Leakage after RPLND

[DAWN82]

hello all,

Brian called this morning and said that earlier this morning he had alot of fluid leaking from the areas where the drainage tubes were... he said he was scard and called the nurse in.. the urologist on the floor came in and pressed on his stomach and alot of fluid came out.. Brian said that the dr told him that that is normal? but then i just spoke to his mom and she said she will call me when Brian's dr comes in.... im freaking out! has anyone had this happen before?
i hope he doesnt have to have the tubes put back in! :( .. he is supposed to come home tomorrow....


Dawn

[mirramar]

I'm pretty sure that when we met with a surgeon regarding RPLND, he said that after surgery there can be a lot of drainage and that it's completely normal. However, it's a good idea to stay on top of it and constantly check with the doctors and make sure that any little change is normal.

Good luck.

[DAWN82]

looks like Brian wil not be coming home for a few more days.... like i said above.. there was leakage from the incision..... Dr. Sheinfeld came in to check it and opened part of the incision up and put packing in there :( he said it was soo painfull and he is so upset.... so, a set back!... i dont know how long. but this is not what we want to hear.

dawn

[dadmo]

Was there any color to the fluid? What did Dr. S. think was causing the problem.

[Russell's Mom]

Bodies can leak all kinds of fluids....everything is lubricated so we can keep moving. To me it sounds like extra lymph fluid....that would be straw colored. What they will want to watch it for infection. When there is an opening, there is an added risk that germs can get inside of the body and the doctors will be watching to make sure that germs have not entered already. If there is infection, they will give antibiotcs. One thing to watch for, is to make sure that everyone who touches his incision has washed their hands and uses gloves before they change the dressing. There are some nasty germs in hospitals and sometimes people get busy and forget to wash their hands. Brian can watch and remind if needed. Most often, when a wound drains, it is just a matter of time before the excess production of fluid decreases and the body heals itself. One good thing is that it is much more uncomfortable when the excess fluid is trapped inside. It frequently causes pressure and pain. Guess it is kind of like a drippy faucet or fire hose in Brian's case, a little break in the seal. Keep in touch....my best to you and Brian...Livestrong, Sharon

[DAWN82]

Was there any color to the fluid? What did Dr. S. think was causing the problem.

Dr. Sheinfeld didnt say... when bev & andy walked back into the room, Brian was putting on such a sweat! Sheinfeld said to Brian, "i am pushing with all my strength with the packing" Brian was in so much paid from it. he just pulled some staples out and pushed dressings in there.. he DID tell his parents that it was superficial.. so i am guessing its nothing to be too concerned about?

i just feel so bad because i know he wanted to go home so bad tomorrow :( :( :(

[Karen]

Dawn,
Stay focused on the long term goal...Brian home and helathy. Don't sweat the small stuff. Leakage is not uncommon, but heed Sharon's advice about hand washing and watching for infection. This will all be behind you, so what's a few more days?

[Manny]

Dawn - I had fluid drainage in the JP drains for the first 3 - 4 days. There was a lot of fluid the first 2 days and then it went to a trickle. The doctors / nurses checked the drains 4 - 5 times every day. They removed my drains on the 4th or 5th day and told me they would still be monitoring for fluid drainage because some patients had drainage after the removal of the JP's. And they said if that happened they would have to put the drains back. Fortunately I did not have to get them back.

I am sorry to hear Brian is having some challenges, but don't worry about it. He is in very good hands and they will take good care of him.

The extra days in the hospital will make him stronger and more ready to come home. I came home on the 7th day after surgery, and frankly in hindsight I should have stayed a couple more days. I was miserable 4 - 5 days after I came back with a lot of nausea and incision pain. My pain was aggravated by the 60+ mile ride home on NY and NJ's finest potholed roads. Make sure you give him a pillow for his stomach and get a car with good absorbers. I went in my SUV and that was painful - I felt every small bump on the road.

[Scott]

After I was discharged from the hospital after my L-RPLND back in June 2005, lymphatic fluid started leaking from the incision just below my naval. Fortunately, it stopped after a couple days.