I'm on the other side!!! JP drain question

Hello to all! I am finally "on the other side"!!! Whohoo!!! I had my Open R-N-Y, 9/9 and came home on Monday. I have to say that I went into surgery hoping for the best and expecting the worst...(mostly in terms of pain) I'm so happy to report that I am really feeling well considering what my body has endured. I haven't even taken any pain meds. I do have to admit that I have had a lot of gas, but I walk as much as I can. Friday I have my staples and JPdrain removed, and I can't wait!! I am looking forward to being free from them. I am wondering though...what should I expect as far as pain with the drain removal? Frankly I am absolutely terrified of the pain of it. I am more afraid of this experience than I was of the surgery. Although I was really scared at my leak test...It went so much better than I was expecting. I am having some trouble learning how to sip my liquids, sometime I take alot of air down with a swallow. Is that normal? Will I ever get the hang of it? You are all my saving graces, with a wealth of knowledge and advice and I thank God for this web site and all of the angels here. I apologize for not remembering who said this once in a post but it is my daily meditation..."He brought you to it, he'll get you through it" Thank you so much for the gift of that thought! Sorry for babbling so much. I hope everyone is doing well...Thank you again!!!

Karen, Congratulations and welcome to the losing side. The drain removal is really not a big deal. The doc will tell you to take a deep breath and then pull it out in one fell swoop. It will just pinch a little and let me tell you the relief you will feel when it's out. No real pain at all. It sounds like you're right on track so far. Did you have open or lap? The secret to getting rid of the gas is walking as much as you can. You will get the hang of the drinking. It just takes time. Good luck to you. Joanne

I am really happy that you are on the other side. I had LAP so I don't really know about the drain. I can only guess how it will feel. But stay calm and put it in GOD's hands. As for the 2water, what I did when I first started drinking was to use a tiny cup and to hold the water in your mouth for a few seconds that way you won't get the air into your mouth. I hope that helps you. I am sure you will be fine. Erica 10/12/04

Karen, Hun congrats on being on the losing side!!! It feels good right? Well as far as the drain, I have to tell you, I was sooo worried about it that it was keeping me up at night...but when they pulled mine is was seconds and as long as you breath deep right after it is all good. There was no pain but it was just a weird feeling but over so fast. Breathing deep right after was the key as it feel like now there was a big empty spot and that feeling is what scared me but breathing deep helped so much!!! After you will feel soooo much better and I worried for NOTHING! Well hun, I wish you the best and congrats again. ~hugs~ Debra P 285/221/125??

Dear Karen, Congrats on everything!! I'm a very glad to hear everything is ok. I had my staples and two drains removed while I was still in the hospital(actually just one the other stayed in for another few weeks. I dont remember is actually hurting but more like a very strange feeling but its over and done w/pretty quickly. I hated those stupid drains b/c they use to pull on me and hurt like heck. I had them in for alot longer than the norm. All of these tests get alot easier to deal with once you are more healed(UGI, xrays, cat-scans etc) and have done its a couple of times. I remember when I had my first c-scan after my first surgery I was so afraid I couldnt hold my breath for as long as they say. But now I can do it w/out even thinking about it. The feeling you get when they give your the contrast during you cat-scan used to scare me b/c it makes you feel all warm and like you have to go pee-pee really bad. Now I "look forward" to the tingles. I know it's sad. What can you do. Tavia

Thank you so much to all of you....I feel one hundred percent better about my up coming drain removal now. I will think about what you all have shared with me as my doctor says .... "now take a deep breath" Have a wonderful evening...God bless you

Karen, Congrats on your surgery I am so happy to hear that all has gone well for you so far ! I can't give you any advice on sipping your liquids or what to expect when getting your drain out cause I have'nt had my surgery yet . I just wanted to congratulate you and wish you well ! Take Care Carol