Drains! Ugh....

Lajonesin
Lajonesin Member Posts: 23
edited March 2020 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Y’all, I need some encouragement about these drains! I only have 2 so I realize I’m being a whiney butt BUT I’m so over them I could scream. I just want them out but I’m still draining about 30 to 40 ccs each per day. I thought I was gonna be a champ and just live with them, but I’m actually so focused on them I can’t stop crying. Every time I check the outpost and see it’s more than needed to be removed I feel so let down, and kind of mad at myself....like I’m doing something wrong. It’ll be two weeks Wednesday since surgery. Am I expecting too much, too soon?

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  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited March 2020

    My first set of 4 were in for about 2 weeks. The second set of 2 was about 2 weeks also. They are PITA. But they will come out!!!!

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  • AngieB92
    AngieB92 Member Posts: 323
    edited March 2020

    I hear you, Lajonesin!!

    I’ve had mine in for two weeks and 6 days. I’m still seeing 50 and 40cc output. I’m supposed to get them out tomorrow. My PS said they do not like to keep them in last 3 weeks but I don’t know what they will do because my output is still greater than 30cc. I am so done with these things and my sides are sore where they go into my body.

    We’ll see tomorrow but just know you are not alone

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited March 2020

    I had my two in for 3 weeks with the BMX and 2 weeks with the reconstruction. Although yes they are awful, I was so glad I didn't have to deal with a seroma.

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  • bcincolorado
    bcincolorado Member Posts: 5,758
    edited March 2020

    Angie I know it is icky and scary and you are ready for it to be over. It is not unusual for several weeks. If you are worried about your output in the morning call your PS office and they can reassure you on the phone. Everyone is different but it can definitely take a few weeks before ready to come out. Best of luck to you for speedy recovery.

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  • OnlyGirlof5
    OnlyGirlof5 Member Posts: 78
    edited March 2020

    Hang in there. They won't leave them in there for much longer. My output was super low the first few days and at Day 5's post-op, the PA was confident I would be in the next day or two. Then wham-o, 50-55mLs the next few days! I wanted to cry! I couldn't get comfortable. What got me through mentally is reminding myself this liquid could be pooling under my tissue. The PA reminded me when this happens, draining a seroma is NO FUN! So I chilled my butt.

    Sit, relax and limit your movement as much as you can (especially the arms). That's what worked for me. At 30-40ccs, you sound like you're close. Mine came out on day 11.

    One thing that helped me get a little more comfortable was to use surgical tape and secure the tubing to my side about 3-4 inches below the drain incision/bandage area. It was getting irritated with any bumping or movement. That got me through the last few days.

    Oh and the removal . . .NO biggie. In fact, I didn't even know she had pulled it out. All that worry about pain for nothing.

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  • illimae
    illimae Member Posts: 5,710
    edited March 2020

    I hope you’re not like me, I also had two but mine were in for 5 1/2 weeks, I hated every minute of it. Surgeon said some people are just “juicy” lol. Good luck!

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited March 2020

    illimae - juicy? For goodness sakes.

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  • Lajonesin
    Lajonesin Member Posts: 23
    edited March 2020

    Illimae.....juicy is what I feel like. 😝 I can feel every inch of the one tube under my breast. I keep wanting to pull my bra down, but it’s the tubing. Aaahhh! The one on my stomach is a little infected but the cream he gave me has helped. My sweet neighbor came over tonight and she cut a maxi pad in half, then cut a slit at the end to kind of wrap around the insertion site and then taped the tube down and it helped a lot. Actually, just someone caring enough to try to help was soothing. Y’all have all been that for me, even before my surgery. I’ve been here reading and taking to heart all the tips and tricks.....thanks sooo much! I see a couple of you are in Houston like me. My PS was Dr Boutros. He is the most amazing man/surgeon/human! I hope y’all all had good experiences with your drs. Anyway.....I’m rambling. Thanks so much again for the encouragement. It means so much! 💐

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  • astyanax66
    astyanax66 Member Posts: 288
    edited March 2020

    Hi--ugh, I hate them. I have only 2, and one doesn't really cause a problem at all. But the left side--it burns, itches, and is generally a pain. I can see where it coils up under my skin. I don't know about anyone else, but I didn't receive much warning about drains being painful (as opposed to in the way and annoying). No, not infected--I checked.

    So, just letting you know you are not alone!


    Dee

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  • Lajonesin
    Lajonesin Member Posts: 23
    edited March 2020

    Well, I'm getting less and less output from the breast drain.....less than 20ccs today! The abdominal drain is still giving me fits, leaking a tad and angry red skin all around it. Output is about 30ccs. I'm also still pretty swollen in my tummy region but I have no trouble standing straight or walking. It's puzzling to me that so much has gone right, but such a little thing is driving me batty.

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  • AngieB92
    AngieB92 Member Posts: 323
    edited March 2020

    illimae - that’s exactly what I am - juicy!! I’ve had my two drains in now for 3 weeks and 3 days. I check my output at 7:30am. I had 55 minutes n the left side and 60 on the right. The day before, I had 60 on the left and 30 on the right. I’m just sitting here. So frustrating but it makes me feel better to know someone else had their drains in for a longer time

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2020

    I had to have one for my lumpectomy. I tucked it in my waistband and hiked with it in there, and did yoga (carefully), too. But it did seem like it was never going to come out. I think it was 3 weeks...I feel your pain.

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  • Concerned2012
    Concerned2012 Member Posts: 22
    edited March 2020

    I am so sorry to hear you are having a tough time with the drains, and I sympathize with you. I am 4 weeks post op, prophylactic double mastectomy. I only had 2 drains & they were removed 2 weeks & 2 days post op. Are you resting enough? Resting is such a huge part of healing. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Please feel free to PM me with any Qs or concerns, I am here for you. Prayers for a speedy recovery.

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  • smc123
    smc123 Member Posts: 71
    edited March 2020

    Hang in there..I had my 2 drains for 4 weeks...my PS would lecture me that I was over doing it and needed to take it easy. IDK but when they finally came out I cried with relief.

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  • Lajonesin
    Lajonesin Member Posts: 23
    edited March 2020

    image

    Y'all! The one in my abdomen came unstitched at some point and had lost its suction. So......I had to remove it myself with the nurse over the phone. The one in my breast is still hanging in there, but literally nothing is coming out anymore. I already know I'm gonna get a lecture, but I live alone and with a dog and two cats I've got things to take care of!

    Thanks to everyone for cheering me on. This whole ordeal is just one gross science experiment to me.

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