Well I’m still in hospital 7th day now, the lung drain is still in but not draining they don’t know if it’s blocked or finished the drain is so uncomfortable because it’s in my back so laying down is a challenge as I can’t lay on my side or stomach.
Hope they let me out soon as I really want to go home.
Aw lovely I can empathise, I had a pleural drain after surgery and before chemo it was horrid and so uncomfy I basically didn’t sleep for the 3 nights it was in as mine too came out of my back. I ended up nodding sat in a chair! Hopefully they will remove it for you soon x
Take pain relief and try and find a comfy position using pillows to support you even after it’s out as it takes a while to settle down x
Sending you a huge hug
7 days ? I find that astonishing. My understanding is that most of the liquid drains within a couple of days and when it slows to virtually nothing then they will send you for X-ray to check if it's done its work.
I would have thought that if they suspected a blockage then an X-ray might show this...
Did you read my post 3 days ago about my second lung drainage? Unfortunately has left me me with air pockets and collapsed lung on right side which entails a different hospital / specialist investigation starting tomorrow
But least I am home meanwhile and glad to be free of the tube and bottle. I empathise with you completely!
What are they saying to you? Time to ask some pertinent questions I think...
Keep us posted on the outcome
Janet x🌈
Yes 7 days is bad first 2 days they was trying to get a bed on the right ward then they did the drain on the Thursday flushed it on Friday because it wasn’t draining much and then of course it’s been the weekend and no doctors on weekends so here’s hoping for today x
It doesn't sound right that they don't know if it's blocked or finished. What are their plans to find out?
You must be so uncomfortable. Hope it's sorted quickly but it seems as if you need to push for answers.
Just hoping they do something today x
I agree with Helen they should be investigating if the drain is finished and if it’s not then there’s possibly an issue, if it has finished then surely it should come out? Let us know how this goes for you lovely ❤️Xx Jane
Hi I have also been in hospital for 7 days. I came in for a pleurectomy and pleurodesis last Monday under a general. Unfortunately I have developed a chest infection and oral thrush and they are struggling to wean me off the oxygen.
I agree with Janet I have had a few drains recently and it normally only takes a couple of days. They have probably emptied your chest but they need to confirm with an X-ray or ultrasound.
Had an chest X-ray but no doctor over weekend so hopefully today x
You certainly need an ultrasound/ X-ray to confirm whether the fluid has been successfully drained. However don’t be alarmed it being so long. Mine was in for over a week as I had a pocket of infection ( Empyema ) which was impossible to drain until they administered a drug through the drain tube to break up the pus.
All systems go again Monday morning so do ask to see the thoracic Consultant on call. Good luck xx
Hi I had both my lungs drained just before diagnosis, I had an Xray each day of the 1st lung drain that took 3 days in total, I was then brought back to clinic and given results of ppc and said i would need other lung drained this was a smaller effusion so it was done over night and I had Xrays to check it and then was put on carbo/Taxol it was considered totally resolved after the 3rd session. Its so uncomfortable trying to sleep I had a V pillow to help get comfortable even when I got home. If the do an X-ray they should know if there is still fluid there or if its finished, Hope you get home soon xx Clare
How are you doing? Has anyone filled you in yet? I find this five day week really difficult to comprehend when people are unwell seven days a week. I can’t believe there is a cost issue here.
I spent a lot of my time in hospital trying to get some action and yet it was more a case of the patients helping each other. Observation without action
Have you asked to see your oncologist? They can request a visit. I only found this out very recently
LA xx
Anyone had a drain at home?
Unable to drain my Ascites 
CT scan plus pleural drain
Drain done 
