Joe,  Just heard the news from Keith!  It sounds like you got lucky - although you probably aren't feeling lucky right now....  We are glad to hear you made it through surgery without any serious complications.  The drain in your wound is to allow excess blood not to drain and not accumulate - so it does not put pressure on your incision site.  As nurses, Tony and I recommend you listen to your Dr. and your nurses and eventually your therapists!  We know you are not one to follow rules - but in this instance you might want to.   We are thinking of you and wish you a speedy recovery - and in the meantime enjoy your "bed baths"!!!  Take Care and we will be following your progress via this blog.  Keith, thanks for the communication!