Drain removal

Nope - I did not scream at all. No reason to - it was just a slight sensation as it came out. One came out 10 days post UMX and the other 4 weeks post.

Didn't she tell you she was removing them? Dr G. told me he was removing it just before he did. I watched as they came out as I wanted to see how long the tube part was inside. First one out was the longest but had no issue once it was out - but it was the second one (shortest) that developed a large seroma.

I yelped with surprise from the first one because I was expecting it to hurt when she yanked. I didn't hurt and we both laughed at my yelp. I wasn't even aware that the second one had been taken out. I didn't feel it. they usually just slide out.

Maybe they didn't clip the stitch holding it in place first.?

so sorry to hear you had pain like that! I'm guessing you might want to ask about icing that area a bit if you notice any swelling.

If they come out too soon and a seroma develops - that's not 'fun' at all!

If the drains are removed with the bulb depressed and still under pressure they burn intensely on the way out because they are still attempting to pull fluid as they are removed. If the bulb is opened prior to removal the drain usually slides right out with no discomfort. I have had a number of drains over the course of many surgeries and have them hurt due to the depressed bulb, and barely felt them when the person doing the removal had the forethought to open the pressure valve first.

Mine didn't hurt at all.

For the right one, I didn't feel anything beyond a 'slithering' sensation when she pulled it out.

The left one stung a little, but that one stung to strip as well, but it wasn't what I'd consider painful, just--annoying.

It honestly hurt more when she clipped and removed the stitches.

Icantri - will try to answer your questions - it's been 7 yrs and I don't remember (or care to) everything by exact days.

As I said - no problems with 1st drain removal, it was the 2nd one that developed a seroma.

Time lline

• I started adjuvant Chemo 3 weeks post UMX,
• A week after starting weekly Taxol, drain was still draining more than ideal to remove it but Surgeon was of the opinion that it was being caused by irritation from the drain being in still so it was removed.
• At first it was just a slight pressure felt but then it went on to become a discomfort and I could feel the fluid pocket.
• It was drained twice via needle but Dr felt it was better to let it heal using the fluid as it was absorbed and not taking a chance on introducing a possible infection via the needle. It worked
• 10-11 weeks after the seroma presented, it seemed have 'done it's thang' as I no longer noticed it at all. My Rads Dr insisted on a new CT with contrast before I started Rads the next week so had a new Scan that day before last Taxol. The Scan done that day showed that the seroma was still there and was 6 cm.

Was it removed too soon - possibly. If it had not been removed wben it was, it might have caused more issues if left in. Can never know for sure. It's past and over with.

Five weeks and counting. Does anyone have any idea what the longest time a drain has been in place? I am whining an awful lot but I just want to get back to work.

Nulyte,

I have to agree with you. I have an incredibly high pain tolerance. The drain removal was barbaric! I felt like my lung was collapsing. I had 4 drains. The 2 smaller drains I didn't feel coming out. The 2 larger ones coming out were almost unbearable. Honestly, if they put in drains when I have reconstruction I will need to be sedated to have them removed. After that I can handle anything