Forum Discussion
How to Manage Sentinel Node Post Surgery Leakage?
Just wondering if anyone has any tips on how to manage post operative fluid leakage from the sentinel node biopsy incision?
Saw my surgeon this week & he said the incision sites were healing well & that the leakage from the Sentinel Node biopsy incision was a normal side effect of the surgery.
The problem is that I haven't found an effective way to cover up the site with a dressing so that it's comfortable & prevent the fluid from leaking everywhere.
My existing underwire bras are useless - uncomfortable & don't sit high enough under the armpit to keep the dressing/ padding in place under the arm. I tried my sports bras but again they sit too low around the side.
So I've been constantly wearing the cotton post surgery bra provided at the hospital - but it's gets soiled quickly & it has stretched. Also tried going to the local bra shop & they had nothing.
Have tried taping padded dressings to the area but once I start moving around (hanging washing etc) the tape pulls & the dressing moves. My breast Nurse suggested using small sanitary pads inside my bra but again because the bras are not high enough around the sides the pads are sticking to my clothes or the inside of my arm!
I look like I'm lactating!
Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated :)
6 Replies
Hi Jen,
Ha - you're absolutely right!
Still leaking a bit but bought some soft, flexible dressing strip at the chemist that is doing the job nicely.
My new 'post surgery' Berlei bra also arrived in the post the other day - it's definitely better than anything else I've tried so far!
Regards
Mel
Melanie,
Have you had any success yet? You'll find something just as the fluid eases :)
Jen
Great suggestions - thankyou very much Jaycia02 :)
Regards
Melanie
If you have a Kmart near you it may be worth a look there. I found a cheap little crop top style that came in a 2 pack, it was quite soft with sides that were higher than normal and ended up being more comfortable than the surgical bra. I didn't have the leakage but felt more comfortable with pressure applied to the wound - presuming your incision site is around the same place as mine.
Plan b suggestion have you tried to find a boob tube style bra, if you put it over your proper bra you may be able to lift it high enough to sit under your armpit and it should be firm enough to hold your dressing or the pad.
That is as creative as I can get right now, good luck.
Hi Chris,
My sports bras are crop top style - but thanks anyway :)
Mel
Hi there - what an awkward problem.... What about a crop top? Would that sit high enough?
I hope some one can provide some advice
all the best
chris
