Drain still in after 5 weeks... what's up?

(english not my main language, sorry!)

Hi,

My father underwent total prostate removal (radical prostectomy I believe) 5 weeks ago. They installed one drain on each side of his body. I believe these are drain for "lymph" or something like that... it's basically clear fluid that goes out. One of the drains was removed after like a week, but the other one (right side) is still in and leaking too much for it to be removed. He says it's still at about 120ml/day and he has to wait until it goes under 40ml/day. Of course, the amount is less than in the first days, but it's still far from 40ml and doesn't really seem to go down. I hear they *normally* take those outs within 2-3 days of surgery.

After a lot of reading, I feel like my father now knows much about prostate cancer + he spoke to several people including specialized nurses. Everyone seems surprised and says they have never seen/heard about that... EXCEPT his surgeon/doctor who doesn't say much about it. He just says "let's wait another month" but doesn't give much more info. He doesn't seem to be very worried... but has no explanation (or dont want to explain for some reason) I haven't spoke to him personally, but I understand he's not very talkative... and since my father heavily relies on him, he doesn't want to pressure him too much... but I believe he has the right to know!

I read about lymphocyte on this forum and I *think* that this looks similar.. but it's a bit technical for me... so any opinion or advice would be greatly appreciated

Thanks!

Ray

Post Edited (rogydoux) : 12/12/2015 7:11:00 PM (GMT-7)

Rogydoux the thread above applies to your situation.. Jides Thread

It think it took 2 or more weeks before I quit draining enough to remove my drain after RP. It was way, way longer than they had told us to expect. We removed the drain and catheter ourselves, since we lived 4 hours away and wife and I are advanced practice RNs. I called them a few times and they just kept saying don't worry too much, sometimes it takes a whole lot longer to quit draining than others. I also used to get left sided foot edema, which I have thought might be related, but that seems to have subsided completely.

Hello everyone,

Thanks a lot for your answers, I was out for the weekend.

I'm visiting my father today and will get back you.

Thanks again

Ray