Hematoma Aspirated Today

Tomorrow it will be 3 weeks since my mini TT. I developed a hematoma to the left of my new belly button. Last Tuesday my PS tried to aspirate it without success. I went in again late this afternoon for another try. If he couldn't drain it he was going to have to open a bit of my incision to get it out.

Well.....SUCCESS with the needle aspiration . He was able to draw out about 350cc's of old blood (that is almost a cup and a half!). I also remembered to ask about how much was removed during surgery. He told me that he removed about 1 pound of skin.... his comment was that there wasn't any fat to remove. It doesn't sound like much, but it feels like a lot!!

He is going to come in next Thursday (he is off for the week) and try to remove some more of the hematoma. He thinks that there is more in there that may still be clot that will liquefy by then. I'll tell you that it really feels a lot better already!!

I am so glad that I didn't have to have it opened up again!!

That's my story for today
Martha

Good news, glad you've found some relief!

Glad to hear it went well!! My PS said the same about my skin...but I had more like 3 pounds.  I go back on the 6th.  I will talk to you soon!

Whew..I am glad he was able to get it out without opening you up!

Hi, Thanks for your post. I have a question, how did your doctor know you had a hematoma? What were your symptoms? I am three weeks out from having had a panniculectomy and the only issue I have is this hard spot that develops over my pubic area on the right side, it seems to get bigger and harder with activity, I have no pain in the area and my drains are still in and still draining more that 30cc per day. The drainage is very clear with no fresh or old blood coming out.  My surgeon mentioned that is is likely some swelling and perhaps I am to active, this is the only spot were swelling is evident and it is all right above the incisions, below the incision the spot is soft. She also stated that this could be fluids accumulating there since my drainage systems is in the process of redeveloping itself due to the trauma caused by the surgery.

Any feedback from any of you on this issue is appreciated.

Thanks

I'm not a medical person...but I can tell you what happened to me. My drain came out at 6 days, and this was there then. It was like a 'pocket' that had accumulated that wasn't being drained by the drain. The area of the hematoma did get bigger and harder when I was too active. That area just felt swollen and different than the rest of my abdomen. Today it feels SO much better, but I'm going to have some more lovely bruises .

Martha

 I am glad they didn't have to open it up. That sounds like a lot of fluid. I am planning the tummy next so thanks for posting your experiences. It really does help.

So happy the needle was a sucessful.  That is great. 

hugs

I'm glad they didn't have to open it back up!!! 

Glad it went well and you are feeling better.