I am 9 days post single mastectomy with implant reconstruction. Everything has been going well since the op, getting gradually better day by day until today! I had the drain taken out yesterday and the reconstruction has swelled to double its size and is agony! Knife searing pain all done my side. I have taken painkillers and saw the bc nurse who said there are no signs of Infection but if it continues to well and be painful to phone 111 or for to my local an and e! My local hospital does not have any breast care specialist services and if drainage is required it is advised not to have it at an and e because of infection risk. I have been so well looked after in hospital and with district nurses but now feel very alone and vulnerable. I thought there would be a post op 24 emergency service not a Friday night packed an and e to wait hours. It may be that this is normal??? But the worry is too much. Has anyone had a similar experience of swelling and pain? Thanks
How are you getting on now?
Hi thank you so much for asking, very kind of you. I am getting better, the pain has reduced significantly but it took 3 days. The swelling is the same. I saw the consultant finally yesterday and he said it is normal although the amount is fluid I have is a lot. This can take 7 weeks to go completely but will reduce significantly in the next week. The worst part was the pain and not knowing what was going on, nobody explained this part to me. We fed this back to the BCN and she apologised. Also being told to ring 111 and them then not being able to help at all was very scary. The BCN also said don’t go near A&E as the infection rate is so high there! An experience I would not want again. Thank you once again for caring x
I’m glad you’re more comfortable now, although it’s great getting home to our own beds instead of staying in hospital we can feel quite abandoned for post op advice especially on the evening and at weekends.
Hey @bluetit11
I agree - I got very little info after leaving hospital after my op. I’ve learnt most things on YouTube which actually is great for prepping for getting home - but not much use if you have a medical question /worry!
In fact my surgeon always operates on a Friday which seems crazy as you then don’t have any support over the weekend. Maybe they need to have more leaflets about common issues because also you’re not always in a good place to remember stuff after your op too 
Hope ur still doing ok 
I hope your swelling has gone down a bit and you’re doing ok . That does sound like a really scary thing to go through without support 
Big hugs 
I’m doing just fine thanks for asking x
My surgeon does Thursday and I was shocked no one even rang on Friday to check on me. Leaflet had some info and told me not to remove paper stitches. When they were still attached and itching like mad 2 weeks later I rang up to be told I could remove them and they were surprised they’d stayed on that long. I had a 7 week wait for my post op due to pathology taking a while I really would have liked a nurse appointment before that.
@bluetit11 ooh that’s a really long time to have been waiting for results as well as aftercare 
They say it’s major surgery, but it doesn’t seem to feel like you’re cared for like that!
I’m lucky then, that I’m being seen again so soon.. though it almost feels too quick to be taking the dressing off - I’m not sure i feel ready yet 
The nurses were lovely when I rang. But each time it was leave a message and wait for a callback. Only weekdays 8-4.
I could really have used someone checking it and reassuring me it was healing well.
Sorry neglected to ask @jellykatbean how she’s doing now?
@bluetit11 I signed up for the Macmillan whatsapp support - have you tried it?
They allocate you someone for 8 weeks that you can message if you’re feeling worried or wobbly. Not medically trained but it’s been really reassuring to have someone there that you can contact who will really listen - and guide you if you do need medical help.
Maybe that would be helpful @jellykatbean?
I’m probably past that point now as I’ve finished treatment but it does sound like a helpful thing.
@bluetit11 I’m really glad you’re coping ok
It sounds like some people also feel kindof abandoned after their treatment finishes but they’re still licking their wounds so to speak. It’s good to know it’s there if you need it 