Question
Hi ladies,
Well, I made it! I am 2 days OTR and am so happy so far! Just have a few concerns. The first...my surgeon did not use drains and I seem to be really swollen under the armpit area. He said I can use icepacks, but after reading this site, I really don't want to. I'm afraid it'll slow up the healing process. I really haven't drained much at all and am wondering if anyone else did not drain and how long it takes before the swelling goes down? I can't even put my right arm down flat against my side because of the swelling.
Second...my surgeon covered my incisions with steri-strips and then wrapped me in this clear film. He said I don't have to do anything except change gauze where I may be draining. I see blood underneath the anchor incision and don't know if I should be trying to clean this area or not. I don't even have to go back to see him for 10 days. Has anyone ever heard of this? I thought everyone went back 2 or 3 days later.
Third...coffee! Can I have some!
Thanks for all your help!
Sheryl


Answer
I didn't have drains either. Just the steri-strip tape over my incisions. I had gauze over that, which is what caught the drainage/oozing. My PS said I could take the guaze off after 48 hours and shower, and just pat the incision places dry. I quit oozing after about 48 hours, with just a little bit of seeping after my first shower. My tape over my incisions isn't going anywhere. I've had 3 showers now - I'm 5 days post op - and everything is just fine.
I also got a 10 day appointment, because there are no drains to remove. My PS said she'd remove the tape (apparently it takes some kind of special remover, it's on there so well) and do a general follow up. I'm starting to really show bruising now all over, but the swelling is hard to describe. Not sure if it's swelling or actual tissue under there. The shape changes a little every day. I was flat in front at first, with swelling on the sides (like you describe) but now I'm filling out in front and the sides are going down.
Like I said, so far they are different from day to day (and sometimes from morning to night).


Answer
Congrats, Sheryl! Did you have http://www.makemeheal.com/pictures/viewAlbum.php?albumid=848
http://www.makemeheal.com/pictures/viewAlbum.php?albumid=849.


Answer
Well, I am 13 days OTR today and feeling so much better...almost back to normal! My swelling has went down some and on Monday, I had my first post-op appt. and had all dressings removed. (That was some experience!) I had steri-strips on top of all insicions and then a clear tape-like wrap over that. Some areas hurt coming off, ...nipple area, especially. I had a lot of dried blood on the underneath insicion and when the tape was removed, all that came right off with it so it was really amazing to see my new boobies, all clean and new! I am so, so happy with my http://www.makemeheal.com/pictures/viewAlbum.php?albumid=848
http://www.makemeheal.com/pictures/viewAlbum.php?albumid=849.


Answer
When I had my first child and did not breast feed, the midwife said to put cabbage leaves on my bra to keep the swelling down and relieve the pain. This worked like magic for me. I am going to do this after surgery if the PS says it is ok.
I used cabbage leaves too when I stopped expressing milk. I swear it worked like a charm for me too! Funny thing is when I took them out of my bra, it was so hot in there (my bra) that it smelled like steamed cabbage when I took the leaves out.
-M2m


Answer
The heat in your breasts will cook the cabbage on you. This does not hurt at all and is a GREAT relief. Call or go to your grocery store and talk to the produce manager. Tell him/her you want the outter leaves of the cabbage that they pull off before they put the heads out in the bins. This will be free. They just throw them away. If they do not have any big leaves just get a couple of heads of cabbage and cut it up and stick in your bra. It will be nice and cool and feel great. Take it out when the leaves wilt and put more in. I hope this helps you feel better!


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BBuchler,
The cabbage was good for me when I was lactating, I don't think I would try it on newly reduced breasts. JMHO. If you do, I would just be careful if you are not 100% closed up as the cabbage is not sterile.
M2m


Answer
Cabbage leaves work for breast engorgement with breastmilk, not for other types of swelling. It can also reduce your milk production. (also, if you are allergic to sulfa drugs DO NOT use cabbage leaves! You can have an unwanted reaction).


Answer
I agree. I would only put it on the top. Not on the stiches. Call your PS and get his/her input. It is worth a try.