JP Drain

Hello all, I was just wondering if when you had a drain when you laid down or went to bed did you get more red fluid than durring the day. Currently during the day the fluid is primarily yellow, but when I go to at night the next morning it is ALL red. I have had this drain since the 29th, and am hoping to have it out on Friday, but my surgeon said that the fluid either has to dry up or turn yellow before he will remove it. Is this normal? And what exactly is that fluid anyway?

Leslie - I had one only while I was in the hospital and they took it out while it was still red. I think the yellow is just fluid buildup from swelling. I am guessing he's leaving it in to ensure there isn't a bleed or wound problem. Sounds like he's just being extra careful. I would certainly keep him updated on your status, but taking a wild guess I'd say the amount of blood mixed fluid is probably going to be normal. Unless it's dark red blood of course... Let us know how it goes and what he says! Dina

Leslie, Hi I had a J.P. drain too. Pain in the butt and other places as well. The other end of that tube is placed along the interior incision between the old stomach and new pouch. The fluid is natural oozing? that occurs with any wound. Normally the body absorbs the fluid but, since this wound is large the drain is put in to absorb the excess to prevent a build-up that can cause an infection. Not sure why it may be red-red during the night maybe because the way you lay irritates it. You might need to call your surgeon and just ask. You will feel so much better after it is out. But you don't want it out too soon as you risk infection. Hope this helps Take care.............................Betsy AKA The Offishal Court Jester

Thanks Guys, I called the Surgeon as I also noticed for the first time yellow puss oozing from Drain site. I have not had this before. They told me to remove the dressing to check if it was red and swollen (signs of infection). I did and it is a little red and swollen so I will just keep an eye on it for now because they said it is not a big deal as I have no fever. It was interesting as I have not seen any of my incision sites because they have been covered until now. When I asked about the red draining at night he said that the red blood cells have probably settled to the bottom of the cavity and when I sleep they come to the top and get drained due to the change in postion. Strange...but whatever. Leslie

I had surgery on 04/05/04 and came home yesterday. I had a JP and they took it out before I came home. They told me that they take it 99% of the time before the patient leaves the hospital. Mine was kind of a pinkish red (more red) but the volume had decreased by more than 50% by the time I left. I have never heard of the yellow fluid rule but I guess all doctors have their indiosyncracies. Angela