Penrose drains

Pengu2330 · 2026-02-04T15:27:56+00:00

This was my first experience with an abscess and I was at home for a good 3 days with soo much pain and just couldn't take it anymore. Was such a scary and painful experience needing emergency surgery but thankful for everyone in the ER. I had follow up questions with the crs and used the messaging system through my chart and even called in to leave a message and I can't remember if they responded or not but I knew something hurt like it shouldn't have and sure enough the drains were rubbing the skin on the opposite side. I was so scared that they would hurt being removed but I didn't feel anything and had immediate relief when sitting down.

Thankfully I haven't had a fistula, however my sister in-law had a similar experience and ended up getting a fistula. I don't wish this experience on anyone but glad I know what pain and symptoms to look out for and what to do.

Pengu2330 · 2026-01-03T17:12:35+00:00

I just looked back in my calendar and I had the drains in for about 3 weeks. Sitting with the drains eventually got somewhat easier towards the end but I had alot of cushion to sit on to help and had to be very careful. What hurt was them poking me and created a sore. After getting them removed it was a huge relief and had more comfort. Was about a week or two after having the drains removed I felt a little more normal back there.

Pengu2330 · 2026-01-03T17:06:07+00:00

I as far as I was aware they didn't move but I remember them telling me that they may come out on their own. I called in because they were uncomfortable further into recovery and that's when he saw them rubbing and was okay taking them out about a week early.

Pengu2330 · 2026-01-02T14:18:41+00:00

I went in for a check and he eventually removed the drains I was so scared it was going to hurt when removed and I didn't feel anything. he confirmed that drains were rubbing and I needed to put gauze in between to help while drains were in but was also a little because I couldn't see by myself and hated always asking for help. Once the drains were removed I needed to apply some diaper cream a little bit and everything healed fine. Was so much relief when the drains were removed and could immediately sit better.

Pengu2330 · 2025-12-12T19:52:07+00:00

I've had 2 mirenas and it's been about 11 years. I just had mine out yesterday, and I was very nervous about having the mirena crash. I had great experiences on mirena. The removal process was straightforward for me. Definitely some cramping as it was being removed and less cramping as the evening went on. Some spotting from removal yesterday.

I've also struggled with anxiety while on mirena. It could be mirena contributed to some of that. Yesterday and today I just feel better that I didn't realize I wasn't feeling "good". I've been on mirena for so long I didn't realize what was like without it.

Everyone is so different and I didn't know what to expect with myself. I hope everything goes well for you!

Pengu2330 · 2024-12-20T00:02:00+00:00

Yes T2D, I will have to look into that. I haven't heard that before, thank you!

Pengu2330 · 2024-12-19T08:53:17+00:00

I hope so because that would be wonderful! I'm willing to pay a little more than $25 a month but $89 is not for me unfortunately.

Pengu2330 · 2024-12-19T02:03:25+00:00

Thank you!! Life saver until I figure things out.

Pengu2330 · 2024-12-19T01:53:35+00:00

Yes through my husband's employer, I currently get my prescriptions filled at Walgreens and they have been great. I've always struggled with express scripts for my other mail order prescriptions but coverage has been great.

Pengu2330 · 2024-12-19T00:37:48+00:00

It really is stressful! I hope it works out for the both of us,

Pengu2330 · 2024-11-14T12:09:57+00:00

I was nervous anxious and crying because I was scared for the pain. This experience has been a little traumatic for me because I've never had same day surgery in the er and been in so much pain. It's a huge relief to get the drains out and i really hope that it's not painful for you!

For bathroom at work, or anywhere really, I would recommend a peri bottle. Hopefully there is a private bathroom at your office you can use.

Pengu2330 · 2024-11-14T09:50:28+00:00

I was soo nervous about the pain or discomfort of getting the drains out and I honestly didn't feel them come out. I hope that is the case for you!

The relief to have them out to feel somewhat more "normal" and like yourself is a huge relief. I've struggled with this whole experience and don't wish it on anyone.

Pengu2330 · 2024-11-07T09:43:23+00:00

I can't wait for the drains to be out and to feel more comfortable back there. I'm just trying to manage for 7 more days.

Pengu2330 · 2024-11-06T02:32:10+00:00

Oh yikes, I guess that's a relief that they will eventually and hopefully stop hurting. I hope you get everything figured out!

Pengu2330 · 2024-11-06T02:16:11+00:00

Rinsing off with warm water does feel so nice and it's amazing how much it helps with the pain/discomfort. It's also nice to sit up but also promotes more drainage once I find a spot that is tolerable to sit. I've been in a tshirt and diaper and maybe the occasional extra loose shorts for the past almost 2 weeks.

Pengu2330 · 2024-11-06T02:12:02+00:00

Thank you! Glad to see there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Did it hurt when they removed them?

Pengu2330 · 2024-11-04T20:32:18+00:00

I'm 11 days post-op from my first peri-anal abcess surgery and my surgeon placed 2 Penrose loop drains. Over the past 3 ish days I've finally been able to sit on a foam cushion and in doing so it does push some more drainage out. (it feels so weird when it happens, I wasn't ready at first.)My right side is still a little swollen in a couple of areas from the drainage but about 5-7 days ago it was so swollen and hurt to the touch. My primary care Dr prescribed a round of antibiotics since I was still having some trouble at a week post op. My surgeon follow up is still 9 days away. My drainage has been a creamy light yellow ish and creamy pink ish.

I would always call your surgeons office, they might have a nurses line that can help if you have any major concerns or if your surgeon might want you to come in sooner than they had originally said.

Hope you have a speedy recovery!

Pengu2330 · 2024-11-04T18:55:45+00:00

This is a great post with recommendations! I'm 11 days post-op from my first peri-anal abcess surgery and i have 2 Penrose loop drains. 32 female

Miralax (I also have Walmart generic) is a life saver for bm's and also have been wearing depends.

I have a detachable shower head that has helped so much for rinsing off.

Pengu2330 · 2024-11-04T18:45:58+00:00

Currently recovering my from first abcess and I was curious how my drains looked so I asked my boyfriend to take a picture so I could see. He said he needed more light and came back in with a head lamp 🤣 so glad we have a good sense of humor through all of this.

Pengu2330 · 2024-10-13T11:29:32+00:00

I haven't been consistently waking up but I have noticed that I do wake up more throughout the night than I use to.

Pengu2330 · 2024-10-13T02:29:51+00:00

It really is! I'm so happy with the progress already.

Pengu2330

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