Post op drainage question

[slim9202]

I had a partial T on the 14th of June. The doctors wanted to leave in my drainage tube until I go and see them this week. How long do they normally leave the drains in for? What exactly is coming out of the drain onto the gauze? Its making me really nervous because when I lay on my side I notice my heart beat is unusually fast. And it doesn't matter what side I am laying on. It hurts to lay on my belly and try to turn my neck to one side. I have been laying on my back the whole time and just am curious how much longer until things will seem normal with my body. I have never gone through any type of surgery.

[bet643]

I guess I was lucky to not have a drain . I was concerned about having one since I had one for other surgeries.But my doc said I did not need one. I was happy happy happy. No drain, no traq, tiny little scar and cancer free for 4 yrs. Plus a real hot surgeon to boot. Can't complain about that. Only complaint is heart palps and always tired. But I'm alive and greatful for my doctors that saved my life.

[Smilerdeb]

The drain is to also stop infection so it is doing you good.
Its no big deal ...I had one for the 2nd shoulder op.
Mine was in for 10 days.
I know its a different thing completely but I had a 6 inch scar and was carrying a lot of fluid and thats why it was put in.
It wont be long before its out.
Start to relax now that the main operation is over.
Take care and be kind to yourself.

[redheadaussie]

Funny how some surgeons still use drains and others don't. I know a lady who had hers in for a week. With very little fluid out of it. I never had one for both my surgeries. My surgeon said it is very uncommon for fluid to build up if the surgery is done the more modern way.
  Where you hyperthyroid before surgery? That could account for fast heart beat. Sometimes when we get anxious, too, our heart rates go up. It sounds to me more that you are unconsciously stressing about the drain and that is leading to fast heart rate.
   Hope it all goes well for you.

[nissah46]

I had 2 drains in after my TT. One was removed on day 3 and the other a day or two later.  The drain is so there won't be fluid build up around your incision I think.
Trish