Drains, Drains, Drains...

Hi all, My surgery date (dec 19th) is approaching and I went to my pre-surgery class yesterday at St. Francis. It was a good class, lots of review which was wonderful. However, they scared the bejeezus out of me during the part about the drain. Specifically when they take it out! The nurse said it will burn and the darn thing is so long!! She made a motion like pulling a rip cord when she described how they take it out. I nearly ran from the room but my dh wouldn't let me I'm a bit squeamish to begin with. I know it's silly to worry about but I thought I'd ask my board sibs here what there experiences had been with it...

Hi, When my drian was removed it did not hurt, it felt like i was going down a roller coaster. It was not bad at all. Don't worry, everything will be fine. Good Luck!

H Jennifer, The drain wasnt that bad coming out. They have you take a deep breath and I held both sides of the hospital bed and squeezed my eyes shut and your right it is like a rip cord, its long, but it comes out quick.......its a really weird sensation and it does burn afterward but not a horrible ache you know....feels like you have a cut.... It really wasnt as bad as I thought. Your day will be here soon!!! Im so excited for you!!! Bethany 266/247/140?

Thanks guys, just what I needed to hear. Bethany, you're my inspirational guide at this point because we started out this journey so close together! I'll probably be harassing you alot as the time gets closer! Congrats again on coming through it so well! xo J

Jennifer, It really didn't hurt that much. It was a very weird feeling. Nothing at all to be squeemish or afraid about..... God bless you on your journey! Kelly

it isn't that bad. I had mine out Tuesday afternoon. So I only had it in for a little over a day. The nurse told me to take a deep breath. When I did they pulled .... no problem. Your also on pain meds, more than likley morphine so it shouldn't be too bad. Do set your self up for it to be bad. Just make the best of it. It isn't the best thing to have done, but it will be okay. Good luck and keep us posted on how things go for you! Hugs, Chrissy

Hi Jennifer!!! Ask me ANYTHING ok? Imhere for ya!!!!!!! xoxoxox ~Bethany

I didn't have a drain after my RNY (none of Dr. Crum's patients do). But, I did have drains after my pani removal. I was so relieved to have them removed, that the discomfort was relatively minor. A very slight burn as the first was taken out, followed by pure relief. Given how fast he took the second one out, I didn't really feel anything (plus I was still feeling a slight tingle from the first removal). Drain removal is clearly one of those rites of passage where the anticipation far outweighs the reality of such a minor inconvenience.