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After A Double Mastectomy I Developed Seromas Which Changed To Blood Clots After A Nurse Pierced Blood Vessels While Draining The Seromas

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Tokoroa, NZ

It is quite normal for me to get seromas after surgery. The blood clots are on both sides, quite large & painful. My surgeon doesn’t want to operate as she is sure we will go back to square 1 & I will have seromas that need draining all over again. I agree that could happen but instead I am left with these blood clots which cause me a lot of discomfort & pain. They are worse when I first get up in the morning. It feels like 2 rocks where my breasts used to be. They are so uncomfortable that I… read more

August 17, 2024
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A MyBCTeam Member

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. Here are some key points from the knowledge base regarding seromas and their management after a mastectomy:

- Seromas Formation: Seromas can develop after a mastectomy, typically within a week to a week and a half post-surgery. They are collections of fluid that build up in areas Show Full Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. Here are some key points from the knowledge base regarding seromas and their management after a mastectomy:

- Seromas Formation: Seromas can develop after a mastectomy, typically within a week to a week and a half post-surgery. They are collections of fluid that build up in areas where tissue has been removed.

- Risk Factors: The risk of developing seromas increases with the extent of surgery, such as a radical mastectomy, and if multiple lymph nodes are removed. Early or excessive shoulder movement post-surgery can also contribute.

- Management:
- Drainage Tubes: Surgeons often insert drainage tubes during surgery to help prevent seromas. If these tubes are removed too soon, seromas may form.
- Needle Drainage: If a seroma persists or worsens, it can be drained using a needle. This procedure is typically recommended if the seroma causes pain, pressure, or limits shoulder movement.
- Sclerotherapy: In some cases, a chemical can be injected into the seroma space to seal the vessels and prevent further fluid buildup.
- Surgery: Persistent seromas may require surgical intervention to drain the fluid and prevent recurrence.

- Complications: If not managed properly, seromas can lead to complications such as pain, infection, or, as in your case, blood clots if blood vessels are accidentally pierced during drainage.

- Prevention: Wearing compression garments and avoiding excessive arm movements can help minimize the risk of seromas.

If you suspect any complications or have concerns about your condition, it's crucial to contact your healthcare provider immediately.

August 17, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

No plan! Just come back for my 1 yearly check up. What I didn’t say was I had the seromas drained twice - sometimes 3 times - a week for over 3 months! In the beginning the fluid was clear or cloudy but after a few months blood started showing in the draining. When I questioned this I was told not to worry. Even when the fluid was dark red, almost black, the nurse was still saying don’t worry. In the end I requested n appointment with my surgeon who did an ultrasound & discovered that the seromas were in fact blood clots by then. My surgeon is lovely & her concern is that I will go back to square 1 if she operates & I will have the seromas all over again. I have had multiple different operations over the years & in each case seromas have formed. But in this case the pain & discomfort of the blood clots is just ridiculous to think I have to put up with them for the rest of my life. It has been 10 months since my double mastectomy & the pain & discomfort hasn’t lessened. I wondered if anyone else has been through something similar & has a resolution?

August 17, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

Other than saying she does not want to operate, what is the plan for getting this under control, and having you feel better? Gentle hugs!

August 17, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member

You have a great doctor and have had a series of seromas.

You are afraid to have Dr. take these out as more will appear.

I would get a second opinion of whether there is a way to do the surgery to remove the seroma without more appearing as she has no ideas and you do not see her again for quite awhile.

Do not know the costs, but you can get a 2nd opinion from the Mayo Clinic by sending all your records and photos.
You could then have a Zoom conference call with them.

Maybe they have treated more with consecutive seromas and can think of something.

August 17, 2024

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