Drain tubes and retaining sensitivity

[Amadeus]

Big-chested bloke here, and I know I'm going to need bilateral incision with nipple grafts.  There are a few things I wanted to ask of the gents here who have had this type of top surgery, in regards to nipple sensitivity post-op as well as regarding the drainage tubes.

• Did you retain any nipple sensitivity post-op?  How much?  When did it come back?  Is it as good as before?
• When the drains were removed, did it hurt?  Or did it just feel weird?
• What were you given for pain and how long did you need to take it?

I used to be a veterinary technician and I helped the doctors put in and take out Penrose tubing on many, many domestic cats and dogs.  I don't think I ever saw any of them even flinch when the tubes came out, and they were never given any sort of analgesic.  [Okay, maybe some butorphanol post-op, but that's it.]  Also, after my gallbladder surgery in 2010, I think I only took the propoxyphene I was given for...four days?  Maybe?  I barely remember that week, except that the meds made me very sick.

Thanks in advance!

[Kreuzfidel]

• Did you retain any nipple sensitivity post-op?  How much?  When did it come back?  Is it as good as before?

I have no sensation (numb) in my right nipple (which was a full graft) - my left has only the sensation somewhat like when you stroke the bottom of your foot after it's been asleep and is just waking up.  I'm 6 months post-op.

When the drains were removed, did it hurt?  Or did it just feel weird?

I won't lie, it was very painful when they removed them.  That was just my experience.

What were you given for pain and how long did you need to take it?

For the first three days, I took Endone every 6 hours for pain.  After that, just Panadol (Tylenol).

[Bimmer Guy]

1) No sensation with free nipple grafts
2) Felt nothing with the one tube.  Maybe had a sliding sensation with the other, but it was all very fast (Surgeon: Garramone).  For certain no pain.
3) Just a few pain pills, otherwise only Tylenol and that was mostly for prevention of pain.

Personally, I wouldn't let drains or no drains be a variable in my choice of surgeon.  6 days of discomfort with tubing and maybe some pain when they are removed vs. the chest you think looks the best?  Hands down, choose the surgeon whose work you prefer!

[aleon515]

Surgery was 9 months ago.
1. Free nipple grafts. I have feeling like cold/hot, pressure. No erotic sensation (and I don't think it's actually possible). Erotic sensation is gained (by some people) thru association.
2. Felt sliding sensation when one of them was coming out, no pain. And pain with the other one though nothing horrible. It came out VERY fast (Garramone).
3. Never took any pain medication at all. Okay old guys are tougher. Probably explains everything.

--Jay

[FTMKyle]

1.Two free grafts. No sensation. 5 weeks post op
2. The drains did not hurt at all. I had a very slight pulling sensation when the nurse started to take them out, but then nothing after that.
3. I was given Norco. I took them every 4-6 hours as I was told to prevent pain. They put me to sleep fast. After about 4 days I stopped taking them and switched to Tylenol. I never finished the Norco.

I was also given Valium for some strange reason. I took one. And I was given a lifetime supply of antibiotic. Okay maybe not that much, but the bottle was stuffed. 

[aleon515]

1.Two free grafts. No sensation. 5 weeks post op
2. The drains did not hurt at all. I had a very slight pulling sensation when the nurse started to take them out, but then nothing after that.
3. I was given Norco. I took them every 4-6 hours as I was told to prevent pain. They put me to sleep fast. After about 4 days I stopped taking them and switched to Tylenol. I never finished the Norco.

I was also given Valium for some strange reason. I took one. And I was given a lifetime supply of antibiotic. Okay maybe not that much, but the bottle was stuffed.

I actually think Valium makes sense. I thought it was more uncomfortable and unpleasant than actually painful. Valium kind of makes you care less. Interesting concept.

--Jay

[Amadeus]

Yeah, Valium [diazepam] is one of the stronger benzos, I believe.  There's a reason Lydia's mother was 'sleeping with Prince Valium' in Beetlejuice.  I keep Xanax [alprazolam] on hand for my anxiety disorder.  I should think that just about any benzo would increase the effect of a narcotic analgesic.  Or it could be just to knock you out so you just don't give a sh*t.  In which case, yes, please, many.  *holds up empty quart-size mason jar*  Fill 'er up!

[anibioman]

I'm six months post op, double incision with nipple grafts. I can't feel my nips at all really. My drains coming out was very uncomfortable but not painful. I was numb still, I could feel the pulling and the drains moving under my skin. Plus it was gross. I only ever took extra strength Tylenol. Apparently I'm an abnormal, my doctor was very surprised. I did however need sleeping pills the first week. It was very uncomfortable sleeping elevated on my back.