Serious bummer

I had PS surgery almost 2 weeks ago, and was eagerly anticipating getting my 4 drains out.  Only 2 were pulled, and it will be at least 2 more weeks before the others are done.  What a freaking bummer.  On the bright side, I can at least now fit the receptacles in the fanny pack, so it is not as awkward.  Not looking forward to 2 more weeks of showering with these things.  I know this is for the best, and the flat tummy and most importantly lots less skin for skin cancer fodder is well worth it, so time to just chill my beans for a couple weeks.  

If the drains are pulled too soon fluids can build up under the skin and form a big abscess that would need to be surgically drained.  It is better to be emptying that blood and fluid out from the drain.

The more you rest the less drainage you will have.  I wore a man's flannel shirt and just pinned the drains to that, but a fanny pack is much better solution. 

Getting the last of those drains out felt like one of the happiest days of my life and I think that was at four weeks.

I do completely understand it is for the best, and in the big picture the recovery is entirely and utterly worth it.  I was just hoping and don't like going out with bodily fluids hanging out on the outside of my body like that.  But, a big hoodie covers it easily so I think I am just going to get over it already so I can go out a little.  I appreciate you posting though, as for whatever reason I thought it was normal to get them out at 1 week, and for some folks maybe 2.  No clue why I had that in my head, and not that I am happy you had to go 4 weeks but it is reassuring to know it is not entirely atypical.  

Hang in there!!!

Hey no whining!! I had 7 drains, one of which was in for 23 days...AND I had to pull it out myself lol. I know, it sucks, they are irritating, but learn to love the little alien babies - they are your BFF. 

Ok, you are right- no whining.  We call them my "bubbles" in these parts.  Brave woman pulling your own out.  I am normally very sturdy when it comes to procedures, and this was the first time I told a doc that I was a tad nervous about it.  It was a cinch though, other than the foul discharge splatter when he yanked that puppy out. Yuck!

I'm sorry that you're still having to endure that -- I can see where it would be disappointing!  Glad that otherwise your recovery seems to be going well.