drainage from scar.

[dew]

This evening I noticed the leg of my PJ's was wet. Upon further investigation discovered I am getting drainage from the lower part of the scar. I am two and a half years post of of the TKR. Anyone ever have this problem? Is it a sign of infection? How serious is it?

Thanks in advance

Dewey

 

[Judles]

Welcome, Dewey! That DOES seem odd after so long! PUt some topical cream on it with a bandage and if it's still oozing, call your OS in the morning to have it checked! It's always better to be safe than sorry! Is it a clear discharge? Does it smell bad/funny? Were you particularly active today? Hope all is well! Post so we know how you are! Good luck!

 

[aussie]

Hi and welcome Dewey,

That does sound a bit suss after so long, but I'm sure Jo will be able to advise you.

Take care,

 

[loggon]

Dewey
You need to call your doctor. I would think drainage is not good from any scar where you have had an operation.
Call your OS for sure asap and be sure to let us know what the OS says

 

[Texas]

Hi and Welcome...The same, I would call my Dr asap in the morning..I didnt know it could be infected after that long? Please post and let us know what he says. I had no idea you could get an infection that ar out..

 

[Gringo]

Two and a half years after a TKR, and then suddenly one night liquid starts running out of a scar?

I am new at this TKR stuff, but that sure doesn't sound normal to me. I would get to see some doc somewhere really quick.

 

[dew]

The fluid that is seeping out is clear and a little watery. I had a bandage on it last night and it soaked through. I am now waiting for my doctor's office to open up.:pnc:

The scary part is, I had a Brother-in-law that got an infection 3 years after TKR and died from it, so I am a little concerned.

Thank you for your replies.:pzld:

 

[Texas]

How does it get infected so far out !!!!I thought after awhile with no signs it was ok...Thats not good, makes me very nervous...So sorry about your Brother in law...Please let us know what the Dr says........They said it was really in infection from the TKR?

 

[ship4]

We all need to be aware we can get infections which locate within the knee because it is a foreign substance within our body. I know a person who had TKR 5 years ago, got a scratch on his ankle, his dog licked it, and he got a raging infection which located in his knee. He was hospitalized and had to have it removed as the infection would hide in the implant. Similar situation to what others here have experienced early. This is why many dentists insist on prophylactic antibiotics. My OS said the greatest risk to infection of the knee replacement is a cut which can get infected below the knee joint itself......
We need to be aware the possibility exists!

 

[Josephine]

Yep - see the doc, see the OS pretty darned soon! Get some bloods done.

Have you had any of the following in the last 12 months? Dental work, any kind of infection in mouth, throat, lungs, gut - anywhere? Cystitis, kidney infection ....

 

[Texas]

so if you do get a cut what do you do !!! Antibiotics. I still wont shave near the scar all the way. I am scared. With a dog that jumps and kids I would assume that I will get cuts I always do..I really never knew all this!!!!

 

[Judles]

Yikes!!! This whole infection thing is frightening! Wish you the BEST of luck, Dewie!!! Jo.....any precations we hippies should know ?????

 

[stives]

Scarey stuff this! How worried or careful do we need to be? Is walking through brambles with bare legs dangerous?

 

[Judles]

Keep those antibiotics handy, Val.....Just In Case! We've just become a forum of worriers!!!

 

[ship4]

Val,
Personally, I believe we need to be aware of our bodies more than ever before. I have always been very aware of my body, and how it works. I don't think getting a superficial scratch on your leg is going to be a problem as long as you wash it well after it occurs and at the end of the day. Keeping any wound clean is vital.
I got cut in October (3.5 months post op) at Home Depot on roofing drip edge. It sliced my ring finger of my left hand deeply and by the time I arrived at the customer service desk I had left a trail of blood thru the store. I removed my wedding rings and wrapped my hand in paper towels and applied pressure to the wound. I was paranoid I would get an infection! I drove myself to the emergency room and they super glued it together after washing it out, as I did such a good job of applying pressure. I was lucky I did not cut a tendon! Anyway, I made sure I told them I just had BTKR and was concerned about infection traveling to the joints. They put me on an antibiotic. I went to see the OS two weeks later for my 4 month check up and he said I most likely would not have needed to take the antibiotic. If the cut had been below my knee, he would recommend it......
I healed fine with no problems, have been to the dentist 3 times since my BTKR and I took my prophylactic antibiotic.
Best,

 

[Josephine]

Please, folks, don't, don't, DON'T go into hyperdrive over this. We none of us know what's going on much less what caused it. Please think of the effect your posts are having on dew. He/she doesn't need all this panic attack stuff!

It achieves nothing for him or for us.

The precautions have been well documented elsewhere in these forums so do a search. Let's not start with them in here.

What I'd like to see is people being more anxious to offer support and encouragement to dew in what must be quite an anxious time.

So ..... any news yet, dew?

 

[Jamie]

Yep, Dew...I'm with Jo. The actual incidence of infection with joint replacement is very, very small. A person needs to be aware of the possibility, but keep in mind that it is remote. The thing you need to do right now is see your doc and find out what IS going on. Please let us know....we want to be sure you are okay...mentally AND physically. The folks here didn't mean to scare you. They really care about their fellow BoneSmarties and wouldn't purposely do anything to alarm you.

 

[Texas]

Oh Drew I am truely sorry. I didnt mean to scare anyone. It made me nervous so I just reacted, which was wrong. I always try to post positive thoughts for others. I only wish you the ABSOLUTE best. Always. I am sure either way it will be fine. They will fix you up (if its anything) and you will be good as new.... Please let us know how you are feeling,,,,,Get better soon,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[Gringo]

Yeah, that doesn't actually sound like an infection, does it. Infections come with all kinds of other signs, fever, redness, swelling, etc. This sounds like something else entirely. and of course we are all interested.

 

[loggon]

Dew
Jo and Jamie are correct. The statement I make the most is see your doctor always if something is bothering you.

But as Jamie said it is remote. Just think of how many folks have knee and hip replacements.

I am sure you are ok. Do let us know. I really don't panic over much and there is no reason to, esp. when you don't know what is going on.

Will be interested in seeing your post letting us know what is going on and again I am sure you are fine.

Take care and hope to see a glowing post from you soon