HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

drains after surgery

Support Forums
>
Ostomies
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 2/1/2009 6:05 PM (GMT 0)
protocolectomy with ileostomy on 2/24---thanking God for this board every day. Been doing a lot of research but need some help with this:

-surgeon says after removing rectum, he won't/can't sew up anus completely and there will be some drains that will fall out before I leave the hospital. Said should heal fine--sounds painful. What do you all know?

-please tell me a little about the abdominal drain. I know it has to be there for the incision. for how long? What is it draining?

-and what type of plastic/sheets/coverings should I have ready at the house for my return? Will I be draining/leaking and from where?


THANK YOU!!!!!!
Posted 2/1/2009 6:15 PM (GMT 0)
I had the butt drain-not a problem came out super easy, but feels very strange when you're in teh hospital.
The ab drains, at least for me, drained into these plastic holders. They left mine in for too long (too long apparently is when they stop draining for more than 4 hours) so I had a few problems. They drain the fluid that builds up in your abdomen so your healing is much faster.

I had a little drainage from my big incision, but I just covered it with some gauz and a little paper tape and I was good to go. I didn't have much butt drainage, and the little that I did have didn't go anywhere, just made my butt ichy.

Good luck and let us know how it all goes.
Posted 2/2/2009 1:36 AM (GMT 0)
I also had a butt drain. I barely noticed it. It was in until right b4 I left the hospital. It didn't hurt coming out, it felt like I was pooping!
They may put drains in your abdomen to prevent the fluid from building up and causing inf. All of the inflammation from the surgery will cause fluid to build up and it's best if it goes out. I had 2 after my 2nd surgery (maybe my first would've gone better if I had them then)
They were sewn in and not painful at all. Well, mostly not. One was irritating my uterus and bladder a bit, but we didn't know that's what was causing the discomfort. It wasn't bad. I actually left the hospital with the abdominal drains and had to empty them once a day. Then stayed in until they drained less than 50mls a day. Which was about a week later. BUT that was b/c of inf. I had. You probably won't have them in that long.
It didn't hurt when they were removed, it just felt really weird. I could actually feel where they were laying in my abdomen as they were pulled out.

I wouldn't worry about the drains AT ALL!!! Absolutely no bid deal.

Chassity
Posted 2/2/2009 2:05 AM (GMT 0)
Very interesting this conversation is...I had no idea we had drains. New info!!!

I am having everything removed and it is my understanding that I will be stitched up. I guess there will still be a drain there?

Hmm...this is just so intriguing...I had no idea I would have drains in me.

: ) Robin
Posted 2/2/2009 2:27 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Robinbyrd,

I just had abdominal drains and they really weren't any problem at all.  The dr usually takes them out before you come home unless you have a lot of output.  I ffeels like a pulling sensation when they take them out but it takes about 2-3 sec. to do it so it doesn't last long.  Don't worry it's really not a big thind so try not to worry :)

Blessings, peace and prayers

Posted 2/2/2009 1:53 PM (GMT 0)
the abdominal drain looks like a grenade with a long tube and just pins to your gown. It has a stitch to hold it in place to your body...doesn't hurt...and it's job is to remove bad fluid that may be in your abdomen. They are usually removed before you go home, but I've gone home with them, too. Just depends on your situation and recovery.

You will probably have to pack your bottom with gauze until it heals. Not a biggie either, doesn't hurt, and I was able to do it myself with a mirror on the toilet!!!

You shouldn't be "leaking" from anywhere...any open area will either be packed and covered with gauze or just covered with gauze that you'll change once or twice a day. The nurse will give you a lesson before you leave the hospital on how to take care of everything. If your incision leaks, there is a problem, and call your doc! After the staples are removed it is really just a scab...they will probably put steri-strips on it...whatever you do DON'T PULL THEM OFF...they will fall off in their own time. If you pull them off, they leave SCARS!

I had a couple different sizes of feminine pads (small/med/large) in the event I needed them for the bottom protection. I did use them as my "plastic cover" for that area and never had any issues.

You can go to the baby department and get waterproof crib pads that aren't fitted...they are great for under your side of the bed...they protect and can be washed, too. My hospital had nice cloth butt thingies...to keep your bed clean if you have an accident...if yours does, take one (on the sly) for your "spot" at home!!! It looks better than plastic if you are worried...
Posted 2/2/2009 5:37 PM (GMT 0)
The hospital GAVE the sheet protectors to me. They said they'd just throw them away any way. I've used them, but never needed them.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply