Fluid build up

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Hockyparnt
Hockyparnt Member Posts: 17
edited May 2016 in Just Diagnosed

I have a lot of fluid build up unDer my arm and in my breast after lumpectomy and second lumpectomy. After it was drained during the second lumpectomy I felt great. Now it has returned again and I am very uncomfortable again and facing more surgery. Does anyone know of how to get relief from this. It is not lymphedema. I believe it. Is what's called a seroma. I really would feel bad at all if this was gone. It interrupts sleep and all every day activities. Any help any of you ladies can gov would be greatly appreciated

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  • sensitivehrt
    sensitivehrt Member Posts: 359
    edited May 2016

    Seromas are normally drained in the doctors office. I have not had one, but hear they are quite painful

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  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited May 2016

    I had a huge seroma following my lumpectomy and re-excision for margins. I mean, it was a monster, over 11 ounces. Not even kidding. I had it tapped several times. It broke open several times, and what a mess! Got massively infected and ended up on antibiotics for 6 weeks and had to have a drain put in for 2-3 weeks. It finally reduced to a size that I could live with and is totally gone now (9 months later.)

    If your seroma is hurting so much that it's waking you up, call your surgeon. They might need to remove some of that fluid (don't worry, it doesn't hurt. They usually go through the incision line, which has had all those nerves cut. )

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  • Hockyparnt
    Hockyparnt Member Posts: 17
    edited May 2016

    mustlovepoodles thanks for the information. That must have been a long nine months for you. Did it interfere with the movement of you arm? Or was it located elsewhere? Overnight has brought new symptoms the area now is as hard as a rock. Luckily today I have an appointment with a second opinion and my surgeon for follow up tomorrow

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  • Hockyparnt
    Hockyparnt Member Posts: 17
    edited May 2016

    mustlovepoodles well I showered this morning and guess what? I broke open like you said yours did! Yesit is gross and very mess

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  • gemmafromlondon
    gemmafromlondon Member Posts: 138
    edited May 2016

    yes, seroma is horrid but can occur after other operations too - it is just the tissues reacting to violence! With luck your body may reabsorb it, but if it is bothering you it may be better to have it drained again. Just make sure it is not getting infected - keep an eye on skin colour. I had a lot of trouble with seroma but it did settle down after some months. .All the best.

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  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited May 2016

    Hockeyparnt, I know that was a mess, but at least you were in the shower. I bet it feels a lot better now. You can put a maxipad in your bra to catch the fluid that might seep out. Just keep an eye on the fluid. Clear thin orangey is good. Cloudy thicker red or burgundy is bad. Fever or reddening skin is bad.

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