Had to go to A&E on Saturday 4pm and was readmitted to hospital after undergoing lumpectomy on Monday 14th. Sudden onset acute pain and swelling- horrendous. Literally crawled through A&E. Turned out to be a huge bleed inside the breast. On it in emergency dept with pain relief, antibiotics and fluids, my blood pressure crashed and they stabilised me. They couldn’t get anyone from breast team it being a weekend, felt like general surgery were just very unsure so I was admitted to the surgical assessment unit with the hope of surgery to go back in and clean out the haematoma. Told this would be Sunday at 6pm - didn’t happen as it got very busy. I was kept under good observation but I was very worried- my boob blew up to about 4 times it’s normal size. I honestly think they waited until breast team could deal with it, which they finally did at around 4pm Monday. They evacuated 600ml of blood out of my breast, washed it out and made sure any bleeding had stopped. They’re thinking a blood vessel ruptured and I’m wondering if it happened during the original surgery. There was a lot of miscommunication which didn’t help me feel reassured but what can you do when you have to put your trust in them?
im now worried sick of it happening again. Anyone else had this post surgery bleed or haematoma? I’ve got all the meds and more antibiotics but I’m struggling to wear anything over the affected breast as it’s so sore, everything seems to catch or irritate. I wore soft stretchy crop tops before the bleed but even they’re too uncomfortable now. Also advice on sleeping positions, pillows etc. It’s my right breast.
Not great is it and can relate to the nil by mouth for too long as this happened twice before going to surgery and IV fluids were rather hit and miss so struggled to find veins also. Glad you were ok after as my biggest fear today and next few days is it happening again. Really not sure how much to move around, use the associated arm and how much I should rest. Had a good full nights sleep on the sofa as I’m able to isolate myself better and couldn’t face trying to get comfortable in bed! Codeine helped too. Was back in for 3 nights and discharged yesterday but didn’t get a full nights sleep all the time I was in as unfortunately we had a very confused old lady who was often distressed and kicking off through the night.
Husband has gone back to work so fending for myself today but I know I’m lucky as some live alone.
Clothing is a problem with everything irritating the affected breast, also anyone ever feel the dressing is too tight and contributes to pain? I’ve had to loosen some of my waterproof dressing.
I guess as I’ve read on many threads on here, the challenge comes when things don’t go as expected, I’m going to be off work longer now, not driving etc and what was explained as a simple procedure with not too much impact seems to be so much more. The tears really came when I got home yesterday, delayed shock I think and while in hospital you’re part of a very medicalised process. Although I cried every time I saw my hubby and every time he left. I also cried on one nurse when my surgery was delayed for a second time.
Ah well … happy hump day 
