Surgery with Mr Levick 22/4/2015

[lc98]

My chest has started to go yellow now with bruising - the swelling has seemingly gone down though  What day are gonna get a shower?! I'm feeling disgusting at the minute, haven't gone outside once. Just been doing laps around the house

[mr_m101]

Mine is very yellow too. I was planning on showering Wednesday. I really can't wait, baby wipes can only do so much!

[mr_m101]

Day 5 - I took the binder off this morning to tighten it up a bit. A bit of fluid seems to have built up just below my right nipple. Hopefully it'll go away on it's own, but from what I've read in other threads, it might need draining.

[lc98]

Is the fluid significant mate? I had a bit of fluid under my left nipple when I initially took off the binder, but I have found that compressing the area disperses it. I think it's a case of applying compression until the skin better adheres to the underlying structures and naturally disperses it. Obviously if fluid builds up a lot then I'll look into drainage too.

[mr_m101]

Ah, that's helpful mate. I've really tightened the binder now, so hopefully that will sort it out. It was a bit of a shock when I first saw it to be honest as everything seemed to be going smoothly so far. I'd guess at maybe a double shot glass full and it's very watery.

[lc98]

Yeah, it should work. Worked for me at least. Mine isn't very noticeable at the moment but I'm sure it would fill up again if I took the compression off it. Levick actually told me to wear the binder over my compression vest for another week after I've had a shower - he said this would better ensure fluid disperses. I think the more you have taken out, the longer you'll probably have to compress for.

[mr_m101]

Day 6 - Still have the binder on really tight to try and get rid of the fluid build up. I don't think I could get it this tight again without a team of people helping, so I'm not going to try and have a peek today. Just counting down the hours until I can shower now!

[lc98]

Tomorrow can't come quick enough! Personally I feel like I could shower today, but I guess I'll force resist the urge that little bit longer.

[mr_m101]

Yeah, I feel ok to shower now. If it wasn't for the fluid, I probably would have just showered today. I'll just avoid human contact for 1 more day

[mr_m101]

Day 7 - Finally had a shower! I feel like I can socialise again now

My left side seems to be doing fine. I still have the fluid under my right side, so I'll wait and see what he says about that when I send my update. I did a bit of modelling in a t-shirt before putting the vest on and I can't believe how normal it looks now

I'm double wrapped in the vest and binder now, so hopefully the weather stays cool for a while!

[mr_m101]

Well, despite the 24/7 vest and binder combo, the pocket of fluid on my right doesn't seem to be going anywhere. I'm going to email Mr Levick again and see what he recommends. I've attached a pic, so if anyone has any ideas, let me know!

[wbay21]

On the plus side you have hardly any bruising.  Also, you are only 11 days post op! I'd continue with the compression. If you are compressing as you should you may be overdoing the exercise a bit maybe? I'd be interested to hear what other advice there is from Mr. Levick.

[mr_m101]

Thanks wbay. Yes, I've been quite lucky with the bruising. Mr Levick told me on Wednesday to keep up the compression with the binder and vest for a few more days to see if it reabsorbs. Other than the occasional walk, I haven't been exercising at all (as my waistline is starting to show!) I'm probably just being impatient

[wbay21]

I'm sure it will be fine, it's really good that you have so little bruising!

[BossManG]

Hey I'm 19 post op and still have the annoying fluid on my right side I
 Seing him in the 11th if it doesn't go by then I'll ask him to drain it. It's annoying because left side is so perfect but right side sticking out. Lol
Sure it'll be fine worse scenario you get it drained.
Keep up the pressure