HELP! 4wk Post TAH/BSO- New HOLE In Incision

I stopped having any drainage from my hip-to-hip incision at 2 weeks post-op. Then, last night before bed I noticed that I had at least a tablespoon of brown (like gravy) discharge on my pants where my tummy incision is. It was late and DH was asleep, so I cleaned it up. It was definitely coming from the incision and not my vagina. After I cleaned it up, I kept dabbing and there kept being blood so I covered it with gauze. I'm fluffy and my incision is under my "apron" so I couldn't get a super good look in the mirror at it, but it seemed there was possibly a hole. I had DH look at it this morning and he said there's definitely a hole the size of the tip of my pinky finger.

DH called the on-call doc and the doc said this is normal and "happens all the time". He said that I should just wait until this coming week to come into the clinic to get it packed with gauze and/or resealed. WHAT? Does this sound normal to you?

I should add that I haven't done anything extra or out of the norm lately for this to happen. I take lots of naps/rest on the couch and don't do anything I haven't been okayed to do yet.

I did go to the doc on Thursday for UTI symptoms and was put on an antibiotic and urelle for pee-pee pain. Then Friday (yesterday) I laid on the couch the whole day just feeling tired (some from the meds - side effect, and some from trying to heal the UTI). I didn't even take either of the 2 walks yesterday or today that I've been doing up until now.

If I were you, I would call and ask to be seen by the doctor. The doctor cannot possibly tell if it is normal without seeing it. Go in, my dear. You have a right to the best care even if it is just to reassure you that everything is fine.

It might not be an emergency but having a hold doesn't sound too good. I would get it looked at & maybe they can glue it back together? Best wishes.

Are you in the U.K.? I can't believe the doc. wanted you to wait.

I meant Hole not hold....

Please go to the Dr. ASAP. You need to be looked at if only to reassure you but especially not to get an infection. Let us know. Good Luck

I agree with the others, I would definately go in sooner. I would freak out if I found a whole no matter how big or small on my body. Whether it's normal or not, the dr. doesn't know, for all anyone knows it could be due to an infection or nothing at all to be worried about. You just can't diagnose like that over the phone. I want to wish you well and hope you heal from the nasty UTI.

So I spent the afternoon in the ER because I just didn't feel safe waiting. They rushed me right in, ahead of other people who were already waiting. I apparently have a SEROMA (you can click that link to read what it is). It's over 3cm long and "very deep" according to the ER doc.

They swabbed it for infection, but said it didn't look infected. They won't stitch it or close it back up because they said it will cause the wound to heal from the outside in which would just cause more fluid to build up and it would rip open again. So now my DH has to pack the hole with this special sterile gauze every day and then cover it with special tape (which hurt like you know what when they did it in the ER).

The doc said it won't heal for at least a month...are you kidding me!?!?! Which means another month of light duty, no submersion, and I can't lift over 10lbs (which is the worst part since I have a 22mo old). I have to go back in this week for a follow up.

I've had nothing but complications from this surgery. The only good news I've had is that I've lost 20lbs since the surgery. I really just want to feel good again though.

Dear TLClay
Good for you for having the courage to go to ER. Ypu are a very strong lady and blessed to have a DH that can help you with this. Do you have any nurse friends who can help you or can you hire someone to help? Don't worry about the baby. Children are quite resilient and are happy just to be close to you. This healing time is just a short blip in your lifetime. Hang in there, follow Drs orders and "this too shall pass". You are strong and young. You CAN do this.