The dreaded drain

Hi guys!

My drain (or rather the skin around it) is burning, itching, stinging and pulling.  Is this normal?  I change the dressing 3 times a day and keep it clean, but it's making me nuts.  It's also really gross when I change it (green stuff that looks like nasal discharge).  It does not have a smell, but I wonder if I have an infection.  It comes out in the morning, thank goodness.  As sore as it is, I'm sure it's going to hurt coming out. 

Anyone else have this problem?

Thanks!


Wanda

Yes, I did.  That drain is a pain in the butt.  The green discharge is perfectly normal though.  Just try to suffer through it and it will be out in no time.  Melissa

I had a drain that looked like a tube with a grenade hanging from my body! It was the worst part of my surgery experience. Just hang in there though that thing will be out before you know it. The greenish stuff is totally normal, the color that you have to look out for is blue or purple that's when you should call the doc.

I DIDN'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IT ITCHING OR BURNING, BUT IT DID PULL WHERE THE STICHES HOLDING IT IN WERE AT. THE DRAINAGE WAS NOT GREEN BUT WAS MORE OF A LIGH****ERY YELLOW COLOR. AT THE HOSPITAL WE ALWAYS TELL PATIENTS IF THE DISCHARGE IS GREEN OR HAS  AN ODOR TO CALL THE DOCTOR.  GUESS YOU WILL FIND OUT TOMORROW WHEN IT IS REMOVED. GOOD LUCK!

MARY

I think everyone hates the drain tube. The part that hurt me was the stitches. They dry out and feel like they shrink causing a pinching. But is doesn't hurt when they take the tube out. It's the stitches that kinda hurt when they take them out. But it's not unbearable though.  Hang in there. Teresa M.