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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Still Having Discharge Post Lap.hysterectomy. Smells Like Old Blood. Normal?

Hello Dr. Grief,

I am 18 days post lap hysterectomy (just preventative, nothing going on) and I'm still having, I would say moderate discharge, slightly more than day 1, but I think that's because my activity has increased. Using 2 thick pads per day, which do not become saturated except in one spot about the size of a half dollar. I am a nurse and have been reading that I should call if I have foul smelling discharge. Well, I'm smelling what smells like old blood to me which I have had from day one also, but it is very strong. Is this normal? My insurance ran out 9.2.13, so my Gyn squeezed in my follow-up before it did which I was grateful for, but now I'm wondering if I went back too soon. Don't want to spend out of pocket if this is normal.
Thanks,
Leslie
posted on Sat, 14 Sep 2013
Twitter Sun, 15 Sep 2013 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 16 Sep 2013 Last reviewed on
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OBGYN,  's  Response
Thanks for your question. Postoperative bleeding from laparoscopic hysterectomy may continue for up to six weeks from the surgical procedure. The amount of bleeding you describe is really not concerning. Postoperative odor that smells like old blood is probably normal as well. Remember, while sleeping, blood will collect in the vagina and is usually discharged upon awakening and may have an odor. Symptoms that would be concerning are fever of 100.5 or higher that is sustained, discharge that appears to have pus involved, or discharge that has an odor that is foul (like a sewer) as well as pain not responding to routine pain medication. Postoperative care is usually included in the charge for surgery so a follow up visit should not cost anything, even though your insurance has lapsed. Nevertheless, despite insurance coverage, you are still in the postoperative stage and should be evaluated if any of the above occur.
I hope this answers your questions. I am available for follow up if the need arises.
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Still Having Discharge Post Lap.hysterectomy. Smells Like Old Blood. Normal?

Thanks for your question. Postoperative bleeding from laparoscopic hysterectomy may continue for up to six weeks from the surgical procedure. The amount of bleeding you describe is really not concerning. Postoperative odor that smells like old blood is probably normal as well. Remember, while sleeping, blood will collect in the vagina and is usually discharged upon awakening and may have an odor. Symptoms that would be concerning are fever of 100.5 or higher that is sustained, discharge that appears to have pus involved, or discharge that has an odor that is foul (like a sewer) as well as pain not responding to routine pain medication. Postoperative care is usually included in the charge for surgery so a follow up visit should not cost anything, even though your insurance has lapsed. Nevertheless, despite insurance coverage, you are still in the postoperative stage and should be evaluated if any of the above occur. I hope this answers your questions. I am available for follow up if the need arises.