Pain and swelling at Drain Site

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Irishlove
Irishlove Member Posts: 82
edited April 2019 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

It will be 8 weeks tomorrow since SMX. I understand the tightness and nerve ending pain, plus underarm pain. But what I don't understand is this horrible pain and swelling at the drain site. I saw a lymphadema specialist, and she's doubtful it's truncal lymphadema. Possible lymphadema in the arm as I'm about 1 1/2 cm difference between two arms. I had an appt. scheduled with a highly recommended lymp specialist due to scheduling conflicts at the wellness rehab center. I saw my Primary care dr. today and he wondered if possibility of shingles, no blisters. It is so painful that I can't sleep at night. It does not appear to be infected, no drainage but is warm to the touch. I did have a seroma shortly after surgery, but this does not feel fluid filled, it's a much larger affected area, that expands down my side flank.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. I can not take most rx pain meds due to LDN usage for MS. I do find some relief when I wrap with the ace bandage, which leads me to believe this is not shingles related. Direct pressure helps, massage not so much. Thanks everyone and hope you are healing..

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited April 2019

    call your surgeon in am first thing. A Ultrasound will show if there is a buildup of fluid. you said the painful swollen area is wjere the drainage tube was. could just be a pocket of fluid or pus that is trapped. do not eat until they say go ahead and eat. sometimes fluid gets stuck. do not let them put you off. if its warm to the touch it needs to be drained. not a biggie. dont worry. but dont let them put you off for days.

    I used to be a RN before I became a metster. I cant sleep. pet scan in am. I used to work in interventional radiology and we drained things. A sample to lab would be a good idea. you say it doesnt appewar fluid filled. these thigs can get thick.

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    hopr you feel better

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  • Irishlove
    Irishlove Member Posts: 82
    edited April 2019

    Hi fredntan, Thank you so much for your valuable information. Your thought process has been pretty much mine all along. I sure don't want to take meds for shingles when I'm highly doubtful that's what it is. I have an appt. Friday and will certainly push them for a US. So you are an insomniac also. I became one courtesy of MS. The usual sleep meds do not work well for me. Actually I have horrific nightmares, so I have taken benadryl for years. Recently I had to wean off them and left not sleeping much.

    I hope you are stabilized and doing well. You truly are a warrior. Your work background is such a tremendous asset on these forums. Thank you again for your response and please be well..

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