Sunday, May 19, 2013

My Fluid Filled Fanny Pack (aka "Drains")

My Fluid Filled Fanny Pack (aka “Drains”)

Oh how I hate these drains.  After my reconstruction surgery I had two drains (one on each side of my body) placed to collect gross fluid from my body.  The drains are really uncomfortable and icky and I am scheduled to get them out 8 days after surgery.  As I write this, I am going on day 20 and the stupid drains are still in.  They continue to collect fluid so I can’t get them out yet.  They are becoming more painful now and I desperately want them out, like yesterday.  I considered naming them since they are with me 24 hours a day, but naming them seems too personable and I don’t want it to seem like I want them to stick around.  I want to make it very clear that I do not like them.  So these unnamed drains continue to be part of my body.  I have given up trying to hide them.  When I pin them to my bra, it is obvious that I have some strange shaped object under my shirt.  So instead, I just pin them to my pants.  It’s not a pretty look but I really don’t care at this point.  I walk around with what looks like a strange fluid filled fanny pack dangling on my waist.  I have gone to the kids’ school like this, to the store, out to eat, to play outside with the kids, etc.  I am pretty sure I am not the only one who wants these drains removed.  My kids, husband, neighbors, and strangers are also probably eager to not have to look at them anymore.  My doctor put me on bed/couch/lawn chair rest until I have under 15cc’s of fluid filling my fanny pack.  I am still at 50cc’s and I go back tomorrow.  I’m afraid my farewell to said drains may not be happening yet.  So Frustrating! 

Looking on the Bright Side…I have gotten pretty decent at giving myself a shower while holding the drains.  One armed showers are quite difficult, you should try it sometime.

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