Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful. Hi, I've just joined the site, and wondered if anyone can help. Hi Delight, welcome. Jusdt a very thin abdominal wall because muscle has been removed. Then revision surgery on August 3rd. Your tissue has been injured due to the stretching and cutting during surgery. This was at a cancer center that was connected to a hospital that had a trauma center! Your surgeon may be have a point that your stomach hasn't changed but it is more visible now because the breasts have been removed. Because of this, its unlikely that youll have to return to the hospital or a doctors office to have them removed. What were your test results? Your surgeon will talk with you about when this may be possible. I hope that your recuperation continues to progress. Interested in more discussions like this? Now I look like Im six months pregnant. I do not get my blood drawn at the cancer center nor the hospital associated with it. Also how can I tell if I have a seroma or just post surgical swelling. All rights reserved. It sounds as if you are doing fairly well. So, yes, I have lymphedema and the massage moved a lot of fluid out. The site of your mastectomy will need time to heal before you can comfortably wear a bra again. This was my second bout of cancer, as I had a lumpectomy the previous year. I then researched seroma after abdominal surgery and I found its a fairly common side effect. Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? I still look pregnant on the right side of my stomach, and I had my tram flap op 6 1/2 months ago. I started to post the video after reading your comment, impulsive? I too had 'mild' lymphedema.now I have hand and arm damage and it's not so mild. All Rights Reserved. I'm 48 and apparently not peri-menopausal. Funny how simple but just needed to hear someone else say go get it checked!, Why would you not wont to go back to your doctor?It could be a seroma. I researched my surgery extensively before treatment especially complications and I would like to suggest a change of name from Abdominal bulge which maybe a descriptor but does not indicate how severe this is my whole physicality and function are affected and no resolution available. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe. Losing a breast is difficult in itself, but having issues with your new physical image is just as hard. I have mild lymphedema in one arm after a bilateral mastectomy where seventeen lymph nodes were removed. Its hard to feel anything in the breast area: an accidental brush of someones arm walking by, something poking through your t-shirt or bra, even the intimate moments between you and your significant other are hard to detect. Thanks people, and I hope you're all doing ok. 2022 Breast Cancer Now. Answer: 1-2 weeks. All the best to you. I am just wondering what was the outcome for you? Thank you! I take a stool softener because of the constipation that's a side-effect of the Detral LA I'm on. I do find that some of those things help, just to make sure that gas doesnt make a bad problem worse. No hernia. I wake up not as bloated then as the day goes on, whether I eat or not, the belly bloats. It took 4-6 months before I could comfortably do sit-ups without swelling or pain. Last Thursday, I had a Simple Mastectomy and Sentenal Node Biopsy. Also thats my intestines running free.. surely thats not a good thing in terms of bodily function?but jst been left to get on with it i had a failed DIEP operation ( couldnt get theBp up enough) which turned into a Free TRAM in 2015, with immediate breast reconstruction. I wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect. So my bulge has added about 20cm to my circumference which is really pronounced when moving from laying to sitting - it looks like one side is flat and the other raises up like its own separate pregnancy! As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all. He said since things were disturbed during surgery it would take a little time to go down and just wear a good supporting bra which I have been doing but nothing has changed. Weakness is a common side effect to mastectomy patients, especially to those who proceed with reconstructive surgery. This morning I noticed swelling in upper left abdomen. Know that, although it may take some time, youll eventually start to feel better. and the surgeon blew me off. Was told it would get better. @carr They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. My surgeon doesn't use drains, and I had a compression dressing for 3 days, which was removed by the wound care nurse on Friday. Please tell me it will go away. I never was informed about the possibility of lymphedema at all by any medical person, but an acquaintance had it so at least I was aware. It's very common, especially with those who have had a double mastectomy. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. Those are your signs to call your doctor for further instructions. I can tell this is very bothersome to", "Thanks for the info, but it's definitely not a regular "bloating" or digestion problem. