INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Usually, the drainage is bloody following surgery, but as time passes it should become straw-colored, then clear. The drainage should never look cloudy or like pus. Notice the amount of drainage for every 24 hours. Your doctor should have given you a marked plastic container so you can track how many cubic centimeters (cc) or milliliters (ml) of fluid were drained. Check this every time you empty the JP drain, usually every eight to 12 hours. The amount of fluid should decrease as time passes. You'll probably also be given a data sheet, to log the amount at the time of drainage. Usually drains can be pulled (by your surgical staff) when drainage is less than 30 100 cc in 24 hours. It is important that you have good communication with your surgeon and the staff. You'll need to attend follow-up appointments for wound observation and drainage removal. You should also report any issues or concerns you have. If you notice any of the following, get call your doctor: Edges of the wound are red Pus or thick drainage Foul odor coming from the incision/insertion site Fever, greater than 101F (38.3C) Pain at surgical site Bathing and showering can be challenging with JP drains, but with some help you should be able to gently clean the site. Be sure to get your doctor's permission before bathing or showering, especially if you still have bandages. If you're allowed to bathe or shower, gently wash the area and make sure it's completely dry when you're done. If you're not allowed to bathe or shower, carefully clean the area around the drain using a washcloth or gauze. If you need additional help, communicate this to the office staff for a visiting nurse referral. Some surgeons will have a visiting nurse come out daily to help you with a sponge bathe and washing your hair. Or consider having a family member help you bathe. Use a safety pin and attach the pin through the plastic loop on top of the JP bulb. Wear loose fitting clothing and attach your drains to your clothing, like a loose shirt. Pin the drains to anchor them. This way, they won't get tangled or pulled out. JP drains that are attached to clothing may also feel more comfortable. You might try using a fanny pack to secure the JP drains around your waist. Avoid pinning them to your pants. If you accidentally forget they're there, you may pull down your pants and remove the drains.

SUMMARY: Pay attention to the drainage. Monitor the wound site. Keep the area clean. Secure the drains.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Piercing your lip will be painful, and the piercing may cause bleeding. The area may be tender, swollen, and bruised for several days afterward. Lip piercings can take anywhere from 6 to 10 weeks to heal fully, so be prepared for multiple daily cleanings during that time, plus regular upkeep after that. Cleaning your lip piercing is pretty straightforward, but it will require non-iodized salt, alcohol-free mouthwash, and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Pick up a new toothbrush as wellone with soft bristlesand replace your old one after getting your piercing. Before getting your lip pierced, know what to look for regarding infections. Symptoms include pus, green or yellow discharge, tingling or loss of feeling around the piercing site, fever, and excessive bleeding, pain, redness, and swelling. Leave the jewelry in if you suspect an infection, but seek medical attention immediately. Body jewelry often contains nickel, which is a common allergen for many people. Symptoms will likely appear within 12 to 48 hours, and can include itching and swelling, crusty or scaly blisters, and redness, rash, or dry skin. Your lip piercing won't heal properly if you are allergic to the jewelry, so go to the doctor immediately if you suspect an allergy. If you can't wear necklaces, earrings, rings or bracelets containing nickel, you won't be able to wear it in your lip, either. Look for jewelry labeled "surgical steel" or "nickel free." In addition to nickel, some people may be allergic to copper or brass. These 3 base metals cause the majority of allergic reactions to jewelry.

SUMMARY: Know what to expect. Purchase your cleaning supplies in advance. Recognize the signs of infection. Know what an allergic reaction will look like.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: To create a leather cuff, you will need strips of tooled leather, leather glue, a leather needle, waxed linen thread, and a button snap or clasp for the ends of the bracelet. Use a ruler to measure a strip of leather 2 inches (5.08 cm) wide, by the length of your wrist plus one inch. Cut the leather to size with a pair of sharp scissors or utility knife. Attach your cut and sized leather to a larger, tooled piece of leather with leather glue. Use your fingers to smooth out any wrinkles, and allow it to dry overnight. Adding a second layer of leather to your bracelet will give a more finished look. Trim the edge off the tooled leather to make it the same size as your original strip. You should now be left with a nearly completed double-sided leather strip. Use a leather needle and waxed linen thread to stitch the cuff together. Any stitch is appropriate; the stitching is simply securing the edges of the leather and giving a more sophisticated look. Use your needle and thread or the leather glue to secure your clasps to either end. With the completion of this step, you're finished!

SUMMARY:
Get your supplies prepared. Measure and cut your leather. Layer your leather. Cut the bracelet to size. Stitch the edges. Add your clasps.