Drainage Question

NikkiS
on 11/22/08 1:29 pm - El Cajon, CA

So I had my Extended Panni done on Thursday. Came home with 2 drains we had discussed and a pain pump we hadnt. No complaining the least about the pain pump, even if it is a pain in the arse to have around my waste. I only need the Percocet at night to sleep because I tend to roll other than that just plain Tylenol is working for the pain during the day.
My question for any of you that have been through this is they say to empty the drains every 4 hours and report any excess drainage. Well none of the paperwork is says what is normal, what should be reported ect. I am draining the same amount as the day of surgery about 25 ml every 4 hours. Does anyone know if this is normal? The color is getting lighter, just not the amount. I dont want to call the MD on the weekend for what you all maybe able to help me with.
Any ideas??? What was your experience,ect.........
Thanks ahead of time, I may be a nurse, but I am a terrible patient!!!

Nikki

Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations.
I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty,
believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.
Louisa May Alcott

Janine J.
on 11/22/08 2:34 pm - The Beautiful Desert, CA

RNY on 07/10/02

Nikki....I had 4 drains when I had my LBL and drained more than that. It is good that the fluid is getting lighter too. I would not worry about so much fluid really....better for it to come out in a drain that have to go back and later have the fluid drained out of you. I know some women have had to have that done here....you know they jam the needle in you and suck it out....no way!

I am really glad to hear that you are not in a whole lot of pain. I bet you are going to look even more fab than ever!!!

Take care gf!

“When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others.” –Peace Pilgrim (1908-1981).

NikkiS
on 11/22/08 8:06 pm - El Cajon, CA

RNY on 01/02/07

Ya no fluid aspiration!!! Nope nope nope. Had that done on my knee once and ouchie!!! Not again!!!
I am glad about the pain too. I do not need the side effects that come with Percocet

So if Tylenol work for the day I am all good with that.

As for the looking fab part, I still have that fat persons brain. I so wish they operated on that. Even if my stomach and boobs look great it will be my legs or arms that are too saggy. Always something too fat. UGH self esteem issues suck!!!!!!

Nikki

Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations.
I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty,
believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.
Louisa May Alcott

jilliecats
on 11/22/08 2:35 pm

RNY on 01/28/04

Hi there!

From my experience, it wasn't so much the quantity that he cared about, it was the color, the lighter being the better. Remember that my leg was botched and I literally had a drain in it for two plus months. I didn't come home from the hospital with any drains except my legs (I had tummy, legs and arms all done at once as I only wanted to be under anesthesia one time) I would say you are doing good. If they didn't already tell you, chart the amount of drainage and how often you drain them. That helps the doc too.

Also, a bit of advice. Did your doc send you home with a binder? If he did, WEAR IT 24-7. Take if off only to shower. Even wear it sleeping. It is going to make such a difference in your healing and also the swelling. Lots of people cheat and don't wear it as much as they are supposed to. It really does work if you wear it all the time.

Huge gentle hugs to you!

Jilliecats

NikkiS
on 11/22/08 8:01 pm - El Cajon, CA

RNY on 01/02/07

I have the binder and I am not allowed to even think about taking it off before my post op appt Friday. I have to do sponge baths and all the gauze is itching like crazy. Not to mention I want to know what I look like under all this stuffing!!! They had me get support garmets, they said Spanx I went to Wal Mart and got them cheaper (plus extra tummy support) to wear after. I dont know if that is Friday or when?! Trust me if I could do a bra 24/7 for as long as I had to I will do the same with this damn binder!!
Thanks for the input, I am writing it all down, they gave me a little chart and the color is lighter today!!!

Nikki

Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations.
I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty,
believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.
Louisa May Alcott

Janel B
on 11/23/08 5:16 am - Oakley, CA

RNY on 06/12/06

Dittos with what everyone said.....the lighter the color the better..........and wear that garment ALL THE TIME! I am not even 4 months out, and still wear mine. I had one surgeon say that if I can take it, to wear it for 6 months. He said that the first 2 months you lose 80% of your swelling...the next 4 months, you lose the rest. I am so used to mine (I wear Spanx Slim Cognito) that I don't even notice it! I actually feel better when it's on.

Blessings to you!

Janel

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