The Awful Drain

I had my surgery last Tuesday. Nothing came out of my drain today. Is this normal? or did something dry up? or is it not connected correctly? I'm nervous something is wrong and the office is closed. I hope this is normal and I am just freaking out for no reason!

Lauren

My drain was still draining just a few drops at a time by 6-7 days post-op. I would definitely call the office in the AM, just to be sure. I was getting a lot of clear fluid around my drain incision, but not much in the drain itself.

I think I'm fine. I just needed to hear from atleast one person that when they had their drain, they didn't get much fluid after day 6. Thanks again Kathy... you always pull through to help me out!

Hi Lauren!

Is your drain scheduled to come out soon?  I remember mine was "supposed" to come out a week post-op, but I had to be different and continue REALLY draining and had to leave it in for three more days.

It IS terrible, I agree, but our surgeons think it's necessary, so we just have to deal with it.  Mine caused me an incredible amount of pain; I'm hoping you didn't have much and that it comes out soon!

Hugs,

Tia

I guess I really lucked out........I never had a drain....I guess they would expect the fluid to be absorbed into my body and I would just pee it all out.

No drain... you are LUCKY!

Tia,

Thank you so much for the post! I am 1 week out today but I get my drain out on Thursday. I cannot wait. I find it to be painful periodically throughout the day and night. It feels almost like a sting. I will be very happy once it's out!

Lauren

Are drains used for both laprascopic and open procedures, or open only?

Angie -

I had lap and had a drain.  Conversely, 18 years ago, I had open gallbladder removal and had no drain.

Some surgeons use them, some don't - not sure what the criteria is, but DRAINS ARE A PAIN!!!

Tia

I had lap and had a drain.  Fortunately they took mine out Friday before I left the hospital.  If I'd left early as was originally planned, it would have come home with me.  ICK!! 

However, in answer to your original question.  I think that the more you heal, the less fluid you will see.

If it doesn't drain anymore, see the doctor may want to remove it.  That is what happenned with mine.  Once it stopped draining it wasn't needed anymore.