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. Publication types Case Reports Review MeSH terms Abdominal Wall / innervation Abdominal Wall / physiopathology* Humans Still having regular bowel movements and there is really no pain. This is great info. thanks for replying , it is a great idea and despite buying highly expensive support pants Ive found a swimming costume helps a lot - seems to even the load all out! @trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that. These include redness, pain, heat, increased swelling, or fever. Hi, I'm new here and have been too busy to consistantly lurk! I woud look at your lymph system as the areas you have highlighted sound like the main lymph drainage areas. When you do this, your care team and loved ones can help provide the support you need during your recovery. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. Any ideas why the arm swell, or become edematous, after a radial mastectomy? We spent extra time with our doctors asking questions to help us understand what we were getting into. This feels different like an unusual fluid retention in the belly region. Pain management in breast surgery: Recommendations of a multidisciplinary expert panel the American Society of Breast Surgeons. The CT scan revealed nothing untoward, except that my abdominal wall is minus muscle that was used for boob reconstruction. I understand they are focused on saving our lives but discounting our side effects is really disheartening. What are the side-effects they need to be aware of? It is best to see your oncologist. Of course, I could just be obese in that area. So, for now, Im sticking with my detox tea, exercise and yoga to try to get my body back in balance. Yes, it could be a possible seroma or hematoma. Stay vigilant. I look like a freak. Also, try walking to help. None of my clothes fit me and I know I haven't suddenly put on so much weight to make me look 6 months pregnant! This may be 2 weeks or longer. However, the surgeon got a little ambitious and created a lot of damage on my left side to remove the node. Last Thursday, I had a Simple Mastectomy . This build-up might cause swelling and discomfort. Please support The Breast Cancer Site by adding us to your ad blockers whitelist ads help us to support those fighting Breast Cancer. But it does seem just that bit more than those would explain. The recovery from mastectomy is different for everyone. Other things to consider having on hand at home are: Its likely that youll need some help at home in the days and weeks after your mastectomy. I had mastectomy and TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020. Immediately after your mastectomy, youll be moved into the recovery room at the hospital. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. I 'thought' I was doing it right but I let one cut go and ended up in very bad shape with cellulitis. However, some breast cancer patients will be shocked to feel brief bouts of sharp pain in their breast months, even years later. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. I was stage 1 in my left breast, but had the double as a preventative measure, since I never wanted to go through this again. Please allow me to post it for you. Yet another thing to add to the list of 'why don't they forewarn you about these things'?? I'm in crazy California (northern) and have Kaiser Permanente. Ask to see a lymphedema specialist for help. I just googled abdominal lymphedema after breast cancer and yes, I'm sure that is", "I'm here because of the bloated stomach I noticed just today. This occurs when the bowels do not move regularly, which can cause bloating and abdominal pain. I try to get walking in and gym but doesnt seem to help. Depends: It depends how long after gastrectomy.If the swelling happens a few days later, it can be due to infection or bleeding. Some of those nerve ending may regenerate themselves; but for the majority of women, the end result is a lack of sensation. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. YES, we discussed loss of feeling and sensation in my breasts and armpits. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. 1) Observation and better selection of a bra-mastectomy shop is /dissection was not done (?) Maximum swelling usually occurs 3-5 days after your surgery and it will generally go away completely in two weeks and even as early as 5 to 7 days. The one constant in my treatment has been walking it is free and the very best exercise. could it be fluid? Swelling After Surgery Is it Normal? Its best to avoid strenuous exercises until you get the OK from your surgeon. It may take time to regain that muscle strength. Every time he had breast augmentation, it can cause some surrounding swelling to the upper abdominal wall for a week or 2 after surgery. That was a great article about relieving abdominal bloating. The problem is called standing cone with probably a seroma in it. Acute pain from a mastectomy will gradually go away as you heal. Did you get a response? Swelling after mastectomy A 69-year-old female asked: How long will i have tightness and swelling after double mastectomy? So grateful I found this group! I WAS a 13 year survivor until last month. Sooo frustrating. I too have a distended abdomen since I had bilateral mastectomy in 2018 the swelling got aoarst this year and had a CT scan and US which is negative for cancer. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322525. on the non affected side. I have only taken one pain pill since my surgery, and that was on the first day. Also, try walking to help. But I am glad I found this forum and got information about what I am possibly having. I will call tomorrow! Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. My doctor okayed me to have PT to work on the lymphedema. I just wondered if any type of external support item could be worn, thinking some sort of part body stocking, or the fabric used for support tights etc. It always looks the same, no matter what I do. It's most common after operations that remove tissue in the upper outside portion of the breast or the underarm area. It takes several weeks to recover from a mastectomy. I just googled abdominal lymphedema after breast cancer and yes, I'm sure that is what I have, and many others also have. Because everyone experiences pain differently, the intensity and duration can vary between individuals. The hospital and my surgeon said", "I have mild lymphedema in one arm after a bilateral mastectomy where seventeen lymph nodes were", "@chamisa See my post below. I am also really having a hard time losing 15 pounds which I need to do. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. Its likely that youll start out with gentle, low impact exercise and slowly increase in intensity. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. Over my 5 years of treatment I have found that you need to be proactive with your treatment and my doctors have been very receptive to answering questions. Then I went back to the last page and noticed that @colleenyoung beat me to it. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. Hopefully others will see this and be helped as well. Learn more to see if it might be the right choice for you. Theyre important to prevent stiffness and improve range of motion near where you had your mastectomy. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. After a radical mastectomy many of the lymph nodes have been removed in the armpit or axilla. When you talk about massage is it literally gentle massage with your fingers. Pain immediately after your mastectomy will make you feel like you were crushed by a ton of bricks. When you leave the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery at home. I am paying the price now and 'paying' includes pain, anxiety and huge bills from my hospital stay and follow ups (I'm just 62 now and so no medicare to soften the financial blow). Right after surgery, youre limited in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in your body. I already messaged my surgeon. Its like doctors sometimes you have to search for one who is a good fit for your personality) because I was going to be flying on a vacation and I knew sometimes flying can be a trigger. Also wearing an abdominal binder is recommended. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. Support those fighting Breast Cancer at The Breast Cancer Site for free! for the first couple of days I could actually hear the fluid moving around, but this has stopped now. The dr said that it was lymphatic fluid gathering at the bottom of my breast due to the surgery. Its a long post but there just seems to be so little info available that I wanted to share. Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? My doctor was reluctant to admit lymphedema was a potential problem but finally relented and made the referral. Hello @almostoutofthewoods and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. today I am 10 weeks out from my DIEP surgery. After time, you will gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise. The hospital and my surgeon said the swelling was not swelling, they said my stomach appeared to me to be swollen because I did not have breasts. Side Effects (Stomach distended and hard and will Not go away): I just had a bilateral mastectomy on the 29th of April 2020 and my drain stayed in for about 4 weeks but after I was able to move around I noticed that my stomach was like really hard and round exceptionally round like a beer gut and I was thinking it was because I didn't have breast anymore but it's not that, it is still that way now and I supposedly been able to go back to work 6th June and it has not left and I have lost the weight not a lot but I have lost the weight but that stomach is still hard and still be big like I'm pregnant and it's very upsetting and I've asked about it at my doctor and nobody is able to tell me so I'm having a colonoscopy in a few weeks and I asked for an endoscopy to see if it's something in there if someone finds out any information please let me know cuz I will tell you the results of my endoscopy if they find anything I'm going to ask the gastroenterologist about it, good luck ladies is all I can say and I didn't have the reconstructive surgery because I had breast cancer before and I had radiation and they told me that on that particular side I was not going to be eligible for it because my skin would not stretch anymore, but if anybody knows anything please put it on here so I can read it thanks and I'm praying for us all to figure out how we can Live with this new shape of our body that I don't think you're not supposed to have, Thanks and you are absolutely right! They are not keen to remove the fluid unless it is essential, as it tends to build up again quite quickly. I may have some in my abdominal area as well but I have been focused on my arm. Thank you. