Never Ending Drain - Excessive Fluid Between Graft and TE

MNFATS1970

I'm 8 weeks out from double mastectomy with TE and four weeks out from left TE removal due to staph infection on left side only. Right breast expansion going well but 3 weeks ago excess fluid built up engorged the right breast overnight and nearly 400ml of fluid drained in surgeon's office the next day with drain reinserted on the right side. The surgeon indicated it was a unique draining situation in that the fluid build up was not in the normal location but the fluid build up is in between the alloderm graft and the TE. So, three weeks later, the fluid is still draining more than 65ml per day and I'm stuck in a what feels like a never ending holding pattern. It is very limiting, I'm tired all the time, and my whole right side of body is quite sore. The surgeon can't explain why I continue to have fluid build up in this unique area - 8 weeks out from mastectomy. I'm torn between toughing it out or considering having the right TE removed, healing, getting strong and starting over with new TEs in several months. I wouldn't wish this on anyone but would love advice from anyone who has been through a similar situation.

BayouBabe

I don't have advice, but wanted you to know you are not alone. I had my drains in for about six weeks. Found out after the fact that sometimes alloderm can cause excess fluid in some of us as the body learns to accept it. Sorry you are going through this. Hope all works out without removing the TE. (((hugs))