Question:
How long are the tubes that are left in for awhile at home and how uncomfortable are they?

   — Linda F. (posted on August 2, 2001)

August 2, 2001
I didn't have any tubes when I got out of surgery, except for an IV tube which was removed before I went home.
   — Gina E.

August 2, 2001
I had a J-P drain and a G-tube (feeding tube). The flexible tube used for the J-P drain was about maybe 10-12 inches long on the outside, and maybe a little over a foot inside.It had a little bulb attached to the end to help drain fluid. The J-P drain didn't hurt at all, until I coughed so hard I dislodged it. Then it hurt like heck until they pulled it out.(By the way, my surgeon said it doesn't happen very often at all.) They pulled it a day earlier than planned. The G-tube was only about 5 inches outside, and I don't know how long inside. Neither hurt to come out, but it does feel a little "weird," sort of a quick "inside-out" feeling, but is over very quickly. Nothing to worry about.
   — Maria H.

August 2, 2001
Hi Linda, I had 2 drainage tubes that came out about 4 days post-op before I left the hospital. The one really hurt and bothered me, the other --- I hardly knew it was there. I am 3 weeks post-op and the site of one of drain tubes still bothers me, but it is nothing I can't live with. I had IV, NG tube (came out after passing swallow/leak test)and Foley catheter.Best of luck to you on your journey.
   — lovebug2