ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => AN Issues => Topic started by: wendysig on September 18, 2008, 06:33:53 am
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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
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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?? ;D
I am so sorry - how incredibly frustrating! :-\
K
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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
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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
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Wendy~
Isn't the saying "Queen for a DAY" ?????
K
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Wendy - aren't you empty yet????
I guess your brain is just SOOOO big that it needs more room! ;D
I hope this stops soon! I can't imagine how frustrating it must be!
Lori
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Sending you good vibs Wendy!!
Anne Marie
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Good luck, Wendy.
Hope Dr. Choe stops the water works for you.
Jan
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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
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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
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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
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Wendy,
just tuning in and I'm sorry you're going through this. I'm sending you a special prayer and waiting to hear good news from you when you come back from the doctor's. Does that mean that we are never in the clear for having a CFS leak? Just wondering when it's safe.
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Wendy,
It sounds like your doctor is on top of things and will be able to get you fixed up. I'm glad you're having it checked out though. I hope all goes well. Keep us posted.
Sue, I was told that the risk of a CSF leak is a "lifetime risk", meaning there's always a chance it could happen, but certainly not something you should worry yourself sick over. I seem to remember a thread along these lines a few months back, but I can't remember what the subject was. If I get a chance, I'll try to search for it.
Lori
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There is a woman on the HFS supporr board who had a CSF leak 20 months post op. I think it was from her nose though rather than her incision site.
Sara
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If it IS a CSF leak, I highly recommend the suture, staple and super glue method to stop it! Keeping my fingers crossed for ya.
Tammy
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Wendy! I just logged on and this was the very first thread I saw. I can't BELIEVE it! I am sending you prayers and as much good ju-ju as I can find. I am flying out early tomorrow morning to visit my parents in OR but will check in here late tomorrow to find out what is going on. I SO hope you don't have a CSF leak.
Debbi, sending you big hugs
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Hi all,
Thanks for your good wishes and prayers. Good news --no CSF leak but more of the same, I didn't even think of asking why it was clear instead of the usual orangeish color serous fluid usually is but I don't really care. Since the bottom of my incision was slightly open he sutured it and put on a head wrap (bright blue -- if I can, I'll post a piture) and I have to wear it until Monday to prevent fluid from building up under my skin again. This is way better than a CSF leak though. I'm sorry it took so long to get back to you but by the time I got home it was time to pick up my oldest daughter from school, then dance class for both girls, dinner, a sleepover party at a friend's house for my younger daughter and I am finally home. I plan to do a lot of nothing this weekend. I've been so busy trying to lead a somewhat normal life, I wonder, and didn't ask, if this problem was the result of trying to do too much. I'm seeing Dr. Choe again next Friday, preseumably to get the sutures removed and sincerely hope I will be able to close this chapter of my reocvery then. Thank you Jan, Lori, K, Tammy, Marci, Jim and Debbi, Sue and Sara for your support, prayers and concern -- it reallly means more to me than I can say -- you have all become a second family to me and and am so thankful to have you in my life.
Sending you all a big hus,
Wendy
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WHEW!!
I have been waiting to hear all day - so glad it wasn't a CFS leak! Enjoy your weekend and DON"T DO ANYTHING!!! ;D
K
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Great great news!!!!!!!!!! Now please get some rest and let this heal well. God Bless!
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Wendy:
Thanks for the encouraging update! I hope you can stay leak-free from now on.
You've certainly earned a 'do-nothing' week-end, so please make the most of it. :)
Jim
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Wendy,
I don't know if your leaky head is a result of anything you have done (I doubt it) but it does sound like you are doing too much. Take it from someone who is also overdoing! Slow the heck down, will you? Even if you feel good, try and do less. I will now try to follow my own advice. ;)
Best,
Marci
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Wendy -
The only thing your head should be doing this weekend is resting on a nice, soft pillow! Take the weekend off - the "stuff" will get done later! Put your family to work this weekend! :D
Lori
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Hey Wendy,
Glad it wasn't CSF, but know no leak can be fun. Hopefully they've stopped it up and that will be the end of it for you. As others have said - do try to take it EASY this weekend! It's gorgeous down here today - hope you're having pretty weather also.
