Hi,

My Dad had a bilateral neck dissection in mid March; he was just straining in the bathroom to have a bowel movement; when he looked in the mirror he had blood dripping down his neck from his scar; right down his chest. It seems to have stopped now. Not sure if it came from one spot or the entire scar (scar goes ear to ear). There is one spot on the neck that clear liquid comes out from time to time.

Dr.'s office is closed right now.

Anyone have this happen?

Any comments.

Thanks
LisaB

This message has been edited. Last edited by: LisaB Canada,

Ok spoke with a nurse she says it's lymph fluid draining out and not to worry; see the dr tomorrow.

Then spoke with the resident dr and he said it's a blood vessel and not to worry; see the dr on our next follow up.

(Both say as long as there is no excessive swelling not to worry).

So which one is it? Confused!

Thanks again,

LisaB

Hello LisaB

It appears that the straining increased the pressure in the chest and the blood vessels. A superficial small blood vessel in the area of the scar appears to have 'burst' and caused the bleeding; hence the visible bleeding. It stopped after the pressure was reduced after straining was over. The break should heal itself. Pressure over the area will help as it would with any other minor bleeding as with a cut.

Hence, it appears that this is not something to worry about especially as the bleeding has stopped. Be wary of excessive straining again though! Let us know what the doctor says.

Best wishes
Vinod (in Jakarta )

Thank you Dr. Vinod, that makes me feel better. I'll keep you posted.

LisaB

I talked to the surgeon's office on the phone; they also said it sounds like a blood vessel and not to worry. We meet the RO next Tues for our follow up. He hasn't had any other problems with it since that day.

Thanks again,

LisaB