How to stop the swelling and drainage???

Guys, I need your help -  I am 2 weeks post anchor cut panniculectomy, not sure if I had muscle tightening or not, sure as hell feels like I did. I had 2 drains in, and now just the 1 on my right side. The place the drain is in my body is sore and tender, and was a little ***** so I neosporin'd it up and air dried it. I am still sore4 along my incision lines. i am still swelling daily. the vicodin is not touching the pain. What can I do to reduce this swelling? I am also still draining between 30 - 50 ml a day, at least. I see Doctor tomorrow, but any tips on getting rid of this f*%*&#g swelling?

 

Dawn

 

 

 

 

Are you taking an anti-inflammatory??  I see you had RNY also.  I was told I could take them OK for a couple of weeks.  I take Zantac with the Ibuprofen to protect my pouch.  Are you wearing your compression garment?  I'm sorry your still in pain, I didn't have much pain and the Ibuprofen was fine for me.  I know the drain is a major pain but "better out than in"!!  You don't want that fluid stuck inside you fo your body to absord.  Its much more swelling and gets painful, I had 2 drains come out too early.  Just hang in there it won't be much longer.

Unfortunately, the swelling can last for MONTHS; that's why they call it "swell hell". There isn't a lot to be done for it except for continuing to wear your compression garment (mild to no help for mine), keep legs elevated/lie down (prolonged sitting can make it worse) and be patient. Some people have lymphatic massage and find that helps.

MY PS was insistant about resting...more movement....more drainage....more pain.  He said you start feeling better than over due it and you risk complicatins.  They had me put antibacterial gel two or three times  a day round the drains, and use gauze around the tubes to prevent infections.  Also insisted I use DIAL antibacterial body wash daily when I showered.  Wearing my binder/compression garment took care of the swelling....keeping the feet up when sitting was my instruction, also.

GOOD LUCK.

I am 6 weeks post op today.