Searching for encouragement

[hinportland 83]

I was making a factual statement. It is ok if you are not in the medical profession and don't understand the clinical implications of not being cautious. I would just consider yourself lucky.

Actually, I worked in health care for 12 years. And no, you expressed an opinion, not a factual statement, which I responded to with an opinion. Maybe you should learn the difference instead of getting snippy. We're all just here to support each other, afterall.

[shrinkadonk 14]

Wow. To imply someones doctor is not good because he performed the surgery differently or used different technique is not only harsh but its a statement that does zero good after the fact if it were true. I have noticed that the method of surgery, diet afterwards and even pre op diet varies from different regions of the country AND based on the size/health/pre-existing scar tissue of the patient. You can not make an inflammatory blanket statement like that and not expect to ruffle a few feathers.

[NurseGrace 509]

NOT a factual statement. OPINION only. Actually, a good doctor would also understand that a drain ups the risk of infection and is an extra invasive measure. I'm pretty sure my doctor weighed all of the risks and benefits during my surgery, but thanks for the advice.

And by the way, I AM in the medical profession.

This is a touch out of line. The fact is that there are pros and cons to JP drains. Yes, it is another site that can become infected, BUT what it allows for is catching a serious and potentially deadly complication much sooner than if there was no drain in place.

[amw157 42]

Working at a hospital does not make you a medical genius.

They employ janitors at hospitals, don't they?

Drains are put in to prevent seromas from developing, or to drain a seroma.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seroma

"A seroma is a pocket of clear serous Fluid that sometimes develops in the body after surgery."

"If a serum or leak does not resolve, for example after a soft tissue biopsy, it may be necessary to take the patient back to the operating room in order to place some form of closed suction drain into the wound."

What's the purpose of a drain?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JP_drain

"The purpose of a drain is to prevent Fluid (blood or other) build-up in a closed ("dead") space, and causing either disruption of the wound and the healing process, or becoming an infected abscess, with either scenario possibly requiring a formal drainage/repair procedure"

I was given two drains because of the nature of the surgery, specifically to address the likelihood of seromas. The doctor told me that if the drains weren't producing any fluid after a few days, then the risk of a seroma was low, and that's when the drains can be removed.

[SeriouslyChange 319]

Working at a hospital does not make you a medical genius.

They employ janitors at hospitals' date=' don't they?.[/quote']

This is actually extremely rude and presumptuous of you. There are many immigrants who had a great deal of education and good jobs in their home countries, and when getting to the US, degrees don't transfer over.

My high schools janitor was a physicist back in China.

It rude to assume that just because they're janitors, it automatically means they're stupid.

[amw157 42]

Relax. I'm not disrespecting janitors.

I'm trying to point out that "I work in a hospital" was used to say that she is an authority and that her opinions are not to be questioned.

[Tawnie 99]

I was sleeved on Monday..released from the hospital the next day. The took my drain out before I left. Yes my stomach hurts when I move from lying down to sitting up..getting up from a chair or toilet too! It is getting a little betteer with time. It does seem that I have a bit more pain where thr drain was. The weird thing..and maybe its normal..but my whole gut growls so loud and if I have my mouth open its even louder! I was still on Clear liquids til today. Now I get to have Protein shakes again. Maybe that will help my healing. Good luck to you

Too funny. 3 days here and said same to hubby:). I am trying Protein juice. 42 grams per serving Putting in Water to dilute sweetness. It may take many days to get back to thick Protein shake for me

[sarahec 18]

Too funny. 3 days here and said same to hubby:). I am trying Protein juice. 42 grams per serving Putting in Water to dilute sweetness. It may take many days to get back to thick Protein shake for me

I wondered about those protein juices..especially since I am having a rough time drinking the shakes especially if I mix them with milk

[Tawnie 99]

I had fruit punch today. Grape tomorrow. No milk for me. Still Clear Liquids til Monday

[hinportland 83]

This is a touch out of line. The fact is that there are pros and cons to JP drains. Yes' date=' it is another site that can become infected, BUT what it allows for is catching a serious and potentially deadly complication much sooner than if there was no drain in place.[/quote']

It seems to come down to people who get the drain advocate for it, people who don't get it think its not necessary. We all need to stop being so sensitive about this topic. It's the Dr's not choice.

[NurseGrace 509]

It seems to come down to people who get the drain advocate for it, people who don't get it think its not necessary. We all need to stop being so sensitive about this topic. It's the Dr's not choice.

I agree. I am sort of indifferent on the subject because to me its a trade off, no method is without risk. I'l just not for people becoming presumptive about the subject.