day 6 post op LBL

I think I turned a corner!  I woke up with a much better attitude and actually feeling better too.  I am really blessed with some awesome coworkers who are bringing food by for the family every other day.  I had someone bring me a stack of movies yesterday which was awesome. 

My only issue right now are these dang drains.  I'm worried because the output dropped from 55ml to 15 ml yesterday and then last night I only had about 1 ml in the left one and 2 ml in the right one where I had been getting 10 to 20 ml in each overnight before. I am leaking a little bit around the site too.  I keep stripping the line to break up and clots but it hasn't seemed to help.  I called the office this morning and left a message and really hoping they will tell me to come in so I can make sure all is okay with that.

I'm off all pain meds now.  I showered, fixed my hair, and even did a little makeup this morning. 

Thanks again for everyone on here posting their expierences because it really did help prepare me.

No one taught me to "strip the line" or whatever ...but I had a home care nurse every day.  Around day 4-5 my drain output (arms and tummy) dropped WAY off and then they were taken out.  Everything has been fine....

maybe that is the case!!!  Wouldn't that be wonderful!  I'm gonna hope and pray thats it  I haven't heard from the dr. office yet.

Is the fluid getting "lighter" or less red, more clear?  That happened with me as well.  All my drains but one arm drain (that was a bit "stuck" and the nurse didn't want to tug) were out by Sunday (I had my surgery on Tuesday - so less than a week).  And by then they were VERY low producing and quite clear fluid (with a red tint).

If you're going that way - I think it means that you're almost done with them!  Life is SO much better without them.  I didn't mind the ones in my pubic area as much as my arms (because I was getting ready to go out to the coffee shop etc and they were hard to hide).

Good luck!

I still haven't heard from the office so I guess that means they aren't concerned.  It's not clear but not bright red either.  They still have drained much of anything today.  It would be great it they would call and tell me to come in because then I would know for sure what the deal is.

When I first came home, my drains were at between 20-50mL a day (one was a lot more on the left side - I think from the trauma of driving home).  The fluid was dark red - almost looking like straight blood.

By day 4-5, the fluid had started to get clearer each day and was more of the look of applejuice with a bit of tomato juice stirred in (if that gives you a clearer picture of what I'm talking about).  Bloody, but not looking like blood.  And the quantity diminished greatly.

Are you recording your output every 24hours?  My surgeon's rule is under 30mL in 24 hours means they can come out.

Good luck!

Actually I know exactly what you mean.  Yes it was dark koolaid at first and now its apple juice with a shot of tomato juice.  My left drain hasn't drained a drop all day.  My right has maybe 2 ml in there.  I'm getting ready to call their office again since I have yet to hear back.  I've been recording ever since I came home and under your dr.'s rule they can come out...unless of course there is a clot or something that is preventing it from draining.

I still feel good today.  No naps and walking around quite a bit around the house.

It is my understanding that the drains should slowly produce less and less fluids as you heal - and that's good news because the surgeon will remove them. Hopefully this is what is happening in your case.

Must feel good to shower, do your hair and makeup - makes you feel like you're getting back to normal.

So good to hear, Amy!

I'm glad you're feeling better!