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This relates to a double mastectomy, w/temporary expanders: On the drain bulbs, one gal thought that most people start with 4 or 6, and when they appear to be draining less than a certain amount per day; they take out one or two at a time over the next week or so. Warning: it is kind of gross, as at first there is liquid and blood, then liquid and fatty “stuff” floating around. As she remembered, you may want to pop a pain pill before they pull these out, as it can be quite “uncomfortable” to put it mildly.
One gal said that it took her a month or so before she could sleep normally, if you are used to sleeping on your stomach. That is why it is a good idea to sleep in a recliner.
Buy a small travel size pillow. It's just the right size to tuck under your arm, or behind you to help get comfortable, as the first couple of weeks it's hard to sleep much.
One gal pinned the drains to the inside of her shirt when she had to go out of the house.
In the shower attach a string to the drains, and put it around your neck. It will keep the drains from pulling while you are showering.
Immediately after a total or modified mastectomy or axillary node sampling, the surgeon may place soft plastic tubes, or “drains”, under the skin where the incision is closed up. The purpose is to channel away fluids that build up while the wound is healing. There might be some blood in this fluid at first, but it will soon run pale yellow, collecting in a small bulb at the end of each tube. Draining this fluid away from the wound helps prevent discomfort and infection. The drains are removed painlessly when the fluid diminishes usually after 5 to 7 days.
You may have 2 tubes. One draining excess fluid from the mastectomy/SNB sight, and one pumping pain meds right into the sight. The pain ball was about the size of a small tennis ball, and the pouch holding the draining fluid was about the size of the palm of your hand. Sometimes the tubes are longer than they need to be, but one gal tied them up like a lasso and pinned them together. She stated that taking a shower is a little tricky, but manageable.
Sometimes the worst part of post surgery was those darn tubes coming out of her. Some found it much easier to get around after they had securely tucked them in a fanny pack, (opening placed in front). One gal said that she could shop and even sleep with the little fanny pack and they were secure and hidden!
Some have said that her drain tubes were in for 7 days to drain the fluid, since she had lymph nodes removed.
You will not be able to drive for a few days. The doctor should tell you after you have had your procedure how many days to wait.
Call the doctor if you have increased pain, loss of appetite or weight, changes in menstrual periods or blurred vision. Also, report dizziness, coughing or hoarseness, headaches, or digestive problems that seem unusual or that don’t go away. The incision should be kept clean and dry for one week after surgery. Sponge baths are preferred to showers. You can take a bath if you keep your surgical sight dry. You will be given pain medication after the procedure. DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN FOR THE FIRST THREE DAYS!! Ask your doctor if there is something you can take for pain that you can buy over the counter, if you prefer.
The area may be black and blue, but this will go away in a few days. You may feel numbness, tingling or discomfort on the inner part of your upper arm or in your armpit. This is normal.
When shaving under your arm, look in the mirror to avoid irritating the incision.
As the incision heals, it may feel thick and tough. You may massage the area with a mild lotion, Vitamin E or pure lanolin. Avoid highly perfumed lotions. After several weeks, the scar will soften.
One woman says that since her most critical time was fighting a MRSA infection after her mastectomies. She emphasizes how important it is to do everything possible to keep ALL incisions involved as sterile as possible! This includes all drain sites, catheters, and IV sites as well as the primary incisions. Become OBSESSIVE about anyone touching you, washing their hands with antibacterial soap before they touch you, or anything you touch. Make sure all towels and linens touching you are clean. This is a VERY important job for anyone who stays with you in the hospital…..watching out for you! Make sure your own hands are kept as sterile as possible. Ask the person staying with you to wash the side rails on your bed several times a day with antibacterial soap or gel. The risk is not so high once you’re home, but continue to be very careful until ALL incisions have completely healed.
After you go home, take your temperature every day for a month or so and call your surgeon if you have any fever at all or if you notice any sign of inflammation. This may sound paranoid, but you can’t be too careful in the hospital. Those nasty and very dangerous “SUPER BUG” staph buggers are in all hospitals. This is not meant to frighten anyone, but it could save your life!