Increased pain after drain removal?

GAMomma

I got my.last 3 drains removed Monday. As well as every other staple. Now the drains had issues. They attempted to pull one out only to realize after a few pulls and screams and near passing out that something was wrong. A few staples were stuck in the drain. They removed more staples and then removed the drain was freed up. Anyway yesterday and today I have had increased pain. I feel this intense pressure in the chest bone. I almost feel like I was kicked. Anyone else experience this?

MTwoman

GAMomma,

given that there were some issues with tube removal (ouch!), you may have some additional swelling that feels like pressure. Have you contacted your doctor?

GAMomma

I didn't because it's not too much to handle. I am having trouble sleeping though due to discomfort. I will call..

GAMomma

went back to the doc today. He wrapped me in this compression thing. Surprising it felt better to have that constant pressure. I didn't realize I was bleeding from my staples area also. He said my drain probably could have stayed in a few more days. I have fluid built up. Not too much that he is concerned. It feels better tonight.

MTwoman

Glad to hear your doc took care of it! (hugs)

GAMomma

went back again. The wrap did not help he removed a bunch of blood via needle. It was all old blood though. He said I will probably need it done again Wednesday 😢

PNWBCHgirl

how are you feeling after having the fluid drained? Hope your feeling bette

GAMomma

He have me pain meds. I really feel like someone kicked me in my chest. It is a little better now,but not a huge difference.

Hopefully later things will be better. Thanks for asking 💞

DowntonAbbey777

Hi GAMomma, I think I may be experiencing similar pain. After my drain was removed I had a follow up appt 1 week later and I told my doctor I was in more pain now that before. She said probably because I was more active. Maybe. Not sure. But that was 2 weeks ago and it is better now.... but the pain comes and goes. Sometimes when I get up off the sofa I really feel it... like my chest has cold chills and is burning at the same time, haha -- I feel like every step I take I can feel it in my chest... thump, thump, thump, lol! But I think it is just part of the process. As I said, it comes and goes. Sometimes I feel more of a burning feeling, sometimes I don't feel much of anything, sometimes it's feels tender It's been 4 weeks since my surgery. I no longer take pain meds and my range of motion is improving, so I think as long as you feel in general you're making progress... then I wouldn't worry too much... but if you really are feeling worse or more intense pain, then definitely see your dr to find out what's happening. :-) Blessings to you!

GAMomma

I hope you are improving daily also. I STILL have fluid gathering. I have had it drained 5 times. The last time (before Wednesday) ,I went 10 days without draining. I had a follow up with my Oncologist,she sent me to Surgi care to get more drained. I am not wrapped in the bigger compression wrap to help. I seem.to get better,take 2 steps back. But I am getting better. No pain meds for a while. I understand the pain after getting up,sweet Jesus it hurts sometimes. I have not had much feeling in my incisions,this week I do. It is these shooting pains.. kind of like a hot zap.. weird. I'm sure it's just the nerves getting feelings back,I prefer the numbing.lol

Maeves_Mom

GAMomma,

I am so grateful to read your posting. I underwent my second reconstructive in December and both surgeries were with a "drain." I hate every moment of the "frogging" thing as you drain it, "yank" on yourself, and yes... I felt like I was kicked in the chest every time I "drained." My first round I ended up in the emergency room due to a clot. I understand the reasoning as I felt like my body would explode due to the "build up." I am almost three months since my last surgery (and I recognise I am subject to another). I sleep in a surgical bra every night with a compression band. The shooting pains? They are horrible! There are days I hate to sit up in bed...

Wishing you all the best and that this is just a step in the path of a very long journey.

Maeves_mom