(Quick drain question) Tummy Tuck After Three Kids - Cincinnati, OH

So far so good (I think, lol). I finally got the second drain removed 1 week post op. The nurse said she couldn't believe how flat I looked and how well I was getting around (not quite straight up but almost). I was able to go off my pain meds after the 5th day. Still not sleeping comfortably though because I am a side sleeper and I wake up when I try to roll from back to side overnight. I have the go-ahead to switch out to a different compression garment so I'm still wearing my regular binder while trying to decide which to choose (I have the gelzone wrap, a spanx garment and then I ordered two online the other day that haven't arrived). My first full day of work is tomorrow, so I am hoping all goes well. Only real complaint right now is the ITCHING!!! I am allergic to adhesive and the tape over my stitches is driving me crazy. I hope it comes off soon but I am going to start taking benadryl to see if that helps... I've been taking pics during my process and will hopefully get around to posting them one day soon.

Two days post-op and I'm not feeling too bad right now. Yesterday I had intense, horrible shooting pains in my left drain area that felt like they were burning. I haven't done the great unveiling yet but will later today when I tackle the shower, lol

Quick question about stripping or milking the drains. Do you do that while the bulb end is still capped or when you have it open for emptying out the liquid?