Incision Draining - How long?

[mawinter]

I had surgery last week to remove my Xiphoid process as it was damaged and had come away from the sternum. Long story short today the incision started oozing and raining clearish pink fluid and we went to A&E who did not not seem all too concerned and said it was normal with large wounds. They gave me some gauze and new bandages and said to come back for a recheck on Saturday. We were told to change the dressing if it felt wet or at least once a day. So far since being home the dressing has needed to be changed twice. The whole experience has been rather horrifying so far and what I am wondering is, how long can this last?

Are you on ABs post surgery?! I'm sure it will heal quickly if it's not infected. However I had an abscess incised and drained in July and today is the first day the skin is completely healed but I'm sure that's to do with it having been an abscess. It's taken a week since we stopped packing it until it's healed so that bits been quite quick!

If the fluid is clear/pink and the skin around it is not red then it doesn't sound infected and should clear up over a few days. It is worth checking if there are any fluctuant or soggy areas around the wound because if there is a deep puddle of fluid inside then it can keep leaking for ages and might be better being drained. Keep an eye for a few days and get it relooked at if it doesnt start to settle.

I was not on any antibiotics until just yesterday. While there is no redness around the wound today I notice there is a bit of pain in the area where it is draining, though I am thinking this is more to do with the fact it is packed with gauze and putting pressure on an area already sore to begin with. I have not looked at how it looks yet today, but do notice the dressing needs to be changed yet again.

Went back for my recheck today as asked and the Doctor who asked us to come there was not even there! I had to see some other surgeon who claims there is now an infection. I am calling bullshit, as there is no pus and no smell or redness. Long story short she said we should come back again tomorrow and said I should have the wound reopened and drained. Of course DH had to go and scare me after by saying they will probably keep me overnight or a few nights for this... I absolutely dread going back there for even a night. :/

Oh no! Sorry to hear this. I doubt they'll keep you in tho... Perhaps if it's done under general...?

Went in again today for the next recheck, this time we saw the Chief of Thoracic surgery. He removed my stitches, opened the wound a bit more and swabbed to make sure I am on the right antibiotics for the infection which has unfortunately developed.
He did explain if they have to do a cleaning of the wound i would be in the hospital 2-3 nights. We told him this is really not possible (far too many animals at home and DH has no vacation time left), so he said he would think of a way to only make it one night if needed.

Hello! I’m going through this just now! Based on Scotland- does anyone have any advice? Going through imaging just now