Majo

oops, that was meant to be physio exercises! Not sure physic exercises would help me :)

My surgery was very similar to Socoda - first drain in my side was out 4 days post op and I went home with the second one in the centre of my chest just below bra line.  The output was pretty consistent at about 50mls per day but the fluid was fairly light.  I had that drain in for 8 days all up (4 days in hospital, 4 at home).  I had a little bit of swelling under my arm and around the ribs, but being so numb it felt like I was holding a tennis ball under my arm!  No additional drainage needed.  I was really diligent in keeping up my physic exercises as I was told this will help reduce fluid retention.  I am now almost 4 months post op and all the swelling has been gone for some time.  I still feel a little bruised around the ribs on my side when I push hard and there is the occasional objection from my pec muscle to having an implant under it!  My little half moon pillow was great for holding under my arm - all those stinging nerves for the first few weeks.  Are you still doing OK and sleeping better now?  Jane xx

I had my first drain removed eight days after surgery, the second drain at that point had only 2 mls to go to be meeting the required level. That second drain never made correct levels, it jumped up by about 50mls when the first drain was removed. I had it removed at 8 weeks still 20 mls above target but my surgeon said she thought that the drain itself was causing the fluid issues. I didn't end up with a seroma but I still do have fluid surrounding my implant and am just waiting for it to be absorbed by my system. At one stage there I was swelling at one of the drain sites but it was tidal - up one day, down the next. Has settled down now. As for swelling not really any issues after the first couple of weeks and the only pain I tended to have was at the suture line closest to my armpit where it felt like my rib had been rubbed raw. Sensational Breast care nurse had given me some thick dressing which I folded and put under my mastectomy bra to form a buffer and was sooooo much better. Xx

I wish I had the chance to do my own too I came out with one how long did it take you to get rid of them and how was your swelling?

Fantastic Majo :) - I did my own drains as it was just sooooooo much easier than being tied down waiting for the community nurses and I went and got drain bag supplies just to cut out any drama. Pretty much did my own thing and rang through the results to them once a day - too easy. And yes isn't is wonderful to be in your own home. Too good. Xx

Glad your surgery is over and done with Majo and all has gone well.  You husband must be so relieved to have you home.  I remember sitting up in a chair for the first 2 nights as I couldn't lay on my back.  I ended up getting about 4-5 pillows and stacking them all round me in bed.  I wasn't a back sleeper either but laying amongst the pillows made it easier to sleep on my back.  I slept that way for about 6 weeks until I could hug a pillow on my side.  Before I left the hospital I was given a few spare drain bags and shown how to change them myself.  Just a couple of minutes to unscrew the old one and replace.  My surgeon wanted to know the fluid output so I had to keep a note of the dates and ml's.   Such a great feeling to finally get them removed!  Good luck with your return visit to the surgeon in 2 weeks.  Hope you continue to feel better every day :)   Jane x  

Well  that  is done  now the test I had was to locate all the lymph gl ands ect for the surgeon  a needle  and lots of photos. Got to the hospital and straight in on time  the nurse disposing of the  panicking one  very easily  I think she had done it before!!!!  So op done Thursday afternoon   on Volta rum and panadol for pain.  Shower on Friday morning though that's a bit  awkward with two drains in. Saw my surgeon he said into all  went well I might nt be pleased with what I saw but he was  see him into 2 weeks . Saturday home with just panadol and yes that's all I need  and really I just take it . One drain left in  and at the moment it's easier to just wash  than do the shower thing though I could  but our shower is in the bath. I am sleeping in my recliner  as I find I hate sleeping on my back  and being propped up a bit is better , but my arm is fine I can use its I have a bit of swelling under my arm and behind my shoulder  so  I arm tired and feel a bit weak but that's it's so lucky I am thinking .  Had a bit of a thing with the district nurses that will be coming to me  but so lucky  got in touch with others close by that sorted it for me  we are in the country and an hour away from the hospital and have had two trips back in since coming home  regarding the drain bags  but all sorted now and just lucky I have been well enough to do this . So just some hints ------- if you can't get someone to come do your drain bag don't worry  it won't hurt  you its emptied every second day so it doesn't get too heavy to cart around. When you leave hospital ask if you can have a couple to take home with you in case -----  when you get home get onto all the nurses you need to to double check  the appointments  are right  addresses  and times are right   - they have the drain bags you need  I found some lovely nurses who went out of their way to help us . But I am home  on panadol how lucky am I ?

I hope your surgery went smoothly majo and you are not in too much pain.  You must be so relieved that it is over.  Hope your husband is doing well - they do struggle with seeing us go through all this.  Wishing you a speedy recovery.  Jane xx

The wait for your turn seems forever . ..and worse for our partners who sit and wait for us. Wishing you smooth running with your surgery.

Thanks up had breakfast we are always early waiting for time to take off I  am feeling fine has to happen  husband is more nervous poor soul xxxxxxx