Huge Hematoma
Hi Ladies, just wondering if there is anyone who has experienced one of these? I was in Perth last week for 5 days , and on the morning of my return I developed spontaneously a very large haematoma on my recent mastectomy site. It was 1 day short of 3 weeks post op for me, having had a precautionary left mastectomy and bilateral insertion of tissue expanders. I had been given the all clear to travel, and we had a very relaxed few days, and I didn't even drive or lift a heavy suitcase. Anyway, instead of the airport we went to the emergency department of Royal Perth Hospital by ambulance, ( no bells and whistles ). Not being from Perth or knowing anyone there we weren't really sure where to go, hence the ambulance. This haemaotoma grew very large very quickly and I was worried that my expander might break through the suture line. It was scary, and I needed surgery. My surgeon in Sydney didn't know anyone in Perth, but we were lucky and I had Dr Brigid Corrigan operate. Her specialty is breast reconstruction, and she was wonderful. I was operated on at 3pm after being there for 8 hours, and she had to remove and wash off the expander, cauterize the bleeding blood vessel, remove 800mls of blood, and replace the tissue expander. I am so black and blue and very tender under my arm and upper chest. I then spent 2 days in hospital on IV antibiotics, and flew back to Sydney last night. I saw my plastic surgeon today and he seems happy with how it looks. I've got a drain again, and so far about 250 mls has drained off. I'm also on oral antibiotics again till the drain is removed. Has anyone had one of these, and if so, how long did it take to resolve?
Love Chris xx
