Drains... some clotting

tsoebbin

I've had some clots in one of my drains... I'm 3 days BMX. Wow it's yucky. No fever or redness... just wondering if these clots are normal?

anotherNYCGirl

yes, - not unusual! those drains are so annoying. =/

wishing you a speedy recovery!

tsoebbin

many thanks! 💪

Molly50

Tsoebbin, if you are stripping the drains sometimes they will sometimes clot or you will get stringy stuff. Just keep it up. If they look like they're getting infected be sure to call your doctor.

Blessings2011

Totally yucky and totally normal.

If your drains are filling up, the tubes aren't blocked, and don't really need to be stripped. (Except for the satisfaction of trying to get rid of the yucky stuff...) (And if you do try to strip them anyway, try using an alcohol wipe or a wet washcloth to move along the tube.

Even more important than stripping drains is maintaining proper suction: always empty your drains before they are half full.

Remove the bulb cap, pour out and measure the fluid, wipe off the opening to the bulb as well as the cap with an alcohol wipe.

Now, start rolling up the uncapped empty bulb to get all the air out of it.

When you've done this, replace the cap, and put the bulb back in place, however you secure it.

I got this lesson from my hospital nurse right after BMX.

pab

Yes, stripping the tubing will help, but I had no idea what that meant! My breast surgeon showed me how to do it. An alcohol wipe works great. Just hold one end closer to your body and wipe the tubing toward the bulb. It does work. Good luck and rest!!