The discharge nurse said I should wear the compression band until I see my breast surgeon for follow-up within a week. The nurse on the phone corrected that misinformation and said I wouldn't see my breast surgeon for a few weeks, but I should wear the compression band until my drains come out "if I can tolerate it." She also said I could take it off at intervals for relief.
Well, it's getting harder to tolerate. Even when I fold over the compression band, it occassionally slips down, covering part of the drain tubing. My skin continues to be irritated, even a little blistered, where the tubes rub against my skin. I've been using Neosporin to relieve the itching and minor pain, but today I also put on band-aids to keep the skin protected.
I'm planning now to wear the compression band during the day, but take it off when sleeping at night. I suspect that's when most of the irritation occurs.
Also, for the last couple days, my drain output has apparently plateaued at about 35 mL each per day. So maybe I won't get them out as early as I had hoped.
I’m sorry you’re experiencing so much discomfort, from the compression band of all
ReplyDeletethings!
I know, right!? Everyone complains about "drains", but the "drains" themselves aren't a problem, it's the tubing! And I honestly never came across anyone complaining about skin irritation or blisters... Ugh!
DeleteInterestingly, there is SO much variation in surgery care! It's a little surprising. Like how I described the wide range of physical therapy experiences in another post. It turns out, not everyone gets compression garments either! Some people said they went home with only steri-strips on their incisions, NOTHING else. Others said they were told to wear their compression bra/band for like 4 weeks! I definitely plan to ask about it when I get my drains out, like if I should still wear it even after drains come out.
It does seem like everyone has their own individual experience! Even with the exercise! Can you exercise now to slowly regain some movement and flexibility or should you wait a few weeks 'til you have more strength back? Like you said, maybe you should wait 'til your drains are removed and should NOT exercise after a lymph node biopsy. All good questions!
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