DRAINS DRAINS GO AWAY...

Let's get right down to it shall we? Drains are an inevitable part of any Mastectomy surgery. To know how many you will have is hard to predict. But know this. They aren't as bad a people say they are. Of course you need to be aware of them and drain them on schedule. You may occasionally even forget they are there when you close one of them inside your freezer and walk away clotheslining yourself. 

After the first few days I got used to my draining schedule and the most efficient way of getting it done. 

Drain holders are a game changer. Rather than safety pinning them on your clothes, an around the neck or around the waist drain holder was the perfect solution. Many of which can be found online or even Amazon. I know a few ladies we have made their own to match outfits etc. Especially if you have to wear them for almost a month like I did. 

I had 4 drains total. 2 of each side. The first 2 were removed around the 15th day mark and the other remaining 2 around the 24th day. By the third week I really didn't even care if they were visible in public. I was sporting them like the newest fashion trend. 

It is vital that you empty your dreams I’m you were instructed schedule. Of course this can be difficult when you’re also trying to monitor your pain medication. So it’s always a really good idea to have a spouse or family member in your home assist you with administering your medication. My husband managed all of this for me as my memory is not what it used to be due to my multiple sclerosis. I created a medication and drain chart on an Excel spreadsheet. Yes this greatly pleased my obsessive compulsive disorder.

Before you leave the hospital after your procedure your nurse will empty out your drains for you and give you step-by-step instructions of how to do it properly when you go home. Don’t worry as you wont be forced to figure it out for yourself!