As its nearly Halloween I thought I'd share a nice gory tale. I wouldn't read on if you've got a vivid imagination and get queasy.
This past week hasn't been a ball. The only balls were the ones formed in each of the tumour wounds. As I had to see nursey for my pathology results this week, I thought I'd mention the swelling suture lines. After being poked and prodded by a doctor, I was told they were seromas and would just need time to settle. I was told to massage the wound with cream to help soften it. You've ready the title, you know what's coming.
The left wound began seeping about a week after surgery, it was only a small bloody dribble but even that was enough to alieviate the pain and pressure. Then it started to tickle and then it stopped. I started popped painkillers and then stronger painkillers because it was becoming hellish on the right side.
At lunchtime I had such pain that I had to do something; after showering, I thought I'd massage the wounds with cream to diffuse the site pain. As I gently rubbed the left wound a jet of blood spurted about 3 foot across the room. What would you have done? I laughed. A lot. Freddie Kruger eat your heart out!
With bloody fluid now gushing down my side I got back into the shower and thought I may as well aim and fire with the remaining contents, I was curious to see just how much was in there. If I'd thought about it, I should have grabbed a measuring jug but I was too fixated on watching the fountain of blood. There was a considerable amount. When it finally stopped and reduced to bubbles, I could see a small gaping hole. It was obvious stitches were missing, so I moved closer to the light to take a better look. Inside I could see a bit of fatty steak and a tiny patch of necrotic tissue on the edge.
I called the hospital, slapped on a couple of swabs and made my way in. The same doctor that prodded and poked me the day before, saw me within an hour. The NHS is bloody(!) marvellous when you really need it. She had expected it was the right breast to have exploded not the left. After examination the left was declared empty, I'd done a good job. It was re-stitched and was totally painless. Mercifully, she decided that it was worth decanting the right before that exploded too. Just as well she did. There was a huge amount, the pain relief was immediate. Ahh.
Glad to report the stiches are now holding firm but already both haematoma reservoirs are refilling. I think this time I won't leave it quite so long before seeking help. I suppose I could always volunteer my boobs for a horror movie, no tomato ketchup required!
