Drain just won't quit!

I had my central body lift with MR on March 27. I'm over 4 weeks post op. I was suppose to have my last two drains pulled Friday as long as they were under 40 ccs. One was around 45 ccs and my PS wants them between 20 - 30 ccs but was willing to make an exception since Friday I was 4 week post-op and they had been in so long. Then I called and he changed his mind and said Monday. We both figured they would be down by then.

Well #4 has been below 25 for two days now but #2 is still at 45 and holding. it just won't stop or decline. It's just varies a cc or two over the past 5 days. The color changes from yellow to red and back to yellow... back to red. I'm getting worried there's something wrong inside. That something's not healing right. I'm also more sore on that side. Not pain necessarily but soreness. Is the serous (yellow) to red a bad sign? Will this thing ever stop!? It's driving me crazy!

Thanks for the reply. It really burns quite a bit where they come out. But when ever I get really down I just look at the picture of that waist and tell myself it's worth it! These drains will go... eventually.

My surgeon will leave drains in until 4 weeks. Other surgeons in his office will leave them in until 6 weeks. The reality is that the drains will eliminate the extra fluid. They are uncomfortable but necessary. Good luck today.

Regina

wow, 4 weeks?  I am going insane and it's been 11 days. You are my hero!  It does sound like your dr is on top of this.  Keep checking in with him.

good luck~

I had my last drain out last week and I'm convinced that we pulled it too soon. I have had massive drainage coming out of the "hole" every day and it's really embarrassing when it looks like I wet my pants because the drainage has seeped through multiple layers of gauze, my underwear, and my jeans!

The fluid needs to come out. If he'll take the lower drain out maybe that would help.

Hang in there. It's all going to be worth it in the long run!

 It's likely the drains presence on that side is re-injuring healing capilliary beds etc. which is why you're going from clear to bloody and back........and feeling more pain there (not a big problem - once the drain is out - healing will proceed).   I had my drains pulled from the thigh lift after 3 weeks - they were beginning to infiltrate and were still producing over 90 ccs per day (leg procedures produce a great deal more edema).   I expected my legs to blow up and develop all sorts of wound healing issues - but my ankles got a little fat - nothing more than that..........trust your surgeon's judgement..........and they will eventually come out.      They're doing an important job - as annoying as they can be.    Susan