Cindy
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Wendy -
great to hear it's not a CSF leak. Sounds like Dr. Choe fixed you right up. Here's hoping the fix "takes" and stays that way ;D
Looking forward to seeing your new blue "headress".
Hang in there,
Jan
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Wendy-
I just got to my parents place in OR and raced to their computer to find out how you are - SO glad it isn't a CSF leak! You need to have everyone wait on you hand and foot. I am continuing to send you hugs and prayers and good ju-ju from Oregon. Stay dry!
hugs,
Debbi
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Hi all,
Thanks again for all your concern and wonderful messages. Today turned out not be be quite the relaxing day I had in mind but I did take it easy. We had a flood and had to move most of the furniture on t he first floor into one room. I only pushed things around and supervised,no lifting for me. After a while I had enough and told Rob and the girls to deal with it. Everything turned out okay and nothing got ruined. Somehow they managed without me which I felt both good and bad about. The girls felt a little put upon but I told them "Guess what -- that's life!" Actually my 14 year old has been really wonderful since my surgery - she has real nurturing instincts. My 12 year old has been good too but seems to just want things back to normal. I can't say that I blame her, I do too. I was hoping ot try to post my picture wearing my beautiful (Not really) blue head wrap today but Jen (my 14 year old) took it with her camera and she is sleeping at a friend's house tonight and took her camera with her, so I'll try tomorrow. I have Debbi's instructions so I'm hopeful I'll be able to do it. If I'm successful, I'll try to find a nice recent picture to add to my profile too. Anyway, I spent the afternoon napping on and off and am now wide awake so I hope I didn't overdo the napping. I have nothing planned for tomorrow and that's what I'm hoping to do. I'll try to take all your advice and have everyone take care of things, I know they can, I'm just used to being supermom and have a hard time letting it go, especially now that I really feel pretty good, except for this leak of course.
Debbi - Thanks for your concern and good wishes-- have a great visit with your folks! I get to wear my headwrap until Monday so I'll be on good behavior.
Wendy
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Somehow they managed without me which I felt both good and bad about.
I know that feeling!
Sara
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Somehow they managed without me which I felt both good and bad about.
I know that feeling!
Sara
For a day or two, maybe so. Every day for a year? Not a chance. I guarantee you they still need you. ;)
Steve
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Hi all,
I took my headwrap off first thing this morning. What a relief!!! That thing was making me so itchy I thought I'd lose my mind! I don't know what I was expecting but I think ALL the external swelling (and probably inside too?) seems to be gone. I would guess this means the possibility of future leaks is almost 0. I haven't forgotten about posting the picture but need my husband's help to download it from the memory card. I think I mentioned once I'm not as computer literate as I should be. I really need to work on that. Anyway, I will enlist his help when he gets home from work later. I'm sure you'll all love my bright blue headwrap when you see it!
Sara -Yes, most of us probably feel that way when our kids start to grow up but we all want and need to be needed. The girls have their own alarm clocks but I still had to wake them up for school this morning. I guess they do still need me!
Steve - I know you're right. Needing to to wake them up despite their alarm clocks is one way I know they need me and when I was in the hospital they said they missed me even more than I missed them -- I doubt that's really possible though.
Wendy
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great news Wendy! I bet the itchies have been driving you crazy and I"m sure some fresh air on the area is a huge relief! Bright blue? Shucks... purple is my fave color but I bet the blue looks good on ya! ;) Will look for the pics and let's hope things are now on track for you.... :)
continued wellness wishes! You know it! :)
xo
Phyl
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Wendy-
Just checking in on you to see how you are - looks like pretty good news. Keeping fingers crossed and drinking extra pinot noir for you out here in OR this week.
Debbi, hovering near the Wilammette Valley
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Wendy -
hope the leaking has stopped for good this time.
Jan
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Just had the same experience! Husband's tummy incision leaked until Sept 30th (from August 15th) and it has been disgusting. They drained so much out of it and opened it when we first complained and it just kept going and going and going. Now it looks like he will have quite a scar as the opening is finally sealed with crusties. :-(
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Hope you are doing well! My incision was SO LEAKY for a couple of weeks (and wasn't CSF leakage). It was annoying. I had to change shirts several times a day. I don't know why some of us leak more than others.
Take care!