Anyone w/ blood in JP drain 2+ weeks post-op?

Just wondering if anyone else has had lots of old, dark blood in their JP drains 2+ weeks post-op?  I had a BL/brachioplasty on 12/16/08, and the JP drain that's pulling the fluids from my right arm still has a lot of old, dark blood in it.  I saw my surgeon Monday, 12/29, and he said that just happens sometimes.  But I'm wondering if anyone here had a similar experience and, if so, how long it took for the fluid to lighten up to that pinkish/yellowish color...  I know we all heal at different rates, but just looking for someone else with a similar experience who can tell me it'll all be okay eventually! 

Kellie

I had stuff that looked like small clots of blood especially after stripping the JP tubing.  It will get better.

Thanks, BCG.  I don't seem to have many clots or strips of tissue any more, just old, dark blood.  Plus, the area where the JP drain is inserted into the flesh under my right armpit still bleeds a lot.  That hole is just bigger than the one under my left arm, and I suspect the tubing from the drain will prevent it from healing until the JP drain tubing is removed. 

Anyway, thanks again for your response - it helps to know that I just need to be patient and that things will get better over time!

Have a great New Year -

Kellie

Hi Kellie - I'm 2 weeks out from a lower bodylift and have one drain that's watery and the other is still dark, red blood.  It has been getting a little lighter today.  Dr. says it's normal.

Thanks, Honeyblonde - I appreciate the info.  It just seems strange to me that I'm getting so much bloody drainage so long after my surgery (16 days now).  I see my surgeon again next Monday, and am hoping the color starts to lighten up before then.  If not, I'll see what he has to say about it... 

Have a great New Year!

Kellie

 Kellie,
I'm 17 days out and all my drains (4) are dark, dark red.  Some of them had been getting light but that time was short lived.  Now my abdomen is still hard because I've got old fluid building up.  I don't know that I'd worry much about it, it sounds like you said old blood that needs to come out.  Good luck, I know I'm not expecting any of my drains to come out at my appointment Saturday
--Sax

Thanks for the info, Saxman.  I was just concerned because the color and amount of drainage from my right arm is so different than the rest of my drains from this surgery, and very different from my experience w/ my tummy tuck.  It does seem to be lightening up and slowing down a little bit, but I doubt it'll be slow enough to be pulled at my appointment next Monday - sigh. 

I hope your recovery continues to go well, and that some of your drains come out soon!  My recovery from my tummy tuck seemed to get much better much faster after my drains came out.  Take care -

Kellie