JP Drain Drainage Log
Record postoperative drain output by date, side, and time of day.
Entry History
All saved drainage records, most recent first.
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| AM | PM | L Total | AM | PM | R Total | ||
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| Date | Drain | Side | Time | Amount (mL) | Notes | |
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Patient Resources
Information to support your recovery and help you understand your care journey.
What is a JP Drain?
A Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain is a soft, flexible closed-suction device placed under your skin during surgery. It consists of a thin tube connected to a small, squeezable bulb that creates gentle suction to continuously remove fluid — blood, lymph fluid, or serum — that would otherwise collect in the surgical space and slow healing. After BRCA-related surgeries such as mastectomy or oophorectomy, one or two drains are commonly placed, one on each side of the chest or pelvis.
How to Care for Your Drain
Empty your drain bulb at least twice daily — once in the morning and once in the evening — or whenever it becomes half full. Before emptying, wash your hands thoroughly. Squeeze the bulb flat, pour the fluid into a measuring cup, and re-compress the bulb before re-inserting the plug to restore suction. Record the amount in milliliters (mL) for each session. Keep the drain site clean and dry, and secure the drain to your clothing with a safety pin to avoid accidental pulls.
Understanding Your Output
In the first 24–48 hours after surgery, fluid is typically dark red or pink and output is highest. As healing progresses, fluid transitions to a lighter pink, then yellow or straw-colored — this is normal. Most surgeons consider drain removal when output from a single drain falls below 30 mL in a 24-hour period for two consecutive days. Each surgeon's criteria may vary, so always confirm with your care team.
When to Contact Your Care Team
- Output suddenly increases significantly after it had been decreasing
- Fluid becomes bright red and does not lighten within 24 hours
- Fluid appears milky, cloudy, or has a foul odor (possible infection)
- The drain site becomes red, swollen, warm, or painful
- The drain tube becomes dislodged or falls out
- You develop a fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
- Significant difference in output between the left and right side
Recovery Tips
- Sleep on your back or slightly elevated with pillows to reduce swelling
- Wear loose, front-opening clothing — button-down shirts work well
- Use a small lanyard or drain management camisole to carry drains hands-free
- Avoid lifting anything heavier than 5–10 lbs until cleared by your surgeon
- Stay hydrated and eat protein-rich foods to support tissue healing
- Log your drain output at the same times each day for consistency
This information is for general educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical advice. Always follow your surgeon's specific post-operative instructions.
Modified — The Journey to My New Normal
A memoir by Gladys Clausen — the creator of BRCA Box — chronicling her deeply personal journey through a BRCA diagnosis, the decision to pursue preventative surgery, and the path to reclaiming her sense of self. Written with honesty, humor, and heart, Modified offers an intimate look at what it truly means to navigate life-altering medical choices and emerge on the other side with a new definition of normal.
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Drainage Report