Drains and how to cope with them

Hi Jenny welcome to the forum,. Ill bet that you will be glad when next week comes and surgery is past for you.

As far as I am aware they put the drain in in surgery and it is to drain excess fluid from around the wound area and they will attend to it all for you so no need to worry . Some people do go home with drains in and as far as I am aware only when the drain is draining small amounts of fluid . However, I feel sure that some of the other lovely folks on here will be along soon with further information for you especially about what happens when you get home. 

Hi Jenny

Depends which surgery you are having as to how many drains? When I had mastectomy and implant I had two drains that I had for a few days at home- when I had Diep I had three drains (one in tummy) but left hospital with just one, removed after a couple of days. They are a bit gross but just a nuisance, I used a canvas bag to carry mine around in. You have to measure the amount in each day and not empty them, they will give you spares to use if they get full. I think you have a drain if you have a full anc, but none with a lumpectomy, although there are always exceptions.

Good luck with your op

Jo x

Thank you so much!!

Thank  you Jo. I will be leaving hospital with a drain…. I have been given a lovely bag to carry it around in!

my concern is about sleeping with it in. I am sure I will get used to it ….. could be up to 10 days!!

From what I’ve read elsewhere sleeping on your back could be the key! 

Jenny xxxxx

Hi Jenny

You will get used to it - are you having a mastectomy ? You should only sleep on your back for a while, you will probably not feel like doing anything else ! I had a big pregnancy pillow which was fab for being able to move and still be supported x

I am having breast conserving surgery. 
I trued sleeping in a semi sitting position last night. I couldn’t get off. I would imagine that won’t be a problem after anaesthetic!!

xx

jenny

Hi Melon Mash, I had surgery two weeks ago, I had two drains, I bought a pj top from Asda that had inside drain pockets, I can’t sleep sitting up either, I slept in a recliner chair for 2 nights, then tried my none surgery side, the drain bottles and tubes all fit into the pockets, so they didn’t fall over the edge of the mattress, I lay on my back for a while to xx

Hi, I had my drain for 10 days ( 9 days at home) following a single mastectomy and implant.  I got used to carrying it around with me. I was given a cotton bag to carry the redivac drain around.  I had to change it twice but the nurse did the first one in hospital so I went home with a clean one as it was already quite full and showed me how to change it.  It was painless coming out as well which I was surprised at. I was told the drain had to be draining less than 30mls on 2 consecutive days to have removed. Mine was removed early as I spiked a temp and reacted to antibiotics I was on. So now got a little amount of fluid left which I may need draining.  All the best with your surgery.  X

Thank you Nat, that’s most helpful. 
Hope your recovery goes well!

Jenny

xx