Is anyone else still wearing their stupid drain?

So here I am, 2 weeks out, still with my stupid drain.  I have 6 more weeks to go. Not a happy camper, but I guess it could be worse. Just wondering if I am alone in the early December surgeries with this complication (a small leak)?

You have to wear a drain for 8 weeks??????

I think I read that correctly?  I didn't even have a drain so i am not much help but I was shocked at the length of time you have to wear it.

Jill 

You think YOU'RE shocked - I nearly fell of my chair when my surgeon gently told me post op that I had a leak, that it was a small one, and that the best way to deal with it was to leave the drain in for 8 weeks. It was either that or go back in surgically and try to repair it. I said no thanks to a 2nd surgery.  So here I am, 2 weeks down, 6 to go. Not looking forward to returning to work on Monday with this bulge under my clothes, but at least the clothes are gonna be a little baggy.

shocked person number 2. I didn't have a drain either, and my surgeon wouldn't let me off the table if I had a leak.  why not repair it while ur in the OR?


good luck.

It wasn't an intra-operative leak that they discovered during surgery. They did tests during surgery, such as pouring water along the staple lines to check for bubbles and saw nothing. The leak was discovered 7 days post-op when I went to get the drain taken out. It does sometimes happen. A 1% chance, but it happens. It just sucks when it happens to you.

I had my surgery yesterday and no drain.  I thought I would definitely puke when I had to do the swallow test though.  YUCK.  Why didn't you all warn me?  heh heh
I too would chosen to have the drain vs going in for another surgery.  When it is all over it will be worth it.  Just take it easy and don't fret.

I had my surgery yesterday and no drain.  I thought I would definitely puke when I had to do the swallow test though.  YUCK.  Why didn't you all warn me?  heh hehI too would chosen to have the drain vs going in for another surgery.  When it is all over it will be worth it.  Just take it easy and don't fret.

I have to say and I may not make friends here and I am still learning the process. so please forgive my ignorance.

How does the drain detect a leak. did u go back for a B swallow?

not to mention I didn't have to go for any barium swallow. My surgeon did  a check while I was under with a endoscope. so I didn't feel a thing.

I wonder if she took pics.  I'd like to c wat my insides look like after.

Thanks

Tom

Hang in there girl! You can do it! I know what a pain it must be, but it's still the best option! Don't worry about wearing it to work, just decorate it and call it your personal Christmas Tree! HeHe!
6 more and counting.......I'll be there with you at the other end to celebrate.

Gosh, I'm so sorry! I just got my little alien pulled out yesterday.