2 weeks post-op drainage

[Debaroo]

Hello everyone. I’m a newbie, I’m 37 and had a left breast mastectomy with lymph node dissection done 2 1/2 weeks ago. I’m still draining around 80-90 mls in a 24 hour period. Is this normal for some people or should I be concerned. I had 1 drain pulled 4 days ago and the surgeon didn’t say anything about the high level of fluid but it doesn’t seem to be slowing down for me. Any help or thoughts will be appreciated.

[chromodoris]

It's normal for some of us. I continued to drain that amount for several weeks. My surgeon insisted the drain came out after eight days to avoid infection (some do that and others leave the drain in for much longer) so I had to have regular manual aspiration done for a while. But it was fine, as the area was numb. I think I eventually stopped producing so much fluid at about six weeks post-op.

[Debaroo in reply to chromodoris]

Thank you chromodoris. I am pleased to know I’m not alone on having that much fluid. I feel better everyday that passes. Can’t wait to have the drain out but also not missing on having to go in for aspiration. Thanks kindly and hugs Debaroo

[Lainey66]

Hi Debaroo don’t worry, the more drains off the better. I had drains in for five weeks as I was also draining loads. I found that I had a less of a problem as some ladies I met through treatment who had them out earlier as they had more lymphatic needle aspirations than I did afterwards. All the best with your recovery xxxx Lainey66

[Debaroo in reply to Lainey66]

Thank you Lainey66. I do feel better in my arm and area everyday that passes. I was just getting concerned about the high level but after reading your response you put me more at ease. Thanks kindly. Hugs Debaroo

[Lainey66 in reply to Debaroo]

Sending big hugs to you too right now everything seems to pass by so slow but believe me in a very short while you will look back and think ... “wow that time flew by, and look at me now!” Xxxx

[Dmhaynes]

As the other ladies have already said for some of us that’s quite normal though annoying. I was exactly the same and it eventually slowed down xx

[SuePS1958]

Hi Debaroo, nothing to worry about there. We are all so individual that what is right it is different for each one of us. I had my drains for 8 weeks after surgery until things settled down. Like you I found it frustrating that others were removed but it was right for me. All fine after xx

[Rdarnbrook]

Better out than in! It took 9 weeks for mine to dry up, finally after aspiration.

[Debaroo]

Thank you to all. I feel better, and I just keep going now. Still draining lots but my arm is feeling better everyday! Hugs to everyone