Third time lucky– right?? (bile drain)
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OMG! First I am highly jealous that you can sew, I cannot! I remember when my mother-in-law had Leukemia and I took up knitting to have something to do in the hospital as I sat with her long hours. Well, I knit a fabulous brown cardigan sweater but when I went to put it together it had 2 that’s 2, left sides! Never picked up a yarn again except to write them on here!
Kirstin,
You have a great attitude and I am hoping everything works out for you. Black or bright I am sure you will look great!
Love & Hugs,
DarlaGlad you are feeling more positive Kristin – I wouldn’t give up hope on the cute little sundresses yet – hopefully you can get some of those clear bandages and they work wonders for you. Hoping for quick healing so you don’t have to deal with any more goop!
Jen
Thanks for the idea about the plastic sheets, Kris– I think I know what you mean, and I’ll ask about them when the home health nurse comes today. (See, there are SOME civilized aspects to the US “health” system– the home health nurses are wonderful!)
As for stylish black… I always used to wear tons of black, but when I got diagnosed, I suddenly developed a craving for really bright gorgeous colors that mean “life” to me. First I sewed myself a sexy little sundress in the colors of a gold and orange sunburst. Power colors! Like your winter coat!
Hugs,
Kristin
Kristin,
Dont change your wardrobe plans yet. There are these HUGE clear plastic sheet bandages things. They used those with me and it held in all the wet goop. Ask your doctor about them and see if you can order them from a pharmacy. There is also this film, liquid thing that helps with irritation from the bandage so that your skin isnt so bad after all the changing that will need to be done.If these dont work, not to worry, black is always stylish and sexy.
Kris
Thanks so much for your encouragement! I went back to the hospital yesterday to get drain #4 checked, and was seen by the head of the department (the guy who had put in #3, who was extremely helpful.)
He adjusted it a little, and had more stitches put it to make sure it doesn’t slip, but essentially told me I might just have to live with the drainage. He said the skin needs to heal around the tube to hold it in place, and that happens sooner or (much) later. He said there’s no point changing it out for an even bigger drain (this one is already big) because it just makes a bigger hole that’s even harder to heal. And he said the only alternative was a major, major surgery that he doesn’t recommend.
So… Time to perfect my bandage skills, and I guess I need to revise my summer wardrobe… Lots of black tshirts and black yoga pants. Waaahhh! I was really looking forward to wearing all my little sundresses again. I’ve lost so much weight I would look great in them.
I HOPE there will be no more thrilling installments in this saga of drains and yello goop… Thanks SOOOO much for all your support and suggestions!
Love,
Kristin
Kristin,
Sorry things aren’t working and have gotten so frustrating for you. Yes something will go right and hopefully soon. I think Betsy’s suggestion to see if they will admit you until they get this figured out is a good one if it is possible. Take care. Hoping for better days ahead.
Love & Hugs,
DarlaHi Kristen,
I’m assuming yesterday’s drain #4 was done as outpatient, right? Is there any way they can admit you and do this procedure? That way, you’re right there if something goes wrong and they can fix it. Yes, this will get resolved for you and you will start to feel better. I’ve gone through several types of drains as well. My doctor modified one by putting more holes in it.
Kristen, I’m sending hugs and kisses.
BetsyKristin,
HANG IN THERE. When poop hits the fan, it spreads everywhere. External drains are never easy, and yours have been particularly difficult. The truth is, the drains most likely have nothing to do with the actual state of your cancer. They are just major inconveniences and ones that must be worked out. The difficulties you are having are making you tired, frustrated, and not feeling well. You are having a difficult time, and it is emotionally draining on you and that is the reason you are losing your optimisim not anything in relation to how your cancer is actually doing.One thing at a time. First, talk to your doctor about how to make the drain better. I think I went through 3 different types of tubes before they found one that “Sort of” worked. Once the bile gets flowing, you will feel better and that will help you mentally and emotionally. Until then, we are here to hold you up until you can do it yourself.
Kris
So I had drain #4 put in yesterday, and three hours later it was leaking all over and I was having really, really bad pain. Drain #1 lasted 2 weeks, # 2 lasted 10 days, #3 lasted 3 days, and # 4 didn’t even work for 3 hours.
I am just completely running out of optimisim. I am so, so, so, so tired, after all those months of jaundice and misery. Please tell me that something is going to go RIGHT before too much longer…
Love,
Kristin
Thanks, everyone, for all your encouragement and useful suggestions! I’m going to call the doctor when his office opens in 1/2 hour. I know something’s not right, because now the tube has slipped out 1/2 inch past the stictches. Last time the changed it one doc wanted to use a larger size and the other wanted to use the same size, and they ended up doing the same size (not sure why.)
At least my oldest friend is staying here with us for a week and she has been a total GODSEND– driving me to appointments (an hour away), walking the dog, cheering me up, and keeping the house from falling nto total squalor. My husband was completely overwhelmed a because it’s more than a month now that I’ve had these drains and in all that time they’ve worked properly maybe 2 days…
Fingers crossed!
Hugs to all,
Kristin
Hi Kristin,
I’m sorry to hear you’re having problems with this drain. Perhaps you have called the doctor by now. Let me know how you are. Everyone’s giving you great advice re. this problem and I can’t think of anything else to add except to say,”Hang in there sister!”
BetsyBile tubes/drains are horrible. My sympathies. Don’t be hesitent go to the emergency room if you have to.
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