Drains

I  am 5 weeks out from RNY surgery.  At mt 1 week post op appt. the PA removed only my JP drain.  The other one was infected so it stayed in for 1 more week.  Well, the 2nd drain was removed almost 3 weeks ago, and still has not closed up.  It is still draining and, to me looks kind of weird.  Of course, I'm not a dr. so I don't really know what it's supposed to look like as it heals.  I'm just concerned that it hasn't healed after 3 weeks.  For those of you who had the 2 drains, is it normal for the incision to take this long to close?  Should it still be draining after being removed 3 weeks ago?  I'm calling Dr. Garber's office tomorrow.  I'll see what they say.  If anyone has any info for me I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks, Cathy

Hi Cathy, I'd call Dr. Garber and let hime know what's happening with it. I'm a Dr Garber patient too - he is great with emails - why don't you email him this evening. ..I bet you will have an answer back pretty quickly. Personally - I'd wan't someone to take a look at it.  hugs, Britt

Cathy, mine took a while to close up too. It drained for weeks, and everytime i thought it was dry, i'd be surprised with a wet shirt.

BUT, please email him tonight and he'll get back to you tomorrow. You need to, especially since it's already been infected. He's probably checking his email right now!

I know he won't be in the office later in the week (they canceled my app't cause he'll be away)--don't know exactly when he's going away; but if he's not there, Dr. Holover can look at it.

let us know,

Hope your feeling better.  Please let us know how you are doing. LisaMarie

Thank you Britt, Karen and Lisa, I went to the dr. today.  He had to remove the growth coming out of my incision.  It hurt like heck.  Then he corterized (sp?) the incision to help it close.  He said this happened because fo the infection I had right after surgery.  He also said it should close up now with no problem.  I hope he's right.  I am in pain now, but hopefully after a day or two, that too will pass.  Thanks again for all the advice.  I really appreciate it. Cathy

im a Dr Holover patient but was wondering about the email thing.. do you email the doctors at the stopobesityforlife website?? do either of them answer?  im still pre-op but for future reference...  im sooooo not looking forward to the drain business. i know i am going to be grossed out.

I e-mailed dr. Garber thru the stopobesityforlife website.  He got back to me the next day.  I'm sure you could do the same with Dr. Holover.    I called the office and was able to see Dr. Holover as an emergency.  They fit me in between other patients.  I had to wait quite some time, but it was well worth it.  I feel so much better today. Take care. Cathy