Can I empty the drains after the mastectomy myself?

I emptied mine without any problems. One thing I was told by someone else is how to deal with the drains while you have them. I purchased a robe with pockets on the inside(or you can add them) to tuck the drains into.

When I had to go out of the house I had large safety pins and attached them to the inside of the shirt I was wearing.

I had no problem stripping my own drains and I have had them a number of times, but be sure to have a complete understanding of how to do it, suggested frequency, and the correct supplies before you go home. I found that having those little individually packaged square alcohol wipes folded around the drain tubing like a little taco were very helpful in allowing your fingers to glide along easily, extra helpful if doing it yourself. I was always given the little disposable measuring cups to measure output. A pad of paper - sometimes they supply you with a log - and pen to write down volume, and disposable gloves or antibacterial soap and paper towels to dry your hands. I also found that using some gauze and tape to secure the drain exit area from my skin helped make an unexpected tug less uncomfortable when turning over or moving about. I used large safety pins to attach the loop on the tab of the drain bulb to my shirt. I have also used a nail apron from Home Depot which is super inexpensive, like $1.50 (will link) but there are also some other commercial products marketed toward this specifically. I have also linked a drain stripping video, which is not at all graphic, so you can get an idea of how it is done if you have not seen it previously.

https://www.homedepot.com/b/Tools-Tool-Storage-Tool-Belts/The-Home-Depot/Tool-Apron/N-5yc1vZc27zZ724Z1z1dlz8?storeSelection=

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDv1D2c8eLY

Yes you can! I actually preferred doing it myself vs. having my husband help. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be. I’m not great with medical stuff and get easily grossed out, but I did it and it wasn’t terrible.

Stripping the drains yourself is easy unless you have any range of motion problems. You may have to reach and bend an elbow around depending on where they are located. I had to hold the top area of the drain and strip with the "free" hand because otherwise it tugged too much.

My PS sent me home with this little velcro belt. My drains had velcro tabs and they just attached to it. So easy

Re managing the drains, and all the pinning, velcroing, etc. suggestion, here is one more: I bought an inexpensive belt on Amazon that was designed specifically with pockets to hold the drain (you can do one or two), and that worked well for me; can wear it inside/under a shirt. It was mesh and worked while taking a shower too. I found that there are a whole lot of products out there (special shirts, belts, etc.) designed just for post mastectomy drains, and while I really dislike the idea of having to buy stuff, and I do think they price gouge and take advantage of those in a bad situation, I did break down and buy the mesh drain belt, and I didn't regret it. There's a ton of stuff on Amazon for all this post surgery, post mastectomy situation. I had no idea until I was looking for something else, like chemo hats. A lot of it is unnecessary and overpriced - again seeming to take advantage of cancer patients, but some of it can actually be worth it. Just fine tooth comb it all and carefully consider and weigh what you might want.

My husband's an engineer. After my DIEP surgery I had four drains, and he insisted on TAKING CHARGE. He built a spreadsheet, complete with addition formulas, and I didn't dare touch my own drains because he was TAKING CHARGE. He gave each drain a name. (I'm a nurse, by the way, and completely capable of taking care of my own drains, but what they hey, it gave him some control).

Here's my tip: when I showered, I tied a long piece of narrow grosgrain ribbon into a loop and put it over my head. I hung the drains from it, using the safety pin they come with. It kept the drains from pulling on my skin where they were sutured in. My plastic surgeon allowed me to shower 24 hours after surgery--other surgeons aren't so liberal.

I managed my drains on my own entirely, and the nurse made sure I could do it before I left hospital.

I had a spreadsheet in a notebook to record time and output (my bulbs had measurements on them, so I did not need to pour into a measuring cup first). I was dedicated to monitoring so I could get them out as soon as could! I also recorded medication in the book. Had little alcohol wipes to disinfect tubing and outside of bulbs and other disinfectant wipes for clean up of bathroom regularly.

I got a couple kangaroo belts (soft cotton elastic bands with pouches on it) for drains. Helped a lot! I know you can find more affordable options on Amazon now. I also had soft gauze on hand to lightly pad the drain holes to reduce friction from surgical bra/clothing which could be uncomfortable.

Washing your own hair will be a much bigger deal. I needed my husband to help me bathe and wash hair when I was able. Recommend if you are on own to book some wash and dry appointments at a salon and find someone to drive you/get an Uber. It will feel very refreshing after a few days

DiveCat, I totally agree w/ you about washing hair. I've been doing it myself, but hurts like hell afterwards.I'll be booking salon appts on Monday.