Abdominoplasty 11 days post op - help! - Cosmetic / Plastic Surgery Message Board

ARPrincess · 05-15-2007, 08:32 PM

I had a TT and Breast Lift 11 days ago. I think I am doing fairly well, but I would like to know what sort of fluid others have experienced in their drain tubes. I've had a slight fever and have a thick, white substance mixed with the red and/or clear fluid that I was getting. Have others experienced that? Also, I am so swollen my belly feels that it will burst. Any suggestions? I've cut back on both salt and sugar and added more pure water.

marie72 · 05-15-2007, 08:43 PM

Hi ARPrincess,

I had both procedures done along with implants 14 days ago and was up and driving 10 days later. I had the surgery on Monday and the drains were removed on Saturday. The fluid goes from red to pinkish clear and about 20cc to 30cc per day and then they removed my drains. I don't like that you have a thick white substance in the drains, doesn't sound right, along with the fever. Did they give you an abdominal binder? That should keep the swelling down. Also, are you gasey, did they recommend Colace daily after the surgery up to about 7-10 days, until you bowels are regular. When is your post op appointment, maybe you should call and go in right away to make sure your not beginning to get an infection, are you on antibiotics? Please write back and let me know. I've just been through it but did great, alot better than all the info I have read.

ARPrincess · 05-15-2007, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marie72

Hi ARPrincess,

I had both procedures done along with implants 14 days ago and was up and driving 10 days later. I had the surgery on Monday and the drains were removed on Saturday. The fluid goes from red to pinkish clear and about 20cc to 30cc per day and then they removed my drains. I don't like that you have a thick white substance in the drains, doesn't sound right, along with the fever. Did they give you an abdominal binder? That should keep the swelling down. Also, are you gasey, did they recommend Colace daily after the surgery up to about 7-10 days, until you bowels are regular. When is your post op appointment, maybe you should call and go in right away to make sure your not beginning to get an infection, are you on antibiotics? Please write back and let me know. I've just been through it but did great, alot better than all the info I have read.

I am up and around and have been pretty much since the day after. I am still in a reasonable amount of pain. I am using fiber supplements and having no problem with my bowels moving. This is actual swelling. I am using a binder. This afternoon I took it off and just gently laid my hand on my belly. I moved it a minute or less later and could see a handprint! I have been put back on antibiotics. I was really hoping someone would tell me this can be normal! I saw the nurse yesterday and will see the Dr. day after tomorrow. I still have both drains, but I continue to produce over 100cc of fluid or more each day. He hopes to take one out on Thurs. The swelling is painful right now more than anything else. Of course, you know about the joys of drain tubes!

marie72 · 05-16-2007, 05:18 AM

I'm so sorry to hear that your in so much pain. I didn't experience what you are experiencing. I am slightly swollen. Are you trying to do too much? That produces swelling, try keeping you legs and feet elevated as much as possible. Also I know that you said you cut back on salt and sugar. I almost completely eliminated salt for the two week after and drank water and decaf tea, not even coffee. There are specific tummy tuck sites that may help with what is normal as you know we all heal differently. My heart goes out to you. Let me know what the doctor says about all this after you see him.

ARPrincess · 05-17-2007, 11:24 AM

I feel some better after my visit with the Dr. Because I am having some fever, he believes I have some infection that my antibiotic is not taking care of so he precribed another one. (I have a lot of antibiotic allergies so that is never an easy task!) As for my sludgy drainage, swelling, etc., I am pretty much normal for some people. You are right when you say we all heal differently and, of course, every instance is different. He said that my body is basically "rejecting" the trauma and is, therefore, swelling like crazy. The spot that was hard and red on Monday is now clear and the actual front & center of my belly is hard and red now. I have an incredible amount of edema still in the belly. So, I've just got to keep doing what I'm doing and be patient. I will have the drain tubes for a while until we can get rid of all this swelling. I am still putting out over 100 ccs a day per side! I just need to be patient with myself and let it heal. The real downside is that I have implant surgery scheduled for June 1 (he preferred doing it in stages) and that may have to be delayed, depending on how my belly does. I appreciate your comments and support in this. My Dr. also suggested that I take my xanax round the clock right now because I am having some mild anxiety/depression. If I do that, I will sleep through my recovery!