Quick tip for being as comfortable as possible with drains!!

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Selizabeth12
Selizabeth12 Member Posts: 18
edited February 2015 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Hi everyone! I'm not sure if this has ever been mentioned before but we figured it's worth posting no matter what! My mom was diagnosed with IDC & ILC, grade 3, ER+ PR- HER2- about two and a half weeks ago. She had her double mastectomy this past Friday (January 30th) and has found the drains to be the most annoying and painful part of it all! She's found a really creative and functional way to stay as comfortable as possible!

Uniform scrubs (we got these at goodwill for $3.49 a piece)

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Make sure it has pockets!

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And buttons! (Many don't so be careful!)

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Here is my beautiful mommy showing how it looks! Very functional, comfortable, easy to access and isn't completely obvious that they're there.

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I hope this helps recovery be a little more comfortable for everyone! (:

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Comments

  • DiveCat
    DiveCat Member Posts: 968
    edited February 2015

    http://www.marsupialpouch.com

    The scrub shirt is a great idea!

    I had 2 marsupial pouches, with 2 pockets each. They were great, as the waistband was super stretchy, the material soft,and I could easily leave it on while I changed, stripped/emptied drains, sponge bathed, and later showered (I would just switch to dry one after). Also tucked under looser shirts so no one could see the drains while I was out walking outside or whatever. Link is at top because my iPad and this site do not get along.




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  • JJ47
    JJ47 Member Posts: 16
    edited February 2015

    Love this idea!! I too just had my surgery on 1-28-15 and have been most annoyed by the 4 drains I had. My doctor's office had given me two sleeveless cami's with pockets on the inside for the bulbs. I thought that was great but after returning home and using it found it very uncomfortable with the drains inside my shirt, it also keep the tubing inside which ended up irritating my skin. I have taken to pinning the bulbs to the outside of my cami and wearing a zip up sweatshirt over the top. This idea of yours would be much more comfortable and functional! I am a CMA with a closet full of scrubs and never even thought of this!! Thanks for sharing :)

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited February 2015

    Indeed, thanks for sharing, and we hope your mom is doing well!


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  • Selizabeth12
    Selizabeth12 Member Posts: 18
    edited February 2015

    I'm glad this was helpful!

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  • Shelly74
    Shelly74 Member Posts: 24
    edited February 2015

    I have an elastic belt I wear around my abdomen above my waist. The drain loops are held by a Velcro strap so they don't dangle or get caught on anything. Just unhook them to drain and reconnect to Velcro when done. My surgery was 2/6/15, and I came home from hospital late afternoon yesterday. Best wishes for everyone's recovery!

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  • odie16
    odie16 Member Posts: 1,882
    edited February 2015

    I actually bought cheap scrubs at Walgreens (think they were 2 for $10) and cut a slit on the inside of the pockets so my drains were completely hidden. The bulbs were pinned in the pockets. You can get cute ones and it was nice that I looked like a vet tech or something not a cancer patient. When I

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  • fluffycats
    fluffycats Member Posts: 35
    edited February 2015

    Another quick tip is if your drain tubes are too long, just ask your doc to shorten them. It takes all of 10 seconds. I could have done it myself but wasn't willing to risk an infection.

    Before shortening, mInewas hanging out and got caught on a door handle...whoa that hurt and ripped a stitch.

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited February 2015

    Thanks for the suggestion. I'm coming home in a tight binder, so I got loose XL scrub vest with buttons and pockets to wear in bed, and an L scrub top with buttons and pockets to wear out to appointments. I don't want to wear my new fuzzy leopard print jammies to the pharmacy!

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  • SC_Coqui
    SC_Coqui Member Posts: 133
    edited February 2015

    I got zip front light weight work out jackets that have pockets in them on the inside of the jaket. Target has them from Champion. "Women's Cardio Jacket". I was also able to get a hoodie that had the same types of pockets. You would never know I have the drains underneath :)

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