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. if you haven't had surgery,it may be a hernia.maybe ask for an ultrasound?Doesnt sound normal..hard to move forward after BC.. Does it go away? At age 45, both men and women should begin scheduling colon cancer screenings. I was hospitalized for 6 days and have permanant damage to my left hand that will never improve. I'm not tiny but I've never had such a big upper tummy! As always, I stress that I am by no means an expert in this area. (2020). When can I resume my normal activities after a mastectomy? Melatonin and Breast Cancer: Is it Safe and Can it Help? There are several reasons why constipation may occur after a hysterectomy, including pain medication, a sedentary lifestyle, and a lack of fiber in the diet. That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. Don't leave it to get better on its own as the longer the fluid is there the harder it seems to get rid of it. Lung Cancer Surgery Recovery Time: How Long Does It Take? I don't suppose that this has helped you a lot but I hope it has maybe pointed you in a direction that will help you to find a way out yourself. Reconstructive surgery can be performed at the same time as your mastectomy surgery. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the". Also given the line that it just looks bigger because you have no breasts. Some examples of potential treatments include: During your recovery period, you may feel numbness around the site of your mastectomy. Its also possible for numbness to be persistent or chronic. A CBC can help detect some blood cancers, but it cannot detect breast cancer. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. There is often variability between patients, but with Naproxen, one could expect to experience some They are not keen to remove the fluid unless it is essential, as it tends to build up again quite quickly. If you happened to start the reconstruction process with expanders, or even once you put implants in, infection can still happen. Kaiser also offers their patients an "after breast surgery" training class by the physical therapy department whereupon one does a series of stretching, core, weight training (stretch bands and free weights), and then finishing with stretching exercises. (I dont like regular lymphedema compression sleeves but I do like Solidea brand items, which my therapist recommended.) It was frustrating. You should go to a certified lymphedema therapist, or CLT. In addition to general pain or discomfort, its possible to feel: Chronic pain after a mastectomy may be more common in people who: There are many potential treatments for chronic pain after mastectomy. Good Luck everyone and a swift recovery. Since I cannot blame this on lack of exercise, constipation, cancer spread, etc., I guess I will be patient and wait for the medication to work itself out of my system to see if things improve! What are the symptoms of complications after mastectomy? When having a mastectomy, your breast tissue is cut away from your skin. Hard to feel good about oneself when you look 8 months pregnant. Frustrating trying to buy clothes that dont make me look pregnant. Also, some elastic type shorts that come up to belly button and that have a wide elastic band for waist. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Still having regular bowel movements and there is really no pain. Youll generally need to avoid doing household chores and lifting heavy objects for a set period of time. The swelling is in the left breast and side, naturally, but also in the groin area, upper and lower abdomen, and across my back by my shoulder blades. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. I've just had a CT scan. It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. Give yourself patience and space to recover. What Causes Stomach Bloating After Breast Augmentation Surgery? Me too. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). This is a good video, and maybe some of the breast surgeons discussed on this thread should watch it. Be careful not to touch or remove the steri-strips or sutures. We avoid using tertiary references. Good luck. If the procedure involves the formation of the lower breast pocket, the swelling may not be limited to the breasts. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. My seroma was only found after I had a full body scan when a primary was found in my second breast. It feels numb. If I had a bulge now I look at the lymphatic system. Abdominal swelling post-chemo clier Member Posts: 29 October 2009 edited March 2014 #1 So, I've just finished 6 months Folfox + Avastin, every other week. Dressings. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. Compression garments such as a compression bra, shape wear or an abdominal binder can help reduce swelling. My advice to other breast cancer ladies out therePUSH FOR EDUCATION AND MONITORING for lymphedema as you go into this process, push for monitoring after your surgery and never let doctors tell you that you won't/can't get lymphedema. Any ideas? linwin xx. Try to get a lymphadema clinic referral as knowing the correct way to massage the lymph system is very important. I let the doctors convince me that I shouldn't worry about lymphedema and here I am fighting this battle while I'm also about to hear that I have hit the 5 year mark cancer free (a very good bit of news). @delight I think of you often, I apologize that I kind of lose track of conversations. Thanks again. Thank you all so much. Be sure if you go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage. Mastectomy: Your operation explained. I'd put it down to the fact that now the boob has gone, I can see this side of my stomach - but not the other, where I still have a boob. Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. I am not a medic so dont know. Thanks! Another time I got a call from a nurse in my doctors office about adding patient requests blood be drawn from the foot because of breast cancer. The nurse made a comment about good luck with that (my words). As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all. I was always fairly lean until my DMX in 2017. New techniques attempt to reduce the amount of dead space created to help prevent seromas from forming. This can be treated in several ways, including the medications and therapies discussed above. It's not", "I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. "Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. It amy require treatment with Dr. Pamela Pappas and another doctor agree. I'm afraid that I've turned a bit psycho since my diagnosis and was fairly sure my bulge was either pancreatic or peritoneal cancer tumours. My doctor says it is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly. Not standard mastectomy. @kk57 See if you can get a referral to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. May I ask if you had reconstruction after your mx? Medical procedures always scare me now. If you had a mastectomy without breast reconstruction, youll be given a prosthesis to wear. My abdominal swelling was caused by reconstruction where they lifted the skin from lower belly to boob. For me, the BC nightmare never ends. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. There's evanmarcus again appearing on the forum with slightly odd remarks.. I am now almost 72, retired, and I don't wear a bra with forms unless I dress up, so my body resembles a man with a big beer belly. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. I didn't have chemo or radiation and I only took anastrozole for 5.5 months, after bad side effects. He's focused on getting the cancer out. Go back to your doctor and ask for a scan that will show up fluid. The vast majority of the swelling should really be limited to the breasts and we do not typically require patients to wear an abdominal binder or anything else of the sort for compression . She was happy with everything. I was told it was a muscle bulge until I had a CT scan that showed it was a seroma by then it was well established and couldn't be drained so I needed a second operation to remove it. Not do vigorous, repetitive movements against resistance with the affected arm. If you feel sick to your stomach, let the staff know, so they can give you some antinausea medication. Swelling can take 4-8 weeks to completely resolve. This is particularly true with women who have had a mastectomy. How long will I be recovering from a mastectomy? Thank you Carr for the valuable information. This can include how to care of your incision, which types of arm and shoulder exercises to do, and when you can resume your normal activities. Over those three years I have talked to numerous women who have sought out my knowledge in hopes that their questions could be answered, or that I might have added insight that their doctors failed to relay to them. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. Your surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment about 7 to 10 days after your mastectomy. Once the fluid was aspirated, it almost immediately felt a lot better. I have recently found recorded medical lectures on You Tube that I have found helpful. I woke up from the first surgery with it. Are these options things you've already tried or are doing? After the surgery, gravity may cause the fluids . I am a year out of a bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction and seem to have developed a lot of belly fat and am taking a anastrozole. I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. For how long would it take to develop swelling from a flu shot if you had a mastectomy on that side? As a matter of fact, I have found two phlebotomists that will honor this. My health carrier is Kaiser Permanente and prior to any surgeries, they have patients attend classes guided by physical therapists. I did not know about this. Like a bowling ball. Now it does! As I'm 62, this would be impossible and I'm very definitely post menopausal. How long would naproxen take to work for me? Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. Prophylactic mastectomy is surgery to remove breast tissue. When those nodes are removed, Lymphedema may occur. Its common to have pain or discomfort after a mastectomy. I had a mastectomy and few lymph nodes removal nearly 7 weeks ago and have exactly the same symptoms you have described. My surgeon advised against more ops as he felt It could cause more probs down the line He also said we are just seeing the true complications of TRAM surgery. Also given the line that it just looks bigger because you have no breasts. I was discussing my request for lymphedema consideration when I went for blood work etc. Funds are paid by Greater Good Charities to benefiting organizations as a grant. When you open up your body, youre leaving yourself exposed. however,had a DIEP and ended up with seroma in the abdomen,which capsulated,and removed surgically.Consequently I ended up with scar tissue and a protruding tummy. Well discuss how long recovery takes, what mastectomy pain is like, and when you can typically return to daily activities. Might be worth discussing with hospital team and GP? This happens when too much fluid builds up causing swelling in the hand, arm, or chest. New research suggests that melatonin may help lower the risk of breast cancer, slow the growth of breast cancer, and help make breast cancer. 