Seroma fluid build up

good to know @ValerieLouise especially when they exit me from the public hospital system. I went to a younger OT to see if I could have extra sessions but because it was something that she wasn't familiar with she didn't want to massage the seroma whereas my hospital physio was very sure about the benefits of lymphodema massage. 
I'm going to have my first appointment with a breast plastic surgeon to discuss possible options. The next step begins :-) Jules

I've seen your posts rather late but just wanted to wish you well in every aspect of your treatment. I'm located on the Gold Coast and attend physiotherapy in Helensvale. My Physio is a specialist in treating fluid build up, seroma and lymphatic. This has helped me just about more than anything else. For anyone reading this & in need of a very good Physio on the GC, I'd be pleased to provide details. Best wishes  <3

Hooray! Good luck with the cording, hope that clears up a bit more quickly.

Oh and I developed Stage 1 lymphodema 6 months ago - so glad it was picked up by the physio treating my seroma.

Well it took 13mths but the seroma finally disappeared and I'm finally wearing a bra and a prosthesis - very strange sensation indeed :-) Lymphatic drainage massage and using criss crossed tape was helpful for me. 
And my breast surgeon referred me to a plastic surgeon for reconstruction options and I will have my first visit in a couple of weeks. It will be interesting to find out what my options may be and if there is a long waiting list for the public system at Tweed Heads. 
SO glad to finally see the end of the seroma and I just have a small cording issue left.  i am a little hypermobile so it is difficult to stretch my arm enough to release the cord. However massage at full stretch is helping.
Thank you all for your info and support.
Jx

@jewel-ee I'm not sure as I had a drain in for 2 weeks, I don't think it was there then. It was when the surgeon removed the drain (though still losing fluid) that the BC nurse talked to me about the fluid filling the place where lymph nodes removed as being the body's natural reaction (seroma). Since then I've been told the long lump above the incision is scar tissue. The physio has given me some exercises which certainly help with some of the discomfort and keep my arms moving. All the best xo

unfortunately I am on the gold coast @Afraser - but I would appreciate any names of OTs or physios here. 

I was speaking to my son, who is a recently qualified OT, who is going to talk to the OTs at his Brisbane clinic who have a lot of patients with post mastectomy swelling/lymphodema. It seems to be recent OT training that endorses massage as an effective treatment for both lymphodema and seroma. He echoes your therapist - the fluid, whether water or lymph, still needs to find  a way to drain past compromised/fewer lymph nodes and/or scar tissue. Those OTs might also be able to recommend therapists down my way.

It's very reassuring to hear that lymph drainage was working for you (before the last infection).

@Renatha - did your seroma develop 8 weeks post surgery and are you still having massages?

thank you @Afraser and @Renatha

Jules

I had my op (aux dissection) 8 weeks ago after having aux clearance & lumpectomy 4 years ago. Surgeon went through same scar and the area became red and hot. GP put me on antibiotics but got hospitalised for infection where they used ultrasound, local anesthetic and drained some fluid (which was tested and found to be free of any bugs) then was put on IV antibiotics followed by oral which were different to the ones the GP prescribed. I have been left with a seroma which at times is hard. The site is still uncomfortable and sensitive as well as being a bit pink. I've seen a BC experienced physio who has massaged the area and told me it is taking longer due to the radiation tx I had 4 years ago, have had oncology massages. I still wear bras most of the time. Hopefully it will settle in time.  :|

She's a physiotherapist specialising in lymphoedema and oncology related therapy. I can PM you with details if you are in Melbourne or she may be able to recommend someone elsewhere else. Disappearing on its own is great, but I found out the hard way that it's not just inconvenient if a seroma hangs around (mine just refilled when aspirated) but it's a potent incubator for infection. With hindsight my first infection started long before any aspiration, although that too is a bit of a risk. Anything that encourages natural dispersal is worth a shot. As my therapist says, there is no proven link between a seroma and lymphoedema, but it's hard to let the water out when the plug's still in the sink! Good luck.

Hi @Afraser
was your lymphoedema therapist an OT or Physio? My seroma that has developed around my mastectomy scar increased in size during chemo and is not showing any signs of decreasing. It is now 5mths post surgery and I am looking at massage to help.
so glad to hear it helped you - I have no lymphodema at the moment.
Thanks Jules