Hi, I am Sue. Just wondering if anyone has got any tips on speeding up the fluid build up. I had a mastectomy 5 weeks ago and the fluid build up is uncomfortable. The hospital want my body to dispel it naturally but it is quite stiff and painful.
Hi Sue, I had really bad fluid post mastectomy. I developed a seroma once the drain was removed. The hospital drained it - 660ml the first time, 6 days later 900ml, and then a week later 550ml. The last drain was by a registrar and nurse who massaged each pocket of fluid one by one. That did the trick. After radiotherapy, I developed lymphodoema of chest wall and axillary, but that’s a different type of fluid which can’t be drained. I manage that with exercise and wearing a special garment from the clinic, it’s really comfortable, and it works by massaging the area as you move around. It did feel ver stiff, I remember that, and still does to some extent, but Im used to it. I also get a very tight feeling if I get a flare up (the very hot weather did this due to me not moving around so much). If it’s serous fluid, I don’t think you can speed it up, I remember them saying that, for me it was drainage. Xx
