Post Mastectomy

Question

Hi all.&nbsp; I had my left&nbsp;mastectomy a week ago, and have a wound drain in my armpit.&nbsp; It's causing me a lot of pain and misery (more than my mastectomy scar)&nbsp;and it's a pain&nbsp;having to carry it around wherever I go.&nbsp; My left armpit is swollen with a burning pain but the community nurses are not able to remove it without doctor's permission because it's still draining more than 30mL in 24 hrs.&nbsp; Does anyone else have this issue?

melsie97 · Answer

Hi @melts4sum. I had the same thing with my drain. I think it was sitting on a nerve. At times the pain was excruciating, however as soon as the drain came out, no more pain.
it is standard that they want less than 30mks before removal. Try and be patient, hopefully it will be out soon. Mel xx

primek · Answer

If its bright red, hot and pain increasing please see a Dr asap as it may be an infection. It is in a very difficult area to be even remotely comfortable but it's better to check. Kath x

lgray3911 · Answer

Mine was sitting on a nerve after my mastectomy and axillary clearance and felt like I was being tasered if I moved the wrong way. My surgeon agreed to take it out early but had to go see her every 2 days to get it manually aspirated. Pain completely gone as soon as it was taken out.&nbsp;