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Fluid Build-Up Behind Incision **UPDATE** Its cellulitis!

cuppacocuppaco member
in C-sections

I had a failed induction, which ended in a c-section, on March 28 (a week ago).  I am plus size (size 24) and carry most of my weigh in my abdomen, so of course, I have a fat/skin flap that covers my incision.  I've followed all post-operative instructions to the letter.

At my incision check yesterday, the OB was pleased with the healing of the incision area - however noted that there was some serous fluid building up behind the incision.  Serous fluid apparently comes from fat cells and tissue when you cut through them.

The OB prescribed me some Keflex to treat a possible infection as I was also running a low grade (under 100) fever.  There is some concern that the incision will rupture from the fluid and the wound will need to be packed.  However, I've read online that fluid build up is somewhat normal.

Anyone have a similar experience???  I wasn't thrilled about the c/s in the first place, but now I'm here, I'm upset that I keep having complications (this is the most recent in a long line of *many* pregnancy issues).

 

*UPDATE 4-5-12*

After I had my fever spike to 102.1 yesterday afternoon, I ended up in the ER.  Fun, right?  Well after x-rays, 2 catscans (with and without contrast), and a massive amount of blood work, I do NOT have fluid behind the incision.  In fact, the incision is itself healing nicely.  I do however have cellulitis about 3" above my incision (on my tummy flap area).  I was given 2 IV antibiotics and sent home with Levequin and Doxycycline.  I've had a smaller (under 100.5) fever today, and am feeling much better.  I'm hoping I'm back to my old self next week for newborn pictures.

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Re: Fluid Build-Up Behind Incision **UPDATE** Its cellulitis!

  • MCookie816MCookie816
    Gee I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I am about your size (although I am not sure size is what caused the issue) and my incision opened because of a hematoma and fluid build up. I had a planned C-section and my incision just never really closed in a one inch spot. I did not have an infection but I did end up at the ER in the middle of the night because I began bleeding profusely. :( The only advice I have is take it easy! The day my incision opened I had pushed myself too hard; cleaning and going out. As a result I was in a lot of pain and had put a heating pad on my abdomen I think that contributed to the problem, so don't use a heating pad lol. Take care of yourself and try not to stress or overdo it! Good luck! 
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  • mben1119mben1119 member

    My incision opened up 2x and I had to do 2 courses of Keflex to fight off cellulitis.  I also had to go to the doctor 10 days in a row to have the incision cleaned and packed with gauze.  I finally closed up at about 10 weeks PP, and am nicely healed now.  It sucks, but stick with the treatment plan.  I was supposed to shower 2x a day to clean my incision, and skipped one shower one day, and my incision started getting red again!

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  • llizzybllizzyb member

    I am not plus size, but I had serious fluid and blood accumulation right after my c/s. (I'm 11 days out.) Just the way my body reacted to this particular surgery it seems.

    My OB told me to alternate heat and ice on my abdomen/pelvic region to help the fluids absorb. In my case, I needed to also elevate my hips higher than my head because so much was hanging out in my pelvis. 

    May not help you, but thought I'd share just in case.

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