After a double mastectomy with reconstruction you get a quick rundown in the hospital on post-op instructions before they send you home. My husband was there to obtain the information (thank god because I was still loopy from the drugs). After surgery, I had 4 drains. 2 coming out each of my sides about 6 inches below my armpits. These drains are there to help with fluid build up and prevent infection. Multiple times a day you are instructed to “strip” the drains and empty them into measuring cups and keep a record of the fluid in each drain. Over a week or two they eventually pull the drains out after the fluid collection becomes insignificant. My husband was taught how to strip the drains in the hospital and then he showed my mom when we got home since she was going to be staying with me most of the time. When they strip the drains it feels like a gentle pulling or pressure inside the surgical site- very odd. We stripped the drains multiple times a day and when the output became less and less they pulled 2 of the drains about a week after surgery. They don’t pull all 4 at the same time in case there is more fluid build up. So the other 2 drains came out a few days later. When they pull the drains out it is a mix between relief and pain. A deep pressure pulling from the inside of your breasts to your armpits and then boom, instant relief when they are out. Wonderful. Also comes with a little bit of freedom not having drains to take care of.
Mandafit 