I went to the doctor today because my port area pain is getting worse not better and the swelling eight days post-op is more pronounced than ever. It was diagnosed as a complication from surgery and the doctor surmises that I probably coughed and ruptured a blood vessel causing excessive internal bleeding and the hematoma that's causing me such pain and discomfort.

I've not seen anything similar reported here. Anybody know if this is an uncommon complication? The doctor really seemed surprised at just how swollen and bruised I still am at this stage.

I'm 2 weeks post op and have a huge black/green/blue/red bruise around my port area and bellybutton area. Doc said it was from internal bleeding. I also had an infection in that area 3 days post op (big red circle around incision) and was put on antibiotics for 5 days. There is also a hard lump (I guess hematoma) under the port incision and my bellybutton where the bruising is on the darkest part of the bruise.

So it's been 2 weeks and the bruising doesn't look much better. I've seen the doctor twice now (once for infection and once for 1 week post op) and he doesn't seem to be concerned.....so I'm just letting it be for now.

By the way, my port pain was a tearing/burning awful feeling that seemed to get worse - especially when turning over in bed (which was almost impossible). I'm now day 14 post op and it's much better. I can sleep on both sides now - but it took awhile. I guess everyone heals at different speeds.

I'm sorry your in so much pain - I thought mine would never go away.....I hope you feel better soon - good luck to you!!

Thank you - and I'm very happy that your pain has finally subsided. It's definitely troubling.

I'm sorry your in so much pain - I thought mine would never go away.....I hope you feel better soon - good luck to you!!

My swelling under my left breast from the internal bleeding and hematoma hasn't gone down at all. The pain hasn't subsided either. I saw my surgeon today for my initial post-surgery appointment and he tried to aspirate it assuming it would be full of blood. The aspiration did nothing. He said that we'll follow-up in a week and that it should get better on its own. I've also got to follow-up for a c-diff test since the diarrhea hasn't gone away yet either. He didn't approve me to return to work. Leave it to me to have complications I guess.

My sister is a pharmacist (and *really* smart) so I asked her about what I could do about my hematoma problem. She couldn't suggest anything for me as I don't have any external problems... Mine is just a hardened lump under my incision.

However if I do start bruising, she said there is a herbal topical treatment that many doctors tell their patient to use for bruising. It is called Arnica. She said that some pharmacies carry it, but morelokely you can get it at a GNC, or online. It gels clear up bruising fast.

I'm 2 weeks post op and have a huge black/green/blue/red bruise around my port area and bellybutton area. Doc said it was from internal bleeding. I also had an infection in that area 3 days post op (big red circle around incision) and was put on antibiotics for 5 days. There is also a hard lump (I guess hematoma) under the port incision and my bellybutton where the bruising is on the darkest part of the bruise.

So it's been 2 weeks and the bruising doesn't look much better. I've seen the doctor twice now (once for infection and once for 1 week post op) and he doesn't seem to be concerned.....so I'm just letting it be for now.

By the way, my port pain was a tearing/burning awful feeling that seemed to get worse - especially when turning over in bed (which was almost impossible). I'm now day 14 post op and it's much better. I can sleep on both sides now - but it took awhile. I guess everyone heals at different speeds.

I'm sorry your in so much pain - I thought mine would never go away.....I hope you feel better soon - good luck to you!!