Breast wound infection

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Hi

I am 6 weeks post op following wide excision. Around 4 weeks I noticed serous fluid leaking from my wound. At my results appointment I told the doctor but didn’t seem concerned. The following weekend I had pus coming from my wound. I had to go to out of hours to get some antibiotics. I was put on Clarithromycin for 7 days. I have just taken my last tablet today but my wound is still leaking yellow discharge. I feel so fed up and am worried about my lack of healing. I don’t know which dressings to use and keep bursting into tears. Just need some advise please

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Hi @jac3

Welcome to the forum that nobody wants to join but when you are here you will feel so supported.

The BCN nurses work Monday-Fri 9-4 and Sat 9-1 and will hopefully answer your question early next week. A phone call on Monday on 0808 800 6000 would be a quicker way to get an answer ( mention you have posted a question online).

But if it was me I would call my GP and see if someone could have look. Finishing the antibiotics, I would have thought any infection would be eradicated, however if it hadn’t, you may need another type of antibiotic and they may want to do swabs.

I know of someone who has recently had an operation of a different kind and with the hot weather was having issues so saw nurse at doctors who asked GP to look. They prescribed antibiotics and new dressing and a follow up appointment in a week. I would assume you seeing out of hours there may not be joined up with your GP for a follow up. So a call to GP on Monday may be needed.

I hope you get the help you need and your wounds begin to heal.

:smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

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Thank you for replying, these blips always seem to be at a weekend. I had a seroma a few weeks ago at the bank holiday and spent that weekend worrying too. I just want to get on with the rest of my treatment

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Hello lovely sending hugs. That sounds perfectly horrid. Today’s tablet will give you some antibiotic cover but get yourself to the GP tomorrow and don’t take no for an answer x

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Thank you for caring :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

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Hello jac3,

Thanks for posting. It’s understandable you are fed up and tearful as you are having problems with your wound healing.

As @naughty_boob says it’s important to be assessed again. The area may need swabbing to see what bacteria is causing the infection. This can help your doctors prescribe a specific antibiotic for that bacteria.

You could contact your GP practice and ask for an appointment with the practice nurse. They can dress it and may follow you up. Do also let your treatment team know. If you need to wait to see someone you could ask your local pharmacist about dressings.

Also ff you do develop symptoms or concerns at the weekend or out of hours you can contact NHS 111

As well as these forums we have a range of support services you might like to know about.

Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.

Our number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties dial 18001 followed by our number and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.

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Best wishes,

Jane

Breast Care Nurse

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