The ascites in my abdomen has now reached such volume that I am unable to move around at home and am fighting for breath constantly.I have an appointment on Tuesday to see if I am suitable for draining. Can anyone who has had this procedure tell me how painful this is, and how likely it is that the ascites will build up again?
I am not going to have further chemo, so it seems likely, that it will. That being the case, can I continue to be drained as necessary?
Jenny
my daughter used to have the drain done every 6 month or so. I don’t remember her saying it was painful but it was a huge relief when it was done. Hope this is helpful
Yes, thank you.
Hi Jenny, I’ve had my stomach drained 3 times over a four year period. I haven’t had any further done for approximately 18 months. I fully understand your discomfort. Each time I have had almost 9 ltrs of fluid drained. I can assure you I have never had any pain at all. You will feel so much better when it’s gone. It takes quite a while to drain so take some reading with you. You’ll be laid in a bed, a little nick at the side of your stomach for a thin tube, no pain at all. You’ll be very relaxed and relieved to have it done.
My best wishes to you.
Lynne
The draining isn’t painful. When they inject you with anaesthetic at the site where they put the drain in, it’s a little bit uncomfy, but that’s it.
As you are not having any more chemo, I would imagine you would benefit from being fitted with an abdominal drain. Ask your oncologist about this asap.
I also suffer from ascites & pleural effusion & had a lung drain fitted for a short period. I was able to drain myself & it was a lot easier than having it done at the hospital every time.
I will be in the same position as you soon enough, so I’m also planning to ask for an abdominal drain when the time comes. It makes things much easier.
Good luck with it Xx
Hi
It’s a bit uncomfortable,bit of pushing but not painful.You will definitely feel so much more comfortable afterwards.If there is a risk of it returning you can have a permanent drain fitted so you can do it yourself at home,you shouldn’t be left to suffer,it’s awful having ascites.
Look after yourself x
See if you can try Avastin. I think it dried up my ascites in a few days!
I had Avastin a few years ago so wouldn't get it again. After 7 years of cancer treatment, my body has said enough so I won't be going down the infusion route again. That's why I was wondering if the draining procedure would become a regular occurrence.
You're right, it is awfull. I just get up and sit, until I can go to bed again! After a few steps I am panting. Thank you for the information.
I’m just sending gentle hugs and hope you can be made comfortable with the drain. Xx
I agree with all the above. I have had it twice and remember only too well how painful and uncomfortable it is. The last time was just before my first chemo and it has not returned in 14 months of treatment, although I expect one day it will return. The drain itself is not a painful, it’s a blessed relief. Best wishes Katy
My heart went out to you as I read this. I had bad ascites at diagnosis and it was so painful and debilitating.
I was very scared about having it drained, I am quite squemish (?) but it really wasn't too bad. I was having 8 litres + drained every 10 to 14 days, I soon got used to it and it just was such a relief each time. My second chemo dried mine up, but if it hadn't they were suggesting a rocket drain which is inserted to enable more frequent draining at home/surgery. This means less discomfort and less time and disruption of travelling to the hospital. xx
That's a relief! I know chemo will get rid of it, but am hoping there's another way.
I'd ring the department and let them know how uncomfortable you are. Or go to A&E (but call 111 first, they can get you seen faster). If it's interfering with your mobility, you need some relief. Sending hugs!
Hi Jenny
I didn’t find it the drainage painful though I did feel dizzy and nauseous for a while after. After that passed I felt a lot better.
Wishing you all the best
Mary x
Thank you I will be prepared for the feeling!
Yes I had the same thing the chemo wasn't working so they stopped and I was sent home then I started getting these pains in my stomach and acid reflux and I knew what it was because I had it removed once before a few years back only once I called my doctor on the phone and he set me up an appointment for like the same day or the next day and I had it done it was a great relief and no it doesn't hurt and yes you can have it done as many times as you need to it was hard to sleep and it was hard to do anything and I lost my appetite it was bad then he called me and put me on an old chemo not knowing if it was going to work or not but it worked for like 6 months I'm still
That's my problem. I know chemo will help dry it up,but I don't want any more chemo!
I had 21 litres drained. It’s not painful. They can do it as an open drain, or drain a litre an hour. If an open drain you may get light headed
You will feel soo much better after it’s done
Best wishes
Wow, a litre an hour! Were you in overnight. I rather thought it would take an hour or two. I had better think again!
I am hoping you are feeling much better I hope you were able to resolve the ascites. Let us know how you are getting on
It's not been done yet, next Monday! I am in so much pain that I'm not getting dressed or showered and am unable to eat much.I do hope they can do the drain, and I feel the benefit.
can you not go to the emergency room they have to do Something…anything!
The hospice Dr visited today and my meds have been increased. She did say it might not be ascites, but the cancer progressing!!!
Hey how are you doing????? Haven't heard from you?
I had my drain on Monday and although my tummy has gone down, my breathing is as bad as ever! I phoned the hospice this morning but surprisingly got a man who made me feel worse! He just said that it's obviously progression of disease. I have always received tlc there so won't talk to him again. My go to person is Laura, so will stick to her in future.
oh my goodness that is awful! He shouldn’t be anywhere near cancer patients. Could you possibly have pleural effusion? Can they do ct scan to see what’s causing it and how far along? I mean they gotta do something right?
Yes I have got pleural effusion and hopefully it will be drained.It has been confirmed that I have got lung cancer so am feeling really down, knowing that the future can only get worse.
Ascites
Ascites
clothes for ascites!! 
How to tell if it's ascites
