And this week’s new word is ... Exudate!

An exudate is a fluid that filters from the circulatory system into lesions (such as surgical wounds) or areas of inflammation. In my case, it is an almost clear fluid.

Exudate supports the healing process by facilitating the diffusion of vital healing factors (e.g. growth and immune factors) as well as the migration of cells across the wound. It also promotes cell proliferation, provides nutrients for cell metabolism, and aids autolysis of necrotic or damaged tissue.

In my case, my wound is producing a high volume of exudate, and this is saturating my wound dressing. The latter keep leaking and having to be replaced. I’m being prescribed antibiotics to help ensure that the risk of secondary infection is reduced and to assist in reducing the flow of exudate.

Until this problem is solved, I’m unable to do many of the things I’d like to be doing, and both Sue and I are becoming increasingly frustrated. There is only so much sitting and reading/watching TV one can do before boredom begins to kick in ... and we are fast approaching our personal limits.

That said, I’m eating and drinking normally, I’m learning to cope with my stoma bag, and I’ve had lots of time to think about wargaming ... and I’ll be writing more about this in due course.