Some advice re draining fluid?

[taar]

11m post transplant. Had a clinic at QE today. Not feeling too good, feeling tired, bloated etc. Have gained about 8-10kg since March. They (bless 'em) fitted me in for an ultrasound, and found "pockets of free fluid." Is this the same as ascites? Can you get ascites after transplant...? Didn't know that...

Before I got home from the 2hr drive, a local liver consultant called home and said she's making arrangements for me to have a drain tomorrow. Never had one before. A bit scared...I take it is likely to involve a needle in the side to drain off fluid? How long am I likely to be hospital? A couple of hours or days, do you think?

Consultant is phoning again tomorrow early morning, so will find out soon I guess.

Any comments or information gratefully received.

[redpoint72]

Hello love.They sound very on the ball!.

Yes love a paracentesis does involve a needle with local anaesthetic 😬.

It isnt very comfortable, being honest with you......but it is over quite quickly.

I can remember mine being done,and the ward sister saying to me to grip her hand as hard as I could!😬.....and I dam well did!!!.

My last drain took approx 7 hours.....but was done as an out patient .

It all depends really on what amount of fluid is draining away.

Ive had anything from approximately 7 to 13 litres drained over several drains,if I remember rightly, without getting my paperwork out!!.

Good luck love.

Chris

[taar in reply to redpoint72]

Thank you so much for your timely response. I always like to know a bit about what is likely to happen, so your input is appreciated.

[Shep666]

Hi

I had a couple of drains - the actual drain part didn't hurt at all for me. Local was a jab for the skin(depends how you are with that), then a further jab at a gradient for the lower tissue. The only real discomfort i felt was when the drain was removed. Without going into too much detail it is a bit of a strange shape once inserted/deployed and jiggling that out was a strange feeling and a little bit of pain.

Having said that, the 2nd deeper jab and smooth "extraction" bit varied quite a lot on who was doing it...

They never leave the drain in for longer than 6 hours I think, but a lot of fluid (10litres plus can be done in a couple of hours), so not a long stay you feel soooooooo much better with the fluid gone - so hang onto that to numb any of the bad experience.

👍🙂

[taar in reply to Shep666]

Thanks Shep, very uplifting response, I am feeling better about the upcoming procedure already. All the best to you.

[Millie09]

Hello taar,As already said by Chris and shep ,

I has 3 drains done over 6 weeks then another in 2014 ,

Depends how much fluid needs to come out ,

I remember all mine apart from the one in 2014 took a good 7 hours, I was also hooked up to a drip in my other arm that was replacing the Albumen ( protein ) due to it being depleted by my liver, obviously I'm unsure if this would be the same as your post transplant where I am not .

My hepatologist is also at the QE ,they are a fab bunch , even the liver nurse who takes care of me and the secretaries, cannot fault them at all so your in good hands.

I'm sure all will go well ..

My best wishes

Linda x

[taar in reply to Millie09]

Thanks Linda, I love the QE team, and they have all been very good with me and to me. Deep breath...

[Millie09 in reply to taar]

Most welcome! Yes ,you will be just fine 🙂.

Let us know how you get on

X

[Roots57]

Taar, you have been through a liver transplant - you’re already a champion!! Put your trust in the medics. Thinking about you xx

[Shep666]

QE here too - post transplant - the team are indeed uber fantastic. Go faar beyond the pay they receive!!

The Albumen should only be pre transplant as your new improved liver should be "making" your very own supply of the stuff 😜

[KingsKidEveryDay]

Wow… I read the replies.. unfortunately I have weekly drains. I have between 6 and 14 lbs of fluid drained weekly, it never takes more than 1 hour, if getting albumin then up to 2 hours from start to finish. The most uncomfortable part is the first shot of lidocaine to numb the area where the tube will be inserted and as the tube goes in the second “push” thru the stomach wall for me is the most painful but very quick.

I am scheduled for the tips procedure in September. They say after in place I should not have but a couple of drains as it starts working.

Good luck to you!

[taar in reply to KingsKidEveryDay]

Thanks pal.

[Furpal]

Hi,I have had two drains, the needle was stingy the first time because I didn't know what to expect. But they pop a drain ( little pipe) inside your tummy and then attach it to a bag. Then you just lid and wait for everything to drain out. If I can remember they gave me fluids via a needle in my hand and that was that. More than anything it's the waiting. The first time I had it they kept me in. The second time it was like being a day patient. The consultant said I might find I go back often to have a drain. But I've only been twice and that was in 2020. Touch wood not been referred for one since. Nothing to worry about I promise. Good luck.

[taar in reply to Furpal]

Thanks for the response Furpal. It turned out they didn't need to drain, but I was in hospital 11 days for monitoring due to "kidney injury."

[Furpal in reply to taar]

Gosh 11 days, pleased you are back home. You had all that time worrying though. At least you got some good advice about drains. I think I'll got to the States if I need another one 😂

[juneblue]

In the states it takes about two hrs prep to finish. The use pump to speed up drain. Not much pain just feels strange. All will be well.

[taar in reply to juneblue]

Thanks juneblue