8 days post op and drain question

Hi Ladies,

Well I am out from having a LBL with muscle tightening, arm lift and breast lift.  I had 2 of 4 of my drains removed yesterday and the wholes keeping draining big time.  It smells too.  Is this normal?  If so, when did it stop.  Dr. Capella said the drain holes will close on their own in no time so it seemed like it was no  big deal but the holes keep oozing.  I am soaking a 4x4 gauze in 15 minutes.  Otherwise, I am doing well.  Getting around, having a very difficult time sleeping comfortably. 

Alice

Hi,

I am out 14 days from almost the same surgical array (minus arms).  Yesterday, I had my abdominal drains out; breasts came out at a week.  My surgeon told me they'll keep draining for a few days.  My discharge smelled a bit before (from one site in particular) and still does.  Surgeon was ok with everything, so I assume smell is not unusual but call yours if you are worried. 

I was able to wander around the supermarket and mall a bit last night.  Sleeping is still hard for me.  I still need vicodin.  I am worried about how tight the compression pants (spanx, fleexes . . . ) are.  It is a struggle to get them on and I worry about stress on the incisions.  I wonder if I need a larger size?

Meg

Some of my drain sites leaked after they were pulled for a day or two - none had a smell. They all healed on their own. My surgeon had recommended using menstrual pad - I put one over the bandage so it could absorb the excess and it had a plus because the backing was leak proof. BTW, did you surgeon "smell" the drainage and say it was okay? Smell, along with redness, swelling,running a temperature and color change can signal an infection.

As for sleeping - I think everyone has that same problem. It gets better, I promise - very slowly.