jp-drain 10 days. Help?

Debbie_04
on 1/4/15 12:56 am
VSG on 12/29/14

So my surgeon is adamant that the drain be in 10 days.  Its my toughest challenge so far.  Changing the dressing 2x a day is tearing up my skin.  It's so sensitive, there is no way to rip it fast.  Anyone have any tips on saving my skin?

   Age 66... VSG 12/29/14... H.W. 360...  S.W. 323...  C.W. 253

        

        

    

        

Gwen M.
on 1/4/15 1:01 am
VSG on 03/13/14

Ask your surgeon if this is okay before you do it, but I have the same issue with tape and my physical therapist suggest saturating it with baby oil before removing it.  The baby oil will break down the adhesive which makes it easier to remove.  

VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)

Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170

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Debbie_04
on 1/4/15 1:14 am
VSG on 12/29/14

Thanks Gwen, since I have to re-apply it that may not work.  

   Age 66... VSG 12/29/14... H.W. 360...  S.W. 323...  C.W. 253

        

        

    

        

Gwen M.
on 1/4/15 1:15 am
VSG on 03/13/14

Washing the area with a gentle soap and then wiping it with alcohol before reapplication should work.  

VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)

Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170

TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)

MAchick
on 1/4/15 1:31 am
VSG on 01/27/14

What type of dressing is on it? Do you have drainage from the actual insertion site of the drain? 

There are dressings like tegaderms and opsites that are clear and thin,  usually only need to be changed every 72 hours. I had gauze and tegaderm. Have you talked to him about alternatives? Paper tape as opposed to the regular tape? 

When removing a dressing,  never do it quickly. I use one hand to lift the tape or edge,  then a finger to gently push the skin down and away from the tape. Pulling it or ripping it quickly can damage the skin. I've seen some horrific skin tears.

Also,  I'm not sure if you can get it wet, etc, but I typically use gauze wet with sterile normal saline to soften the edges of dressings before removing. It would be worth it to talk to your surgeon! 

    

    
Chilipepper
on 1/4/15 2:28 am, edited 1/4/15 2:29 am

I had a JP drain. It shifted inside and put me in the hospital for 3 days... They suck!  

Are you using paper tape?  You can put a warm wash cloth on it to moisten it up. Use a big 4x4 gauze pad and just use a little tape around the edges. Then Safety pin the ball to your bra...I just wore baggy shorts. I taped it to my belly so I would t snag it (which I did a few times ) and carried the ball in my pocket 

 

"The first thing I do in the morning is brush my teeth and sharpen my tongue." --- Dorothy Parker  

"You may not like what I say or how I say it, but it may be just exactly what you need to hear." ---Kathryn White

 

 

Debbie_04
on 1/4/15 3:19 am
VSG on 12/29/14

Yes the drain definetly sucks.  Yes it's paper tape and 4 in squares.  I will try moistening the tape and see how that goes.  I have the safety pin trick handled.  Not going anywhere since its about 17 degrees outside so hiding it hasn't been an issue.  Can't wait til Thursday when it comes out!

   Age 66... VSG 12/29/14... H.W. 360...  S.W. 323...  C.W. 253

        

        

    

        

Chilipepper
on 1/4/15 8:20 am

I also only changed it once a day or when I had leakage at the site. Changing twice a day is overkill if you are dry

 

"The first thing I do in the morning is brush my teeth and sharpen my tongue." --- Dorothy Parker  

"You may not like what I say or how I say it, but it may be just exactly what you need to hear." ---Kathryn White

 

 

happyteacher
on 1/4/15 8:59 am

Dang. That bites. I don't know much about the type of bandage needed for a JP drain, but I do know a lot about sensitive skin and adhesives messing with me. There is a bandage meant for burns- a very thin strip of adhesive on parallel sides, and the bandage may be cut. It made a huge difference. If you are intersted let me know and I will go dig out a box to get you the name. I also have some other special tape that is a little easier on the skin, and I can check if I can locate the type. Sending good karma your way and I hope you get that out soon.

Surgeon: Chengelis  Surgery on 12/19/2011  A little less carb eating compared to my weight loss phase loose sleever here!

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hollykim
on 1/4/15 9:16 am - Nashville, TN
Revision on 03/18/15

you might try wrapping roll gauze around your waist/belly/area where the drain is. Wrapping it completely around you holds the roll and the dressing underneath it,and around the drain,from moving around.m

you can buy roll gauze at any store that sells dressing supplies. 

 


          

 

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