DIEP Flap swelling/bulge complications

Going through breast cancer treatment Surgery
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Hello, I had a left mastectomy and bilateral DIEP reconstruction on 28 July at QV Hospital. I was progressing well for the first 2 weeks and then developed a hard bulge along my scar. This gets worse as the day goes on and by bedtime I feel like it will explode. I have no appetite and feel constantly sick. I’ve also now got a really bad back probably due to my posture as the bulge stops me from standing upright. I also feel much more tired than I did for my first 2 weeks of recovery.

At first the BC nurse thought it was a seroma and aspirated but only got 60 ml which she said was very little and which made no difference. The bulge has opened up my scar in the middle and so I was put on antibiotics even though the doctor didn’t think it was infected.

To cut a long story short I’m now on my second lot of antibiotics because my belly button is infected. I was told that the bulge is a swelling but I’m not sure. I feel like I’m being fobbed off and I’m feeling very low. I don’t seem to be making any progress. I go back to the dressings clinic again tomorrow and the nurse will call a doctor again if she thinks it’s necessary.

I read an old thread on here where woman had had this problem for months/years and weren’t getting any answers from their consultant. It would be good to hear from anyone who has had this problem and what the outcome was?

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Hi there,

I had delayed DIEP flap surgery in April and all was healing well until i had a fall in July. I developed a couple of lumps under my abdominal scar. Went to the hospital to have it checked but they weren’t concerned. It then started getting really red, then purple. My consultant said it was likely a stitch abcess as a result of the fall and to give it a good squeeze (!) . Eventually it did get to a stage where i did squeeze it and it was gross. But, it is healing again and there is now only one lump which also is shrinking. My cinsultant said to keep massaging it.

Not sure your swelling is the same issue but if you’re concerned do make an appointment with your plastic surgery consuktant. I also felt mine seemed more serious but clearly it isn’t.

Your bad back could be from where you are maybe tensing your shoulder where you had the reconstruction. I get this and need to just ensure i am trying to kerp everything as straight/level as posdible.

J