Question:
I am 3 days post OP TT, One drain is full of clots and not draining? What should I do

I am scared that If I mess with it too much I will get an infection.    — Marcie M. (posted on June 13, 2004)

June 12, 2004
Call your surgeon. In such cases its better safe than sorry. Call NOW, they have a doc on call even on sunday. Please let us know what they say.
   — bob-haller

June 13, 2004
Take the tube between your fingers and strip the tube its like milking the tube..make your fingers slippery with soap and hold on to the tube closest to your body as to not pull it out and strip toward the bulp..this should get the clots moving..if not see your Dr.
   — Edie C.

June 13, 2004
Please call your doctor right away! This should be easy to deal with now - maybe a trip to ER will be needed to unplug the drains - but don't delay and have a potentially serious problem. Bob's right (as usual!) - call now and please let us know. Good luck! Bette
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 13, 2004
"HELLO".....Call your Dr! If, I had blood clots of any sort I wouldn't have to ask on a message board what to do....Please Call Now! (((HUGS)))
   — Hazel S.

June 13, 2004
Hi. Don't worry about the "clots"....they are not coming out of your body ! When the bloody fluid hits the plastic, it will naturally gum up and clot. The clots DO need to be cleared as Edie decribes. If the drain plugs up (not uncommon) or drains a tiny amount compared to the other side, you should let your doc know. Fever, new pain, drainage that looks like pus, a lot of skin redness, etc., are signs of trouble to watch for.
   — DrL

June 13, 2004
You have to strip your drains because they are clogged. 1. Take one hand and pinch the tube close to where the dain is inserted. Ensure you hold tight as to not to pull on the tube. 2. Take the "free" hand the squeeze and pull the contents toward the bulb. This will filter any clog into the bulb. 3. This should be done at least once or twice a day. You can repeat as needed. 4. Measure and document contents and give to your doctor.
   — Mary H.

June 14, 2004
I had this happen to me also when I had my tt/mr/br and I did the same thing as what Edie said , I called the nurse where I has my surgery and that's just what she told me to do, it might take a couple trys to clear it, but it works!!!
   — bikerchic

June 14, 2004
Didn't the hospital give you instructions on how to keep the drains clear? Contact your surgeon's office in the morning and tell them what is happening to the drain and they can give you instructions on how to unclog it.
   — ChristineB