Ascites and drain

[coksd]

Hello lovely ladies I had started olaparib after second line chemotherapy in January I was taking it for 7 weeks and started to feel very bloated. I went for an ultrasound 9 days ago and they said the fluid was moderate and not enough to drain however in the last few days I am in severe pain I look heavily pregnant I can't really eat much. I was taken off olaparib I rang the hospital they said I could come back up for a second ultrasound but it depends how much fluid is there if they can drain it. I am due to start Immunotherapy in 2-3 weeks as I feel I have exhausted most other options with Carboplatin/ Taxol cisplatin, avastin and now olaparib too. Has anyone had a successful drain without going straight onto chemotherapy I am fearful it will build up again fast while I am waiting.

Thanks Clare xx

[Lou53]

Hi Clare,

I have had 3 drains for ascites at various stages. They have all made a real difference and my advice would be to push for it as soon as you start to feel uncomfortable. They do an ultrasound to check that there is enough fluid to safely drain. It's a real relief once it is done and quite a straightforward procedure, just takes time as they need to drain slowly and monitor your blood pressure.

Good luck with getting it sorted. I really appreciate how you feel...

Louise

[Lou53 in reply to Lou53]

Also my last drain was after failed chemo and it lasted a few weeks before my next line if treatment started. So definitely worth going for now.

[coksd in reply to Lou53]

Thank you for your reply Lou I have rang them again today its a bank holiday so they may admit me tonight with the hope of getting it done tomorrow its so painful I feel like I am going to burst from the pressure I have to travel 2.5 hours to the hospital so want to make sure everything is in place, glad you had a positive experience of it I hope it goes ok I just need relief and its great you got time between drain and treatment before it building again. Thanks Clare

[Lou53 in reply to coksd]

I hope it goes ahead for you tonight/ tomorrow Clare. I know that bursting feeling is so painful. It will settle down once you have had the drain. Apart from the physical relief I have found it also lifts my spirits to gain back some control of my body. Here's hoping it does that for you too. Thinking of you.

Lou

[Rlenesue]

I did go into chemo after draining but just wanted to say feel better soon. Look on the bright side, if it builds up then you'll probably be eligible for draining. I remember the pain of ascites. I had 4 pints drained my first visit.