purple nipple...

my left breast is definitely having a harder time than the right. i know this is normal, and was prepared for bleeding swelling etc from one not the other, but my left nipple has gone dark purple in the last few hours and the whole breast is much more swollen, causing it to be pushed through the bandages... I know it could just be bruising and doesnt nec mean necrosis or anything but I am freaking out!

Ward not picking up phone, and not even sure what I would say to them, cause surely apart from my PS no one can really help me determine whats going on??

Does anyone have experience with a darkened nipple 1 day post op and what I can do to help circulation or calm down the swelling? Am using frozen pack on the boob but not really doing anything, and of course sleeping and sitting upright....

The nipple feels the same to touch as the other one, and I can see some crazy bruising on the left one which is not on the right, so maybe its just the bruises coming out? How long does bruising normally take to show?

TIA ladies... :(

This is an exert from my diary at 1 week post-op check Elizabeth. I hadn't seen my boobs before my dressing change and was advised by the nurse not to look at first

I've still no sensation at all in the left breast, was talking to hubby about it last night and he said that he had a good look at my boobs when the dressings were being changed and that my left was really bruised, even the nurse commented on how bruised my nipple was, then he said "it looked black!"

Now I have it in my head that the nipple is dead!.. I keep trying to rationalise that if the nurse suspected that, then she would have acted on it, but then the sleepy me says... Noooooooo she's just seeing how it goes!!!! Damn my sleepy head!

I had to return daily because i had a bleed at the time but my nipple was so 'bruised' but its normal for it to look that way hun, but of course if you are overly concerned, do keep trying to contact the hospital. Xx

thank u so much cookie. Could it be that the dressings are too tight and cutting off circulation?

Also the nurse who took my drains out did a rubbish job on that side, it was absolute agony i thought i was being ripped apart.. have u ever heard of anyone having any damage from that? (Right drain barely hurt at alll.)

Sorry cant help as I never had any nipple brusing, but just try and keep trying to contact the clinic if you're concerned hunny xx

No sweetie.... But I have heard of nurses being rough and there's just no need for that. The drains can be removed pretty painlessly

Do your dressings feel excessively tight Elizabeth? Your swelling will be starting to kick in now, hence your boobs feeling harder and tighter. Xx

they def feel harder and tighter. also sickness is passing so maybe im more aware of boob pain now?

its the colour thats really worrying me.. :( i dont want to wait a whole week to see the nurse.

You can call your clinic tomorrow if need be Elizabeth, you don't have to wait out a week, they'll see you

It does sound to me like the swelling is kicking in and the bruising is coming out hun... Try and get yourself some rest and if your still very worried tomorrow at least then you'll be able to travel to the clinic to be seen. Xx

Hi Hun

I had the same with the drains my right boob was perfect and didnt hurt at all but my left boob was much more swollen , more bruised and the drain was filling up more than the right . When the nurse removed it , it was so painful and felt like she was pulling hard at it . I have been given good advice on this forum from other girls who say its like two separate operations and I'm guessing one boob must be more traumatised than the other so don't worry Hun. I'm sure your nurse will put you at ease xxx

thank u all. PS coming to see me at ward, heading back to hosp now.

Hope all goes well Elizabeth. Let us know how things go

Gi

Sorry don't know what happened on last post ??

Wanted to say lets us know how it goes Hun xx

Hope everything is ok? xx

Hope its all ok hun xx