope you feel better after venting.

Tammy

[leapyrtwins]

Wendy -

Stop it!!!  Stop leaking right now!!! 

Sorry, thought if I got angry and used force it might help.  Probably didn't, did it 

Maybe we should have someone send you the lucky scarf.

Seriously, the doctor probably gave you a timeframe for a reason unbeknownst to you.  IMO you should hang in there until the next appointment and see what he decides to do then.

I know it's easy for me to say since I'm not the one going through this . . .

Try to be patient; we're all pulling for you.

Jan

[Kaybo]

Wendy~
Isn't the saying "Queen for a DAY" ??

K

[lori67]

Wendy -  aren't you empty yet?

I guess your brain is just SOOOO big that it needs more room!   

I hope this stops soon!  I can't imagine how frustrating it must be!

Lori

[Melissa778]

I too had a bit of "leaky head".   My doc called it "seepage"....never any infection, never CSF....just a few spots on/near the incision that would occassionally leak fluid.  I had translab in May, and once my incision COMPLETELY healed in early-Mid July is when the "seepage" finally stopped.  I occassioanlly would put a smalll band-aid over the area....because I got very tired of ick-hair and crusty pillow.....   But it did go away and everything was fine......just took some time to heal.  Best of luck.

Melissa

[Jim Scott]

Wendy:

Like so many others who've posted before me, I'm very sorry to learn about this frustratingly persistent incision leakage.  I trust this will cease soon and, if not, a call to your doctor will end up with you receiving sutures or at least some sort of explanation, perhaps some topical relief and eventually, an end to this exasperating problem.  I look forward to reading about this leakage problem being relieved.  If yelling at the incision helps, you have lots of willing volunteers here. 

Jim

[wendysig]

 Hi all,
I decided to e-mail Dr. Choe after I wrote my post this morning.   He always get back to me quickly (within 6 hours or so) but I went out since I didn't expect an immediate answer.  He actually sent me an e-mail suggesting I come in to see him, but since I just got  home a little while ago (I decided to spend the day with a friend) I got his message too late.  I sent him another e-mail saying that I would come in tomorrow if I'm still leaking and he thinks I should.  I'm hoping this won't be necessary, but think it probably will.   I'll just have to wait and see what tomorrow brings. 


K - I'd take you up on your offer but I've already tried yelling at my incision -- it doesn't listen, but thanks anyway.  As for being "Queen for a Day"  I would gladly give up my throne, I've already been queen way too long.

Jan - When I last saw Dr. Choe he told me to keep him updated on how things were going regarding the leak until my next visit.  He had said that if it was still leaking then it would be time to intervene and put in a couple of sutures, but thought it best to let it run its course until then.  He seems to have now changed his mind but I'll see what things look like tomorrow.

Tammy - I'd love to abdicate my claim to the throne but my my leaky incision won't let me.  Venting always helps and I also had a nice day with my friend -- that always helps too.

Lori - I guess I that must be it -- I have an extra big brain and it needed more room!  There's a reason for everything I guess. 

Melissa - Sorry to hear you went through this too.  I know the drainage is not dangerous in itself, just serous fluid but this has gone on for a long time. My incision has done more than just drip thoug -- it actually leaks quite a bit.  The fact that it almost stops leaking and then starts again is very frustrating

Thank all of you for letting me vent my frustration and for your comforting words.  I know this is not the end of the world but sometimes you just have to let the frustration out.

Wendy



 

[MAlegant]

Hi Wendy,
Crap, that just sucks.  I'm sorry and even though you know it will stop eventually, that is no comfort now.  Hang in.
Marci

[yardtick]

Sending you good vibs Wendy!!

Anne Marie

[leapyrtwins]

Good luck, Wendy.

Hope Dr. Choe stops the water works for you.

Jan

[wendysig]

Hi all,
I thought I was in the clear last night as things seemed to be slowing down.  This morning while I was fixing the girls lunch my incision started leaking harder only it is clear and watery.  I called Dr. Choe and he said to come in.  Just waiting for my brother as I don't want ot go by myself.  I am truly afraid for the first time in a long time and think it could very possibly be the much dreaded CSF leak from Dr. Choe's avoidance of the question when I asked him.  I guess I'll find out soon. 

Wendy

[leapyrtwins]

Hang tough, Wendy, and just do what you have to do.

There are lots of things worse than a CSF leak - many on the forum have had them.  I'm confident Dr. Choe will take care of this problem for you.

Keep the faith and know we are all in your corner ready to support you.

Good luck today.

Jan

[Kaybo]

Wendy~
I am sure you are gone by now but I said a little prayer for you just now & will continue to until I hear from you - I hope you get good news!

K