My drains are not draining

UGH....I thought maybe they were just slowing down but the Nurse just called and she thinks there might be a clot in the line.  I tried stripping them but I'm not getting anything out.
I asked if I should come in a day early (tomorrow) since I have an appt on Friday but she said no, they'll do what they have to do on Friday.

I told her I think the compression garment is too big because it is not tight at all...it's loose! And I thought maybe the excess swelling which I've never experienced before is because there is no compression pushing the fluids up and out..  She agreed but also thinks the drain (maybe both) is clogged.

Does anyone know what they will do?  Will this hurt?   I've never had drain issues before......
This is when I wish my surgeon was only around the corner and not a 2 hr trip.  UGH.

Thanks!
PS - Of course I'm a little stressed about this and having a mini melt down  (and getting no sympathy at home!)

((HUGS)) Ruth I am so sorry! I would be melting down too!! I had a clot, but my niece who is a nurse, came over and squished it thru for me.  then i was back to normal draining.  It didnt hurt, but the clot was on the part of the tube outside my garment.   I would push them to take you tomorrow.  Keep us posted. -Jen Q.

(((hugs))). Dee helped me get one going yesterday and the nurse this morning so I am of no help. Dee kinked it and kept pushing it through. The nurse just stretched the tube and twisted it to get the thick blood going. I dont know what I would do without them....

I'm so sorry!!!! I'm sending you a "Recovery Angel" to help you!!!

I made it a habit to stip the drains everytime I went to the bathroom whether they needed it or not.  I think that helps keep stuff flowing.  I had clots too and eventually they would come on through.  YOu may know this already, but just in case, it really helps to put a little water/soap on the fingers you use to strip the line.  I usually pulled each one twice.

Good luck!

Alice

They'll strip your drains - it doesn't hurt.  Don't worry, this is a very minor event.

try stripping them again and pump the bulb to get the suction going again
good luck

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I've been stripping the drains I think the "clog" is somewhere inside under the skin.  I thought maybe they were going to remove them and put in new ones which does not sound like fun. 
I'm now wearing 2 compression garments and the binder from my Tummy tuck. It's quite the site but I finally feel some compression so maybe this will help a little with the swelling and the draining.

Right now I'm just trying to not stress out about it.   If I'm still freaking out tomorrow I'll call the surgeon again and push them to see me tomorrow instead of Friday.  It will be a $300.00 round trip cab ride but I gotta do what I gotta do........

Isn't it funny how one procedure (my TT) can be such a smooth recovery and then the next one is loaded with challenges.  Oh well....this too shall pass and it will make me stronger and better prepared for the next procedure.  Yep even after all this stuff the last week I still want to do the last procedure and I can't wait....lol.  Glutton for punishment I guess.

Thanks to everyone for the support and ideas. it's appreciated!!!!
Ruth

are you keeping the bulbs lower than the incision site?

I had one slow down on me after my LBL (had 4 drains to start with) and I found that the bulb for that drain was pinned too high compared to the others. 

Yes I am.  I think I see a clog in the entry point of the bulb....I try to take it apart tonight and see if I can poke it free.