Ok, A Gross Question About Drain

[reneeclark1276 7]

I woke up this morning and saw what looked to be like oil on top of the drainage material. Almost like fat on top of Soup SORRY I KNOW GROSS. I'm gonna call when they open but i feel fine no temp or anything. anyone have this?

[barrbdoll 287]

there are all kinds of fluids that you will find in your drain.... different colors, even fibrous chunks... I would call your Doctor's office if it makes you feel better but I wouldn't worry about it.

[reneeclark1276 7]

yeah I thought so, its not that i have extra pain or a fever...

[MinaT 669]

If It's yellow it's fatty looking it's fine. Bad colors = Green, Brown (coffee grounds or black) Normal Red, Pink and Yellow. I was told Yellow (fatty color substance) is normal. Mine had slicks of yellow in it and it was fine. Sometimes there are "clots" and you have to make sure you express the drain, but yellow is a good thing.

[Wolfgirl1978 256]

Mine had that oily layer on it too, nasty, but ok

[mufasas-mom 170]

Ok - new to all this - what the heck is a 'drain' and why is it there? is it only after surgery as you heal???

[Wolfgirl1978 256]

I had mine for six days after surgery. I was supposed to drink purple Kool-aid periodically throughout the day, if I saw purple I was to immediately contact my Dr's office.

[reneeclark1276 7]

The drain is to make sure u dont retain any Fluid in the abdomen. Its a small tube with a bulb at the end to collect the fluid. Thanks guys i didn't want to worry or call the dr.

[bmooney364 30]

That too is an individual thing. I did not have any drains, but I did have a local med delivered thru a cath device into my abd until I went home. It was to kill pain like when you have an injection to fill or pull a tooth.Suppose to lessen need for other stronger meds. I also had a pca pump with I guess Morphine. Can not believe that I did not ask what was in that pca pump. I was just relieved it was there.

[Tiggr269 8]

Does everyone have a drain after surgery??

[reneeclark1276 7]

As far as i know yes. Its annoying but necessary. Ill only have mine for a week

[quietcougar 29]

Does everyone have a drain after surgery??

I think it depends on the doctor's technique. I know I've seen some people say they didn't have a drain; I did, but I knew ahead of time I was going to. Best thing to do is ask your surgeon. Mine was in for a week. You can't shower with a drain in (which was annoying) but you can wash up with a cloth. I was glad to get that out!

[tlaff79 117]

I always find it funny how doctors differ on instructions! I had a drain for a week post op on my discharge papers it said to make sure to shower daily and wash around the drain sight thouroghly with antibacterial soap! Crazy! Lol

[lacie1221 4]

I can shower with my drain too! One benefit to having ridiculously saggy boobs - I was able to tuck the bulb up under my boob while I washed. LOL

[reneeclark1276 7]

Rofl oh thats funny i hear u i breastfed three kids for a year im getting a breast loft and Tummy Tuck next summer