Steri Strip Seepage??

sherilynn · February 3, 2007

Hey all,

I have 4 incisions, 1 is my port. The port steri-strip seems to be seeping a little bit. Not alot. Only if I touch it, I see a bit of moisture. Should I be alarmed? It's not red, inflamed more than normal after surgery, no big red circle around it, etc. I was told to remove the bandages that covered them after 48 hours, and let the strips fall off as they wish.

Should I be concerned about this little bit of clearish/yellowish seepage?

Thanks!

marjon9 · February 3, 2007

Hey all,
I have 4 incisions, 1 is my port. The port steri-strip seems to be seeping a little bit. Not alot. Only if I touch it, I see a bit of moisture. Should I be alarmed? It's not red, inflamed more than normal after surgery, no big red circle around it, etc. I was told to remove the bandages that covered them after 48 hours, and let the strips fall off as they wish.

Should I be concerned about this little bit of clearish/yellowish seepage?

Thanks!

I had the same thing. In fact, I'm 2 1/2 weeks post op and I'm still dealing with some seepage from my port incision. My steri-strips are long gone, of course. So, I'm just keeping the port incision clean, dressed with Neosporin, and covered with gauze.

Since this has been going on a while with me I spent a good amount of time searching about it on this forum. My understanding is that this is within the range of normal, even for me at 2 1/2 weeks out. The main thing is, if you have any signs of infection (pain, odor, inflamation, pus that appears thick or creamy), then you need to get to the doctor asap. I have none of these signs of infection, I just continue to have a fairly minor seepage of a light pink, thin clear liquid.

Anyway, that's my story (and I'm sticking to it). I'd also like to hear what others have to say about this.

Thanks for bringing it up.

sherilynn · February 3, 2007

Marjon,

Thank you a million times over for your reply. If it weren't for this board, making me know these things are 'normal', I'd be on the phone dialing the surgeon like crazy!

Sorry to hear that 2 1/2 weeks out you're still going through this issue. I suppose it's just the body and it's way of healing itself. Could be worse, I could have stiches or staples, and I don't.

Again thank you for the heads up!

Sheri

maudeispam · February 3, 2007

I agree with Mark, very good advice!

emmasmom60 · February 5, 2007

Hi, I am an RN (with surgical experience) and after surgery you can see clear yellow discharge (serous Fluid - a normal component of our blood and body fluids). That is normal, and it's ok to come out (don't force it though). If it gets 'mucky' looking, or you have pain or increased redness around the site, then get it looked at. Otherwise, you may just want to put a piece of gauze over it to catch the mess (change the gauze at least daily or more often, as necessary).

Hope this helps ease your mind,

Laura

thatgirl · February 8, 2007

I was told to just leave my bandages and so I have, but (as I mentioned on another thread) I am freaked out that they are still on a week later with dried old blood on them.

the one came off, hubby put a clean bandage over it but hte others still all have their original bandages on. I go see the doctor day after tomorrow so I suppose it isn't that much longer to tough it out but it feels grody. I can't wait to get them off or get clean bandages put on.

does anyone know when they remove the bandages alltogether (steri strips and all?)

sherilynn · February 8, 2007

Hey That Girl,

Again, we're in the same boat. NONE of mine have fallen off yet. And I don't go to the Dr. until 2/14!!!!! I'm assuming the longer the better; less scarring perhaps. Fortunately, they don't itch. I was told to be sure and use Dial antibacterial when I shower.

My port steri strip has a bit of moisture, but I'm told thats normal.

thatgirl · February 8, 2007

We are definitely leading parallel lives on this post-op adventure here, sherilynn!!!

okay, good.

what had me freaked out was that I had my handy shopping list and went shopping the day before surgery and got all this stuff (especially the highly recomended NexCare tape so it wouldn't cause me rashes) and gauze and such and then I leave and the surgeon is like "just leave them alone" and then the one that did fall off (last Fri I think) caused me to pass out and almost barf when hubby put gauze and tape on it (not sure why it made me so sick but whooo- I do NOT want to experience that again) but I feel like I keep wanting to peek under the others now.

I have 5 incisions. none have leaked since the first couple days, when they all leaked through several shirts with blood and I looked like a pirate.

yeah, hopefully they will all be healing nicely under those yucky old bandages!

emmasmom60 · February 9, 2007

Hi, usually we tell people to leave the steristrips in place until they fall off themselves (usually in 7 or so days). They often come off when you are in the shower. However, after my C-section those some of those little suckers just hung in, so after 10 days I just peeled off the ones that had come loose a bit while I was showering.

Laura