Hi
My op to remove the lump and lymph nodes is scheduled for early January. I know this is a bit random but I wondered what clothing would be most comfortable to take with me for after the operation? Also what about PJs? I will have a drain on for about a week and have been told the district nurse will be round daily to change it so I wondered about access to the drain and the wound?
Thanks
Karen
Hi Karen, that’s not random at all, it’s very sensible.
Check with your hospital if they have any stipulations (e.g. to bring in a sports bra perhaps). Front opening nighties or PJs are the best, and ideally nothing that needs to go over your head as your arm will be too sore for that. Loose and baggy is quite a good idea too.
Once you are home then much the same - loose, front fastening tops, cardigans, zip-up tops, that kind of thing, easy on easy off. It can be as well to use old tops or buy really cheap ones in case of leakage from wounds/drains. You don’t want to spoil you favourite clothes.
Most hospitals seem to supply little bags to carry drains around in (turquoise where I was!) or you can clip them to your clothes with a safety pin.
It probably seems very daunting now but you will cope just fine.
Big hugs.
Thank you for those top tips! I like to be prepared. I know it sounds daft but I am just glad I have got a date set to get the bu@@er out.
Thanks
Karen
Hi Karen,
I too had the same op as you, the drain is a pain but does its job.
I didn’t venture out with drain, because I couldn’t shower properly and also didn’t feel strong enough, so I took full advantage of the sofa until drain was removed and then it was all systems go to normality.
I did find the drain a nuisance every time I stood up I forgot it was attached to me,
Whilst in hospital I pulled the drain out, and got a haematoma so had to go back surgery to have it refitted and the blood clots cleared, my own fault but it does show that you have to be a bit careful.
When I got home I used my dressing gown cord to tie up around the drain and wore as a shoulder bag, so at least it went where I went without me forgetting I was carrying it, took me 2 days to think of that.
Also you should be able to have the drain on the floor when sitting on sofa or in bed at night, it drains better that way, so you might have to sleep on the other side if the bed/sofa. I only got leakage one daybefore removal so they are not messy if they are fitted correctly.
Good luck it will be fine
Maggie x
Front opening things are easier but I did manage to get a t-shirt style pyjama top on the night of my surgery. I too forgot my drain a few times, it hurts when you do!! It just shows that they are not painful as we all forget they are there! I took a sports style bra as you may not tolerate a boned one. I had a boob uplift too so had an anchor shape suture line down from my nipple and full length under my boob so to be honest I found no bra was better but the BCN wanted me to wear one for support. You may find that you need an extra pillow in bed on your unaffected side to prop you up as I could not lie on my surgery side for a while, it is just too uncomfortable. No matter what please make sure you do the exercises especially as you are having nodes removed. I did them and so far have no limits in the use of my arm. 5 months down the line. The numbness is still there slighty but otherwise it feels ok. As for the drain when you get home, do not worry. I was a district nurse for years and we don’t care what you look like or what you are wearing, we will get to the bits we want to see. Remember us nusses have seen it all!!! It takes some getting used to not having a shower with the drains and dressings on but that means your OH has to run you a little bath and scrub you down. My little boy thought this was great and he enjoyed helping.
You will be fine. Its not a painful procedure. I managed on Ibuprofen and Paracetamol as anything stronger sends me deranged!
luv mandyj.xx