Surgery Question - Drain Tube

So, I'm pre-op and my surgeon said she put a drain tube in. I have to complete 5 more months of my diet (insurance req) and then I will see the surgeon again. I was overloaded with so much information when I first met with the surgeon ( and everyone else all in one day) I did not think to ask specifics about the drain tube and just now started thinking about it.

Did anyone have a drain tube put in? If so, where is it out and how long does it stay in?? I would love some input if anyone feels like commenting. Thanks bunches

I had a drain. It's kind of on your side at your lower ribs. It hangs out about 18 inches or so. It feels weird when they take it out. I had one spot that was a little uncomfortable when they were taking it out, busy most of it feels like intense rumbling....like "oh man, why did I eat all that Mexican food" kind of feeling. It's really not bad. My drain was put in at surgery (Tuesday) and taken out when I was released from the hospital (today). I've heard some leave them in longer, like 10-14 days.

Best wishes!!

Thanks Brenda and congrats on your surgery!!!

I have had them for 2 surgeries and let me tell you everything I can as it will help ease your fears. It is inserted while you are asleep obviously but you won't really feel it in recovery or your room. I walked around and let it hang I didn't hold it. They come in from time to time and drain the fluids and measure the amount of fluid that comes out. Fun times NOT it grossed me out so I never looked. I had one taken out suddenly the Dr didn't explain to me what he was doing it hurt like heck! This times was sitting up in a chair and 2 nurses came in and said we are going to take your drain out, I said ok I am scared. She said we will do it quick. I yelled out in pain the nurse stopped I said no keep going get it out. If they do it quick it will be easier. I told the surgeon at my follow up that was the worst part of surgery he said I am sorry you were sitting up. Lay down if you ever had to have it again. So I suggest that you be laying in your bed. Also don't be freaked out I bled a lot from it but it stopped bleeding within a hour. I kept the spot covered for 2 weeks when the bandages came off it was such a small scar. Good luck!

Thanks Michelle

Hey there, Im actually post op 4 days and I have my drain in as Im typing this here to you! Lol. I had surgery on Tuesday, the 9th & was released Thursday. My surgeon decided to keep the drain in & I will have it taken out on Tuesday, the 16th when I go back for my 1 week follow-up appt. Having the drain in isn't too bad. It hurts just a lil from time to time, but I just take my pain medicine for that. It did hurt a lil when the nurses drained it 4 me when I was in the hospital though. This was a revision surgery so I've had a drain in before. I agree with the first post, I don't think it necessarily is "painful" but she is right, when it comes out, it's a weird feeling but short-lived (hopefully)! Well good luck with everything! Hope I was of some assistance. Take care!

Thanks Tonya

I was surprise how long it was, well, I didn't see it I felt it. I was laying down and my Dr had fixed a epigastric hernia and the tube was way up there, I couldn't believe it. I just took a deep breath and they pulled it out and I felt the hernia having a small tug not pain just a funny feeling and it left as quick as it came. I hadn't been draining for 2 days so the nurse thought that I wouldn't drain anymore I wanted a gauze put on just in case and I am glad I did I have been draining and it is finally slowing down to almost a stop now. surgery 4/9

Relax this isn't one of the things to worry about, well, I didn't think it was

Thanks Martha

mine was down on my left hip. left a tiny scar maybe the size of a pencil eraser (actually i think that one is gone now, and if it isn't i'm pretty sure it'll be taken off with my TT in june. i had my surgery monday and they took it out thursday morning before i left the hospital when they took the rest of the machines and stuff off of me. it's definitely a really weird feeling. almost like they are pulling a worm or something out of you. it didn't really hurt, just felt weird.