CSF Leak concerns?

General
1

The yesterday I had noticed my bandage was really wet for some reason- it was a relatively fresh bandage. So I had help removing it and there was some wetness that was a very light dingy color.

I called my surgeon’s office to ask about it and the nurse told me I no longer needed to keep it covered constantly, and to Keep an eye on it to see if it’s draining. If so it could be a CSF Leak and I’d need to go to the ER.
I rebandaged it last night and removed it this morning. The bandage was slightly moist, about like the day before but Over the course of the day its began to ooze more; and as of now its constantly draining.

Everything I’ve read has said if it’s a CSF Leak, it would be accompanied by an excruciating headache and your nose would be running too, which I have neither of.

So my question is, what does it sound like to you? Does it sound like normal healing process? Should I be concerned?
It’s steadily draing; when I touch it, my fingers come back wet, my neck just feels wet, like it could start running down my back.

My next appointment with the neuro is Wednesday. does it sound like something that can wait until then or do I need to go to the Emergency Room?
I’m concerned concerned, but also really don’t want to have to wait at the ER for an ungodly amount of hours if its nothing…

2

I had a csf leak and mine started like that just be careful u can get an infection.

3

I definitely don’t want an infection. I do my absolute beat to keep it as clean as possible. If your leak started As mine, what did you do about it?

Would it be wise to go to the ER? Or should I just wait until my appointment and hope it goes away?

It seems to be draining more everyday. :frowning:

4

Kayla,
I think you know your body best. If you are concerned, asking and at risk for infection then going to ER seems well in order. Please let us know how everything goes.
Hugs,
Laurie

5

Yes, I have to say that getting checked for a CSF leak immediately is a good idea! Hopefully you have already come and gone from the hospital

6

Thank you everyone, I did finally go to the ER yesterday. The doctor I got there said he wasn’t sure if It was in fact CSF or I guess sometimes incisions have a natural drainage, so he called my neurosurgeon’s colleague (since mine wasn’t in and it was Sunday) to ask his opinion and what should be done.
I was told the colleague said a clear liquid coming from my wound was not normal and I needed to be see immediately. Since the St. Vincent’s where I live doesn’t have a neurology department, I had to go an hour away to the one an hour away that I had my surgery done at.
I checked in through ER and they admitted me for the night.
I spoke with my surgeon this morning and he explained what he was going to do and my surgery is scheduled for this afternoon.

I’m terrified to Go through this again
But, I guess it’s important.

:frowning:

7

Oh, Kayla, I am sorry you have had to go through surgery again. Please keep us updated on how it goes. Best wishes in recovery, hon.