I have a drain question

OK, both sides have been draining very well. But now my left side is draining, but my husband seems to think it might trying to come out? And right side, the tube is full of fluid, but not emptying into the cup thing?? Like it might have  a kink somewhere?? I just don't want it to go back in me and cause an infection?? I don't know much about these drains since this is the first time for them. We will be calling the doc in a little bit.

Any advice would be great!
Thanks!
Tonya

Sometimes the drains can become clogged with little bits of goo and gunk. Did they tell you how to strip them? If you take a cloth and then hold the drain inbetween your index finger and thumb...start at the top where it's coming out of your body and gently but firmly squeeze the line as you slide your fingers down toward the bulb. Hold the drain line in on your hip with the other hand so you don't rip it out. It should push or force the gunk out into the bulb.

Good tip Renee. Do you dampen the cloth or anything first? I've been trying  to figure out a better way to strip the tubes.  I'm afraid I could break them open if I press too hard.

I call them my 'drain babies' since they are attached to my binder with velcro like they are baby opossums hanging off the mama opossum.

No, don't dampen it. You want it soft and dry like a t-shirt type material, that works best. It lets your fingers slide easily over the tube without stretching it out too much. The drains are such a pain but a necessary evil!

Aloha-

Best to go in and get checked of course. I don't understand your post- both sides draining very well but now my left side is draining, but my husband seems to  think it might be trying to come out? This doesn't make much sense to me.

Right side, tube is full of fluid, but not emptying into the cup thing

Did they teach you how to "strip" the lines? Sometimes a gelatinous clot will be in the line and block more fluid from draining- you need to wear gloves, hold onto and pinch the tube closed very firmly where it exits your body ( because you don't want to pull the drain out), and using your pinched fingers, "strip" or  "bleed"  the line toward the receptable ( the bulb thing), all the while maintaining a tight pinch hold at the part closest to where it exits your body ( or the tube cintents will suck back toward your body). Don't try this if they didn't show you how to do it ( but they should have), or get a friend who is a nurse, doctor ( or vet!) to help you. There is an alcohol based gel that makes the tube more slippery while you strip it ( also helps keep it clean).

You no doubt paid a lot of moneyt for your plastics. Go back in today and have them check out your system ( I assume it's a Jackson Pratt) and teach you how to do drain maintenance. Good luck- XOLori