by NeuropathicGuy » 19 Dec 2010, 00:40
It's normal for there to be some drainage following surgery. It's possible that what you're seeing is normal drainage. But an abscess can't be conclusively ruled out, either. If the yellow drainage looks pus-like at all, it'd be best to get it checked out firsthand by the doc. If you tell them you suspect a possible infection, they should be able to see you on relatively short notice.
Abscesses generally will hurt to some extent. Mine was tender. It wasn't total in-your-face pain, but it did hurt for sure. They don't always cause fever, though. That usually only happens when the infection goes systemic, in which case you'd want to see the doc immediately.
In short: drainage is normal. Yellow drainage is cause to pay close attention to any additional changes down there. Abscesses will usually cause some pain or be tender, although being fresh off surgery can cause tenderness too, obviously. Don't wait for any sort of fever -- if you're unsure, get someone to look at it. At least you'll have some peace of mind that way even if it's just nothing :)