Was just wondering if anyone can put my mind at rest?
I had a mastectomy and full axillary lymph node clearance last week, with no drains. Although I appreciate that it is early days, I have noticed a whoosing sound (like a hot water bottle) of what I presume is lymphatic fluid/seroma against my chest wall every time I move. Is this normal and more importantly, does this go away with time or do I have to live with this permanently?
Thank you in anticipation of any words of experience or knowledge.
Angie
Written by
angiehall08
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Awww sending you hugs. I had the same op but I had drains so my fluid had a way to escape for the first week so it doesnt sound surprising yours has built up. Make sure they know so they can drain it off for you. I always wrote a list for fear of forgetting. The other option is to ring your breast care nurse -she may have a look for you before your appointment. If it feels hot or red dont delay contact the surgeon straight away.
Hi there, yes that is quite normal. I think the idea behind not having drains put in is to encourage the body to try 'working for itself' and to reduce the production of lymphatic fluid in the area quicker. I found that when my chest felt tighter because of the fluid, I went to the breast clinic and had it drained by needle aspiration (totally painless). Initially I had this done once a week for four weeks. We then (after discussion; as I became reliant on that drainage and worried about leaving it longer than a week) decided to spread drainages to two weeks. I had 2 of these. Then I left it, through my own choice as it was slowing down in swelling to 5 weeks (when I felt it had swollen again) that was the last needle aspiration I had. I have had a double mastectomy with left axilla clearance. The difference was that I did have drains in which may possibly have prolonged my swelling and creation of lymphatic fluid as my body was becoming to reliant on artificial drainage. I finished treatment in 2016 and now go for MLD to stop lymphodema increasing. I wish you a speedy recovery and can assure you that the uncomfortable 'swishing' will stop.
Aww that sounds a tough recovery Lainey. Poor you. 😢
Whats the medical evidence of a body relying on artificial drainage? I had drains for a few days. They naturally fell out after a few days and were no longer needed. That was the case for both a masectomy & a DIEP. I was grateful for the drains tbh & the amount of fluid dropped dramatically naturally before the drain tubes fell out.
To be honest no medical evidence to my knowledge, that is how my breast care nurse advised me. Once it was all over for me i did not check up on it again. Actually thinking about it, my Mum has just had her hip replaced this last week (for the third time) and this time she has no drains. You have git my curiosity going now lol... I may check up and see what I can find 👍
Hi there - I had mastectomy 7 years ago had two drains and got a massive seroma on my back - size of small hot water bottle - you could feel the liquid swooshing whenever you moved - eventually went of own accord - my son thought it was great fun to press it gently and watch fluid displace - I agree with other comments speak to your breast care nurse but try not to worry - just take things easy and don’t over do it - lots of luck
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Surgery question
A month until my first annual checkup and feeling scared
