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Wednesday, August 08, 2012 Tina S asks

Q: draining from where JP tubes where removed 24 hours ago. PLEASE HELP

Hello.  I had a bi mast on 07/24.  My JP tubes were removed yesterday.  My PS told me I could take a shower after 24 hours.  As I removed the bandages I noticed that the drain site on my left side was still oozing.  When I run my hand under by expander from the center to the left more redish clear fluid comes out.  Should I be concerned?  I didn't take a shower. 

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Answers (1)
PJ Hamel, Health Guide
8/ 8/12 9:48pm

Tina, I think some minor oozing is probably natural, but keep your eye on it. If it doesn't stop in a day or so, or certainly if it increases, it would be best to contact your doctor, OK? In the meantime, you might want to stick to sitting in the bathtub and sponging from the waist up, until the discharge stops. Good luck - I hope this clears up soon. PJH

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8/ 8/12 9:55pm

Thank you for relying so quickly.  I will refrain from applying pressure to the area because .  Do you think I should keep in covered?  It has saturated my t-shirt on the side.

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PJ Hamel, Health Guide
8/ 8/12 10:25pm

Tina, if it's already saturated your T-shirt, then yes, try to cover it with a thick layer of gauze (hopefully the hospital provided you with some?) - and call your doctor tomorrow. Sounds like s/he might have pulled that tube a bit too soon. Take care - PJH

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8/ 8/12 10:52pm

It has slowed up some.  I put bacitracine with a butterfly bandage on the site and covered it with gauze.  If it should continue I will call my surgeon tomorrow.  Thank you again. 

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PJ Hamel, Health Guide
8/ 9/12 5:35am

Sounds like youhave the situation under control, Tina - hope the expander process goes well; good luck! PJH

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Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide
8/ 9/12 7:09am
Tina, also watch for redness. Call the doctor right away at any point that you have signs of infection. As long as you are seeing improvement (less drainage, etc.) you can manage at home with common sense wound care. But don't hesitate to call. The nurse can help you decide if you need to be seen. Reply
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By Tina S— Last Modified: 08/10/12, First Published: 08/08/12