Post Masectomy Pain After Emptying Drains
After single masectomy (right) surgery a single drain was put in a has to be emptied throughout the day. After emptying, there is pain radiating side to side, which seems to be from the drain vacuum pressure when it's empty.
Any recommendations for pain management?
we are
Taking pain medication as prescribed
Emptying drain with two hands to keep top hand steady, while bottom hand clears line to avoid tugging down
Opening bulb stopper during emptying, close when empty
Sleeping on angle pillow on left side off the surgery area
Posted by caregiver on behalf of breast cancer fighter
Comments
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I am having a little fluid build up after taking the drain out. It’s a little painful. Any ideas how to deal with?
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@shoshrubin and @paintbrush25, we're sorry you have to be here, but glad you found us!
@shoshrubin - How is your loved one feeling after all these months? Recovery can be a long process, but it sounds like you’re doing everything possible to stay on top of the care. Please, send us an update. It would be great to hear from you!
@paintbrush25 - We're sorry to hear about the fluid and the pain. It might be a good idea to visit your doctor to make sure everything is healing properly. Hopefully, other members can share how they dealt with it too, and that might give you some helpful tips. For now, here's an article from our main site that you may find helpful: Mastectomy Surgery and Recovery: What To Expect
Hope you feel better soon!
The Mods
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Thank you and yes I had a simple mastectomy because DCIS was on the margin. Before that, at the end of December 2024, I had a lumpectomy. That is when they found the DCIS. But after the mastectomy, thank God, I am in the clear now. So I am just waiting to heal before I can go back to work. I am a teacher at the headstart so I need my strength!
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For some, it takes longer to heal. Mine was in January and the swelling is still there. My understanding is that the body will absorb the liquid, so I didn't do anything. It doesn't bother me that much. Best.
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One thing that can help is opening the bulb stopper before you start handling it, releasing the vacuum first can ease that sudden tugging feeling.
Also, make sure nothing is pressing or rubbing against the drain site. Even soft clothing or bras can sometimes put just enough pressure to cause discomfort
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