Seroma

Hi Shaz T,

I too have a seroma and 4 weeks post op. I was told the same yesterday, allow body to re- absorb. I don’t think they like draining due to potential of introducing infection.  Mine is painful, but doesn’t sound as bad as yours.  Sorry I can’t offer any fix, just sympathy. Hope it eases soon.

Best wishes, Karen 

Thankyou Karen 

even if you don’t have a fix, you have given me comfort and reassurance that what I was told is correct ( I didn’t see my consultant, I saw one of the registras). And also the fact that we at the same stage post op and going through the same gives me reassurance that I am alone in this 

wishing you the very best and quickest recovery

Hi Shaz T,

How are you now? Has the swelling gone down? I am still bumpy, but less painful. 

Best wishes, Karen 

Hi Shaz

I had a seroma after they took my drain out about 11 days after surgery (lumpectomy and axilliary node clearance). Mine was just in my armpit but I did find warm compresses helpful. I put a little tea tree and lavender oil in the water too, though I have been using these for years and my wounds were clean. (I didn't tell my breast care nurse as she'd probably have had a fit; she told me to be careful with compresses because I might burn myself. I felt like saying 'My armpit is numb, not my common sense!). The seroma did reduce in size after a week or so, 

Well I'm 10 weeks post mastectomy and 8 Seroma drains and a burst abscess later. I couldn't have coped without the seroma drains as it was very tight and  uncomfortable. The problem is the Drs giving the advice on no drain aren't the ones feeling the tightness and pain. BTW I am type 1 diabetic so more susceptible to infections so don't assume it will be as bad as this for you. 

Hi Karen

Thanks for checking in

the swelling is showing signs of reducing tho slowly but it’s made such a difference to the discomfort and tightness… at least I ve slept better last 3 days.without pain waking me up. 
hopefully onwards and upwards now 

keep healing ️‍ 

Hi Pryderi

thankyou for the tip

will try warm compresses.. I have some tea tree oil. Keep healing too ️‍

Hey pussy cut Doll

Thankyou for your response 

I thought at one point I could not cope either but thankfully it’s so much better … still get tight in the evenings but not as bad

keep Healing ️‍ 

Hi, I share your pain - my seroma 'exploded' yesterday, so attended breast clinic in to see Breast Nurse, who was STILL  reluctant to drain.  I am already on antibiotics as a guard against infection. as no follow up appointment until end next week due to Easter delaiyng things somewhat.

 My surgeon fortunately was there and came in to have a look - he decided to drain it. I cant tell you the relief once done, as swelling massively reduced, my mobility has improved and soreness is much easier to cope with.

I am now continuing to leak at various points along my wound, and requiring regular dressing change but am hopeful that as long as I keep it clean and let nature take its course, things will settle down again and there wont be too much damage to the slowly healing wound.

Hi 

I fully understand where you are coming from. I too had a seroma I was at the ultrasound/ breast clinic every other day to have it drained. I would walk out of the department and feel it starting to fill again it was a nightmare.

The drain i had after mastectomy got blocked and when the district nurse came to remove it it took 2 hours to stop fluid coming out. Once it stopped though it then filled up again and again. In the end it began to slow and they left it as said the more they drained it the more it would come back. It took several weeks to go.

I guess I am a fluidy person as now each time after chemo it seems to cause fluid in that area. About to start Radiotherapy bit worried what that will do! Hope all settles for you good luck x