I've had fluid drained at least four times. It doesn't hurt unless you have a very very low pain tolerance. They go through your back and do one lung at a time the fluid is drained into bottle. You might be sore in your lower back for a few days but that's about all. You're awake when they do it.

I haven't, but the hubby had a significant drained from his right lung 2 years ago. I was in the room while they did it, and his reaction was minimal. More discomfort than pain, and yes, it did help his breathing!

I never had it done. I did have the atrium chest drainage in my chest after the surgery and that was not pleasant carrying that thing around with me and sleeping with it was concerning because I was afraid id pull out the tube and tear open the internal sutures.
That was almost a year ago and never had any need to have more draining once the thing was removed 2 weeks after the surgery.
Hopefully you won't have to get this done again.
Take care and sending hugs to you to get well soon ! God bless

I've had my Rt lung drained 10-12 times. I practice mindfulness breathing while they're getting ready for the procedure. I agree with everyone that requesting they drain slowly is really important! I was also able to schedule my thoracentesis before my Treatment day (Keytruda & Alimta) so that my treatment drugs were acting on an empty lung NOT a full one. I no longer need thoracentesis and I believe the timing was important. The procedure itself wasn't painful when the needle was inserted, but sometimes afterwards my lung took awhile to re-inflate... so I mindfully took gentler breaths to expand my lung for the next 1-2 days.

I've been drained 3 times. They went in through my side between ribs. The only discomfort was towards the end when your lung inflates. It took my breath away the first time. I couldn't get my breath. I had them drain slower the the next two times and it was better. Wanted to add that breathing was much better.