I had arthroscopic shoulder surgery 3 weeks ago. Had complicatins from the scalene block including a paralyzed diaphragm, vocal cords and swollen eyes and was hospitalized for 4 days. Last night, I noticed an area between my collar bone and base of neck that feels like fluid. Called the doctors office and since I was going to PT today, they asked me to have the therapist check it. The therapist said it felt like fluid but it is not an area where fluid normally is. Could this also be associated with the scalene block?
Dear patient During scalene block fluid is injected between collar bone and neck to anesthetist nerves for surgery. That fluid contains anesthetic Chat Doctor.  This fluid gets absorbed into blood within one or two weeks and swelling disappears. Fluid used during arthroscopic surgery accumulates below collar bone, and it also goes away with time. Sometimes fluid may take longer time to disappear. If swelling is only concern I would advise you to undergo ultrasound of neck to confirm diagnosis. You can wait for one more week to reduce swelling. If even after that swelling remains please consult your operating surgeon.  Hope this is useful.