holistic treatments to slow down bleeding post mastectomy?

vlnmama

Hi everyone,

I'll try to keep my story short. I was diagnosed with DCIS (left breast) on Dec. 23, 2013. 3 biopsies and many mammograms and MRIs later, I had a lumpectomy on Feb. 10, but had unclear margins and they found a small (5.5 mm) invasive tumor (with clear margins). I just had a single mastectomy (no reconstruction) 10 days ago (March 17).

I have made some dietary and life style changes since my diagnosis, and also added some vitamins and supplements. I also have Crohn's disease, which complicates things a bit. I have that under control with dietary modifications, supplements, and transdermal LDN (1.5 mg).

As seems to be the norm, I came home with a long drain in my chest. I am so thin, and the thing is just about poking through my skin. I went to see my BS again today, in the hopes that she'd take it out, but she said it's really putting out too much blood still. She also said that, while she's never seen a drain actually puncture through the skin, mine is protruding so much that it could in theory be possible! Yikes!! It is very painful at times, and due to my Crohn's I can't take any pain meds (didn't at all with either surgery, not even through the IV - I was sick enough from the general anesthesia)

I also listened to, and still do, the guided imagery CD "Successful Surgery", which I believe has been very helpful.

But my drain is still filling too much, it even increased again today, after my surgeon poked around there. It needs to go down to 30 ml/day, but hasn't been below 50ml, and will likely be around 70 ml again today.

Does anyone here know of anything alternative/holistic that could help slow the bleeding? My doc says I have some old blood pooled in there, but she also said it's possible that the drain is poking in a vein, and causing continued bleeding. She seemed to say she'll take it out no matter what next Tuesday right before I left. I'd still like for the bleeding to slow down by then.

So, any supplements or vitamins I could take? Specific guided imagery? I also want to add that I have MTHFR gene mutation, and a couple of other genetic causes of a mild clotting disorder (too much clotting, at least in theory), so I was given one dose of Lovenox several hours after surgery. Both my BS and I believe it was truly unnecessary and likely caused the problems, but the hematologist I consulted prior, insisted I needed it.

Thanks.

Fallleaves

vlnmama, I hope you aren't feeling ignored. I have a feeling most people are afraid to interfere with your treatment, since you are in such a difficult position between bleeding too much right now, but having a propensity for clotting. It might be if you add an alt method it could have an affect just as your body is recovering from the Lovenox, and you end up too much on the clotting side. Anyway, I just want to wish you well. That drain sounds awful! I do hope the bleeding stops. The only thing I can add is if you are taking turmeric or omega-3, they can contribute to too much bleeding (my BS told me to lay off before surgery). Good luck, and I hope you heal up soon.

Bounce

vlnmama - Sorry you are suffering.  Fallleaves is right - it is really hard to know what to suggest - just be in touch with your doctor if you are unhappy or in pain.

Sending you gentle hugs.

Let us know how you are doing.