I think I forgot to mention that Kristen had 4 drains inserted at time of surgery. She has 2 tubes running from under each armpit and at the bottom of each tube is a bulb that looks like and is about the size of a hand grenade and has to be emptied 2 or 3 times a day or as needed. The average output has been 20-30cc on 2 and 10-15cc in the other 2. We have to record the output each time they are emptied so Dr Christiansen can tell how much fluid is draining. It's ironic that everyone calls them grenades because we did have one "explode"......well it didn't really explode but it did leak everywhere. =) Mom made a couple belly bands (pouch) that hold the drains and allows Kristen to walk without drains dangling. It's GREAT!
At yesterdays appointment they determined that 2 drains could be removed. It was wild watching this process. The Dr simply snipped one of the sutures that held the drain tubes in, had a nurse on one side and Dr on the other and at the same time pulled. Voila...out came the drain tubes. The tube inside her body was about 6-8" long. They said it would sting/hurt for a few minutes but Kristen said it didn't hurt. Felt like pulling a long splinter out.
Kristen has another appointment this Friday and might be able to get the last 2 drains removed depending on how much they are draining.
Thank you for keep us updated! Please let Kristin know I think about her often and we pray for her every night in our family prayers! Keep up the great recovery!
ReplyDeleteWay to go Kristen :-) Those tubes were like your own personal exploding nun chucks lol
ReplyDeleteI bet it feels good to have them out.