Post Drain Removal Questions

Hi,

I had my drains removed on Monday, what a relief! They were in 13 days. I met the criteria to have them removed over the weekend (my BS likes under 20cc/ml for two consecutive days), but the office was closed so they stayed in two extra days. Grr. It burned to take them out and one of the sites had broken skin underneath the drain incision probably from rubbing of the sutures or something. . . Now two days later, I have a hardness next to that drain location. It is just a hematoma? I emailed the office, but often it takes them a whole day to get back to me. It doesn’t hurt or feel warm, just wondering if this is normal.

Also with the annoying drains gone I don’t have the distraction of the pain they caused. I’m petite, 5’3” and 110 lbs (usually 105 but gained during this sedentary phase of my life) and I felt and saw all the drains under my skin, every time I moved it hurt. Even sitting still I felt them. But now that all that is gone, I am getting used to my new body and realizing the numbness and sensitivity across my entire left side and armpit. It’s a strange feeling and I have the other unaffected side as comparison. The mix of being numb and sensitive is so odd. Does anyone else feel the same?

And overall there is some swelling and tenderness, but nothing the NP was concerned about when she removed the drains. She just said to keep an eye on it. My next appt is with the surgeon and on 5/5.

Thanks for insights/thoughts.

Night Owl