Post Tummy Tuck: Severe Pain After Trying to Drain Fluid

I got a tummy tuck april first and ended up with a pulmonary embolism about two weeks later, I am on coumadin. Today my doctor stuck a needle above my incision to check if there was any fluid..there wasn't...I am now having severe pain slightly to the right where the needle poked in...it feels like a knife...what or why is this happening? If the muscle is flexed in any way it brings me to my knees crying...can't sit..have to lay down....help...

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by Reno2952

Doctor Answers (4)
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Severe pain after aspiration attempt while on Coumadin may be a hematoma.

I am sorry you are having these difficulties. Needle aspiration in an anti-coagulated patient should be undertaken with caution, and I am sure your surgeon felt there was adequate possibility of undrained fluid to consider this. At this time, your discomfort (as well as the failure to aspirate any fluid) suggests that the needle tip may have punctured the abdominal wall and entered muscle, causing an intramuscular hematoma. Even a small one could be very uncomfortable, especially when... more

DMSO To Decrease Pain From Swelling

I am sorry that you got a post operative pulmonary embolism after a tummy tuck. This is a known complication and it appears to have been treated correctly with coumadin. Your surgeon's concern that there might be a hematoma after a tummy tuck with you on coumadin sure makes sense to me. An attempt at asperating a possible hematoma also makes sense, and the good news is there was none. As other responders have said, the needle must have passed through... more

Sharp pain after needle aspiration

Sharp abdominal pain after attempted needle aspiration is most likely due to the needle penetrating the abdominal fascia and muscles. You should speak to your surgeon to let him know you are having this problem. He may have to examine you to ensure you're not developing a blood collection because of the anticoagulation you are on, or that the needle didn't go deeper and penetrated the abdominal cavity. Sincerely, Martin Jugenburg, MD

You need to see your surgeon

The symptoms you are complaining of can be caused by a number of things. Some may be minor and some could be serious especially in someone who is on coumadin. The best option for you is to call you surgeon and be evaluated.