I’m beginning to be at my wits end on this and could really do with some advice / help.
Just over four weeks ago I had a full node clearance and have suffered from seroma ever since. So far it’s been drained six times and will be drained again tomorrow. I was meant to start chemo today but the swelling has delayed the start. The seroma is massive each drainage results in several 100 mls. It’s painful - ibuprofen and paracetamol don’t seem to touch it - I have to hold my arm out at 90degrees and I just can’t get comfortable - on top of that is knowing it’s delaying my chemo.
Been told I just have to wait and the time between each drainage is getting bigger as we try to force my body to redirect the fluid but just don’t know what I can do to help etc etc.
Sorry about the moan but it really is getting to me.
Hi Reeb, I do feel for you I had exactly the same… It went into my chest cavity which resulted in breathing difficulties.
I kept going back to my hospital to have it drained but then my surgeon sent me home with the drainage on.
I kept this in for just over a week which seemed to do the trick, emptying the bag myself every 2 to 3 hours…
You could suggest this to them, is it possible for you to keep your drain in for a week or so…
I’ve just been to see by GP and had my flu jab who also perscribed some stronger pain killers. It’s also going to be drained tomorrow and not Friday now so I’ll mention about the drainage bag.
Dear Reeb,
I do sympathise, I think I found the seroma phase worse than surgery or current chemo. I had to be drained 6 times, at times looked as if I had had a reconstruction there was so much fluid. And then it stopped re accumulating just like that, really quickly.
Fnigres corsesd it happens for you soon, especially re chemo.
Lavender Lassie
I had to be drained about 10 times. Luckily for me it didn’t hurt - just uncomfortable. There was talk of delaying my chemo but it settled down just in time. If it’s any consolation I’ve never had lymphoedema problems even though I’ve broken most of the rules!