Hi I’m 6 days post op now. I had one drain removed 2 days post op. Since then I have had quite a collaction of fluid around the reconstruction are from the front of my chest all the way round to my back and it’s quite tight and I can’t put my arm straight down it’s more like holding a rugby ball under my arm.
I have emailed my breast care nurse and am awaiting a reply this morning.
Just wondered if anybody else had this experience as I read a booklet that some fluid collection is normal but what is how much is “some” ??
Hi Pippi, I had an LP flap reconstruction at the same time as a mastectomy 3.5 weeks ago. I don’t have the same issue as you have with your arm although it does ache and I can’t lift it above 90 degrees (right-angles to my body) but then that’s a rule I’ve been given and as part of my exercises.
If I put my arm straight down I can feel as if something is there although not as big as a rugby ball but my consultant told me I would have a bulge under my arm/left of my chest so I guess that’s normal.
As for fluid (seroma) I had 3 drains, removed on days 5, 6 7 after op and I’ve had a seroma in my back drained 3 times since then: first 300ml, then 100ml then 60ml over a period of 2 weeks. I’m sure the amounts vary by individual but fluid build up is normal as there’s now a gap between the skin and the back of the chest wall (or something like that).
Make sure to follow up with your BCN and I would expect, like me, that you have follow up appointments with your surgeon to check if any fluid needs draining.
Take care. xx