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Post Op --- staph re-occuring?
Hello,
I had surgery last week to remove a "boil" on the back of my waist. The official diagnosis was cellulitis with a staph infection (though a blood culture revealed it was not in my blood). I have several questions if you will indulge me.
The induration measured approximately 6 inches long by 4 inches high, protruding a great bit from the surface. Since surgeons removed the abscess, my Mom has noticed that the drainage is now light pink and light tan and sometimes has the consistency of mucous. Is this natural for a post op incision (1 sq ")? She is a nurse and insists that it is healing extraordinarily well on the inside, though I'm curious to know if this sounds normal. She also noticed that a tiny flesh-colored bump appeared on the inside wall of the incision only to disappear 24 hours later. Is this cause for alarm?
In addition, the area above the initial "boil" is still very firm though there is no pain. Is this merely internal scar tissue?
When the abscess was drained, the surgeons were careful to apply pressure to my side since the pain and infection had began wrapping around my waist almost half of the way to my belly button from the induration. Almost all of the pain has subsided in that area as well as the initial area. However the surgeons failed to apply pressure to and drain the furthermost area of my waist (in the front) and that same area is still somewhat painful (think occasional sharp/blunt pains). Will this eventually subside?
I am not scheduled for a post op appointment for a month at the university hospital where I received treatment, so I would really appreciate a response. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Crystal
Answer:
Post Op --- staph re-occuring?
Thanks for your question. If at all possible, call your surgeon, describe the situation and ask for instructions. Often, after abscess surgery, the wound is left slightly open in order for the cavity to drain naturally, so some discharge would be expected. You should have received written wound care instructions from the hospital, please review those and act accordingly. I can't comment specifically on your situation without assessing the wound with my own eyes, but generally speaking, there should be no pus (thick, yellow, smelly discharge), but some clear/mucous discharge might occur and the tan coloration does not sound alarming either. If you develop any fever or malaise you should contact your doctor immediately. The hardened, firm, painless region is probably the result of the induration around the infected area and should resolve with time. This is just general information - please contact your doctor if in doubt. Good luck!