how do I know if it is just swelling or if it is a seroma??

How long is it after surgery?

Also when is your post surgery check up?

Sorry I don't know much about seromas. Also is it hard to touch? Sore?

Jay

It has been two weeeks today. I was checked and drains removed last monday.The swelling came on fast.It has gone down some as of now.I have not been very swollen at all. I am very happy with my surgery.I went to florida to Dr, Garramone, I can't say enough good things about him and his staff.It is sore but no more than it was. I am probably just over reacting... LOL..... Thankyou so much for the reply! 

I took motrin for swelling religiously and barely swelled at all.  Maybe give an anti inflammatory a shot to see if it alleviates the pain/inflammation.

I took Arnica and it worked a treat for the swelling and the bruising

Jay

Seroma is simply fluid that collects in the empty space which is left when the tissue is removed. It's not really anything to worry about; the body will reabsorb it eventually anyway. I had some seroma build up after my surgery, and it got removed when I went for my post-surgery check up, but I was also told it was no big deal really.

If it's seroma, it'll ripple when you push it, if that makes sense, as it's got fluid in it. The motion looks completely different from if it's just swelling (or fat) that you're pushing, and also feels different.

The only other way to tell is to have an ultrasound, but it's really not worth it unless you're very worried about it. Generally, it's perfectly fine to leave it for the body to reabsorb it on its own.

Maybe that's what I have got?

*Touches moobs..*

Damnit I can't tell the difference between fat and seroma 

I have researched this on the tinternet, and apparently it is extremely common with mastectomy. If its that common then why have I never heard of it.. and now I am post op.    It has never been mentioned to me.

Jay

Think of a seroma as a large blister. It's near impossible to NOT be able to tell.

Quote from: Asher on April 22, 2009, 01:54:06 AM
Think of a seroma as a large blister. It's near impossible to NOT be able to tell.

That's so much better a description than I managed - must remember that for future use!

  Thanks everyone!!! Whatever it is it is hard as a rock...it does not ripple when I touch it! the area had some lipo. Anyways, thanks to all 

Quote from: shannanman on April 23, 2009, 01:45:03 AM
Thanks everyone!!! Whatever it is it is hard as a rock...it does not ripple when I touch it! the area had some lipo. Anyways, thanks to all 

It sounds like a build up of tissue to me. I still have a few lumps around where my scars are.

Jay

Thanks Jay!

My mom is a nurse...she wants me to come by the hospital in the morning to let a surgeon friend of hers take a look at it... Just to make sure everything is cool! Better safe than sorry...I will let ya know...have a great day!

Quote from: shannanman on April 23, 2009, 10:45:09 PM
Thanks Jay!

My mom is a nurse...she wants me to come by the hospital in the morning to let a surgeon friend of hers take a look at it... Just to make sure everything is cool! Better safe than sorry...I will let ya know...have a great day!

Please do. My mother is a nurse also but she has no interest with my surgery or asking me any questions yesturday.

I see my surgeon on tuesday and will let you know what he says about mine. Have you seen my chest post op thread? Might be worth a look?

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,58869.0.html

Jay

Hey Jay,

The surgeon this morning said everything is O.K., not worried about the swollen lump anymore!!
I did just e-mail pictures of my left nipple to the Doc. in Florida, it started to weep yesterday and is yellow like a new scab or puss, not sure wich... The big part is all pink and fine it is the little part in the middle. The surgeon this morning said it was O.K., but.... I would rather get an answer from my PS who does like six of these a week....Checked your pictures out, looking good! sorry to hear your mom is not interested. Hope you have a great weekend!

Thanks,
Shannanman

Quote from: shannanman on April 24, 2009, 09:45:02 AM
Hey Jay,

The surgeon this morning said everything is O.K., not worried about the swollen lump anymore!!
I did just e-mail pictures of my left nipple to the Doc. in Florida, it started to weep yesterday and is yellow like a new scab or puss, not sure wich... The big part is all pink and fine it is the little part in the middle. The surgeon this morning said it was O.K., but.... I would rather get an answer from my PS who does like six of these a week....Checked your pictures out, looking good! sorry to hear your mom is not interested. Hope you have a great weekend!

Thanks,
Shannanman

I can tell you right now that what you're looking at is probably lymph.  Pus will smell horrible, lymph will just smell..  well..  kinda biological.     It's a normal sign of healing.  If your nipples start to look dusky or the lymph gets thick and stinks (which would be pus), then there's a problem.

Jay,

Doc says everything looks fine....I am starting to feel paranoid...LOL....You wait for so long for this to happen you just want everything to be O.K..... Thanks for the reply.... BTW...what does watched mean??

Quote from: shannanman on April 24, 2009, 04:39:30 PM
Jay,

Doc says everything looks fine....I am starting to feel paranoid...LOL....You wait for so long for this to happen you just want everything to be O.K..... Thanks for the reply.... BTW...what does watched mean??

It means i've got a 'tude.