Question:
My biggest worry is the post-op drainage tube I was told I would have on

when discharged from the hospital. Please tell me how long it has to be attached? I would also like to know how they feed us right after surgery?    — Diana M. (posted on December 29, 2001)

December 28, 2001
My G-tube was in for a full month or so (maybe even 5 or 6 weeks actually, I don't remember) after surgery. My doctor kept it in that long because he wants his patients on soft solids and wants to see how they tolerate them before he takes it out. In the event our tender little stomachs don't tolerate it well, we can be fed through the g-tube. Also, medications can be given through the g-tube if necessary. During my first few days post op, once they took my PCA pump away from me, I was petrified of taking anything by mouth and opted to take my oral pain medication through my g-tube. That only lasted a day before my doctor ordered that I wasn't allowed to do that anymore. The g-tube didn't hurt, it was more of a nuisence than anything else for that whole month. I had to change a dressing on it everyday and flush it once a day with water to keep it clean. After about 2 weeks, the hole in my stomach started to get a little irritated. Like I said, not painful, just uncomfortable. And coming out, it didn't hurt at all. As far as how they feed you in the hospital, well I didn't eat for 3 days. They just kept me on IV fluids and IV aminosin solution (protein). After the 3rd day, they started me on clear liquids and by the 5th days I was on full liquids for 4 weeks. I know that you don't really need to worry about "food" because our bodies can go without for a very long time actually. We can't however, go without fluids because dehydration can be very dangerous. I was recently admitted for a small bowel obstruction and had to undergo emergency surgery (read my profile for the whole story) and was without food for almost 2 full weeks. If things had gotten worse and I wasn't able to eat, they were ready to start me on TPN nutrition, which I quess is nutrition through an IV. Since I didn't actually have to have it, I don't know exactly what that is. BUT, after surgery I was able to start eating normally, in stages, so I ended up not having to have that, THANK GOD! Anyway, sorry for the post being so long, but this is what my doctor did. Good luck in your own journey. With Love,
   — enjo4

December 29, 2001
I'm assuming that you will have a JP drain or "Jackson-Pratt" it will be a tube the diameter of a pencil which is stitched in through a hole in your skin near your incision. On the end of the tube is a small ball which would fit in the palm of you hand. Generally they squeeze all the air out of the ball and then that causes a slight suction which gets all the excess fluid out of your abdominal cavity. There is a valve on it to release the pressure so you can drain it. The you just squeeze the air out of it again and tighten the valve. It is absolutley painless and if you tape the external part of the tube to your leg it shouldn't bother you at all. Fortunately, mine was removed before I left the hospital. But, if I had to come home with it...I wouldn't have minded. It didn't hurt in the slightest coming out either. Don't worry at all :) As far as eating after surgery...that's up to your surgeon. As for me...my surgeon is pretty strict. 1 week clear liquid...2 weeks full liquid which includes strained soups, pudding & yogurt. Then 2 weeks puree...applesauce, mashed potatoes, cream of wheat, pureed meats w/ gravy (fat free) and then soft food for 1 week...toast, scrambled egg, cheese (low fat) I am still on the full liquid stage for another 10 days! blah! But trying to get creative LOL. E mail me anytime If I can answer anything for you. Immediately after surgery you will be on an IV and probably not allowed ANYTHING (even sips of water) until day 3 after your leak check! Then it's ice chips and popsicles until they can see you tolerate that well...then broth and jello.
   — Karen B.

December 29, 2001
I had a Jackson-Pratt drain for about ten days post-op. It doesn't hurt - they tape it up good at the opening, and then you can either tape the bottle part to your leg or pin it to your shirt so it won't dangle. It's no biggie. I wouldn't worry about it.
   — BlueGray

January 5, 2002
I had 2 tubes when I was discharged. My JP tube came out 5 days after surgery in the doctors office. I get my G-tube out on Monday (3 1/2 weeks post op)- also in the doctors office. Tell you what- I have been SO paranoid that one of the kids was gonna pull this tube out of me, or it was gonna pop out when I stretched. But I have been told time and again that it is in there "pretty good"- and there is nothing to worry about. With my G-tube, I was told to flush it when I felt uncomfortable-gassy/naseaus/etc. I was told I only had to dress it as long as it was draining, which stopped about 7 days after surgery. I keep a dressing on it just because it makes me feel like it is a little more "secure". I also take some of my liquid medications through it. The nurse told me that since it is kind of a pain in the butt to have, I may as well take advantage of it!LOL
   — Amy G.

January 5, 2002
I walk by the dresser and got the tube caught on the knob and pulled it but good, it didn't tickle but it also didn't come out, they are in pretty good. No need to worry
   — Tina C.