SHOWERING: YOU MUST DO THIS ONCE A DAY

1. Attach the drainage tube to your clothing so that the bottle is not pulling on your skin.

2. Remove your old bandage.

3. Using warm soap and water, gently wash around the skin where the drain tube exits.

4. Do not use any "fragrance" soaps. Ivory or Dial is fine.

5. Use a clean towel to pat your wound area dry. DO NOT RUB.

6. Dry the rest of your body after you dry your incision.

APPLYING THE BANDAGE: YOU DO THIS ONCE A DAY AFTER SHOWERING

1. Wash your hands with soap.

2. Open one package of gauze bandages. There are two gauze squares in each package.

3. Take one of the gauze squares and fold it in half. Remember to touch only the corners of the square.

4. Place the folded square under the drain tube.

5. Place the other gauze square over the drain tube.

6. Tape the gauze bandage in place.

EMPTYING THE DRAINAGE TUBE: YOU MUST DO THIS THREE TIMES A DAY (WHEN YOU WAKE UP, DURING THE DAY, AND BEFORE BEDTIME)

* Unplug the drainage plug on the bulb.

* Hold bulb upside down over a measuring container.

* Squeeze the bulb until it is empty of drainage fluid.

* Notice the amount of drainage and write it on the chart.

* Press the center of the bulb to get the air out.

* When the bulb is collapsed, insert the plug back into the drain hole. DO NOT rinse or clean your drainage bulb under any circumstances. This could make you susceptible to infection.

Remember:

DO NOT DRIVE A CAR

DO NOT USE A VACUUM CLEANER

DO NOT LIFT HEAVY OBJECTS

When you get home call the office and make an appointment to see your doctor. Please bring this chart with you when you come for your appointment.

Thank you.