Hi there. I had a left side mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction ten days ago and am starting to struggle with a few things having remained positive and pro-active with this unexpected journey since diagnosis two months ago. My drain is down to 30ml for the past two days and having been told by one nurse come in and we’ll take it out, another has intervened and said no to removing it until it is below 20ml for two days. Living alone this drain is making life so hard. It constantly digs into my side, stops me sleeping and I feel I can’t get out of the house at all while I have this thing attached to my side. Has anyone else had to wait for 20ml output? It is Friday now so if they won’t remove it today I will have to have it until they re-open on Monday. I’m also alarmed at how my implant is looking. I can see the mesh, lumps and bumps all over the place, and it is so rock hard. Just not what I was expecting. Is this all likely to be temporary? The nurse said it’s probably the drain suction causing this but I’m not so sure, I am very slim hence DIEP not an option. Maybe I’m just having my first bad day, but I guess I’d like to know if I am on a normal journey and things will improve over the coming weeks. I’m self employed and planned on going back to some desk work next week as I need to earn some money but the pain across my chest and corner of my arm area is still so bad. Can I expect this to ease as I reach two weeks from the op? Sorry for all the questions, just feeling a bit low and frustrated with everything. I’d love a hair wash and shower too ;//
You are still getting over a major operation. Ten days is not very long in the scheme of things.
I didn’t have reconstruction so I can’t comment on that side of things. The policy at my hospital was to wait until less than 50ml was being collected before they removed the drain. However, as I said, I don’t know if that would be different for reconstruction cases.
Are you taking any pain meds? I was definitely still on regular paracetamol ten days after surgery.
Things will get better. And honestly, I would try and get out for a walk. Put the drain in a bag and go out. People are less observant than you worry they might be.
Thanks for your reply. I think today opened a flood gate I was yet to have in this whole process, not sure it’s closed yet. Should help the local drought situation though ;). Need to get my head back in positive mode, even if I’ve got another weekend with this drain. I’m still taking paracetamol when needed. Movement has always been my biggest friend in life but it seems the more I move the more fluid I get in my drain. I’ll try and get a friend to pick me up and take me on a walk on the weekend, maybe even wash my hair for me too! x
Its good to move and get your circulation moving. Its better for fluid to come out while the drain is still in and movement will encourage that
I had a single mastectomy and implant reconstruction in February. My drain was in for 2 weeks. I resorted to walking up and down my fairly small garden just to get out of the house. I was out for daily walks as soon as the drain was removed. I live alone too. My friends were a godsend and they washed my hair and braided it for me for the 8 weeks post op I wasn’t allowed to raise my arms.
I took paracetamol every 4 hours then 2 hours later ibuprofen every 4 hours when I needed pain relief in the first couple of weeks.
The recovery does feels long when you’re at the start. From the other side it doesnt feel like it was too bad
Hope you’re starting to feel a bit more positive
Oh and you should have a waterproof dressing. I was showering within 2 days. I put the drain bottle on the floor in the shower and just dont drench the dressing.
Hey thecrane! Thanks for your words of encouragement! I’m usually very positive, I think I just hit a ten day reality check yesterday, alongside going a little stir crazy waiting to be able to do more. It’s tough in the week as friends are working but I’ll get a bit of company over the weekend. My gorgeous dog is always by my side too. Ha, as I have the drain until next week I also changed it yesterday so I no longer feel like I’m carrying a full can of coke around with me. So little is draining now I’m really hopefully for Monday, and really hoping this uncomfortable constant pain in the side of my new breast is being caused by the drain and it will be a real turning point when it comes out! I’ve managed to wash my hair this morning standing up by the side of the bath with a my shower hose. The bathroom took quite the hit but I kept my torso dry and my hair feels so nice. Unfortunately I’m not able to get any of my dressings or drain wet so a body shower will have to wait. I invested in a multi-pack of Fresh Wipes (previously used at festivals - I can’t wait to be festival ready again!) and they have been a godsend and leave you feeling much more refreshed compared to baby wipes. Have a lovely weekend. x
I don’t how much practical help I can be as my situations is a bit different - I had single mastectomy and full lymph node clearance but no implant and my surgeon doesn’t use drains. But I can empathise with your frustration and need to see progress because I was (and still am 8 weeks later) exactly the same. Activity is my coping mechanism and my early recovery was during those interminable heatwaves that confined me to the house. It was miserable and frustrating. I still have some swelling and now I have an infection. I honestly thought I would be back at the gym and running again by now (ha ha) but am learning to be patient - recovery is so much slower than I expected. I’m not sure how helpful this is to you except to say be kind to yourself and if you can, lower your expectations and take the small wins. Good luck and let us know how you get on x