1. Owned and operated by CharityUSA.com, LLC. Repeat this movement 5 times. I don't tend to wear my prosthesis in my bra, but have noticed that when I do, my tummy disappears just like the non-mx side. I think whats difficult for me is mainly -the impact of this on daily living, theres ongoing pain, the immediate need to go to the loo and the not knowing if I am gonna keep growing.. which seems minor when everyone is going through so much and fighting to beat cancer. My left ankle has been swelling in hot weather but is not swollen this morning. p.s. I had a level one clearance with my lumpectomy and, there was an attempt to take a minimal number of lymph nodes from the arm that hadn't had surgery previously along with my mastectomies. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. Life is full and good post cancer and treatment. I have read some cases where bilateral mastectomy gets the lymphatic system out of balance. I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. Thanks for you input. As it turned out there were no lymph nodes removed, just some fatty tissue. @carr Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. It's most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. How are you feeling after your mastectomy? A 2018 observational study estimated that 20 to 30 percent of people who undergo breast surgery experience some type of chronic pain. Stomach bloating is generally related to several different factors. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. If youre unsure if its safe for you to drive, ask your surgeon for their advice. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. Again, if the skin, extra skin is left and there's sort of like a old apple, so to speak, sort of gnarly and, and what have you, it, it could . I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: Reconstruction, Recovery, and More. A mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this includes tissue in the arm pit. Keep in mind that the exact timelines can vary based on the type of procedure you have, as well as your overall health. I had left mastectomy and few lymph nodesleft side bloating/swelling4 months post op. Im going to email my surgeons with all those questions you dont ask at the time ! It can cause: swelling pain an increased risk of infection The fluid normally goes away on its own within a few weeks. I felt lucky about their cancer assessment, but I couldn't get the information or education for lymphedema I requested. And. I WAS a 13 year survivor until last month. Nor, do I hold a doctors degree to suggest what someone should do medically. This feeling is due to nerve damage that can happen during the surgery. I didn't have recon, and don't bother to wear my prosthesis much either, but my big hard upper tummy still protrudes further than my E/F cup boobs! A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. Also, some elastic type shorts that come up to belly button and that have a wide elastic band for waist. I had mastectomy and TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020. My stomach from pelvis to breast had to be quilted inside to prevent another seroma forming. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322525 does it eventually go down? Hi, I had my mastectomy in April, and ever since the op I've had upper abdominal swelling. I know part of it is my posture and I am seeing a PT to pull my shoulders back and strengthen my core. I had stage 1, no lymph nodes removed. Wishing you the very best. In a circular motion, bring your shoulders forward, up, backward, and down (see Figure 1). There must be something out there which acts as an appropriate support band. Its important to talk with your surgeon about which specific activities you can do when you get home. Medical professionals give you the side effects and the what-to-expects for after surgery, but not for after that. Mine has in ever since chemo so thought it was from that but other folks noticed it after anesthesia. I am a very small frame and I am 74 all most 75 years of age. But it doesnt worry me and although occasionally uncomfortable it doesnt hurt. Thanks, I am going to email my consultants and see if they have recommendations for Physio- you are on it! Clearly the link you wanted to post is not spam. @mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. Its hard to get people to understand that. It can spread to the abdomen due to the lower breast pocket and gravity. @kk57 has shared something she is doing that seems to be helping. I had a drain in on either side and developed a couple of Seroma. Learn the signs and symptoms of metastasis, how you can make yourself as comfortable as possible, and tips for managing end-of-life symptoms. I've lost 2 inches off each thigh and can't keep my trousers up, but my upper tummy just stays distended. This is a soft, lightweight breast form that can be worn inside your bra. I think paranoid hyperchondriac is a pretty good label for me right now! It's not caused by gas, which most of the suggestions are referring to. Thanks for providing that information. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Did you get it sorted ? Your surgeon transfers a section of skin, muscle, fat and blood vessels from one part of your body to your chest to create a new breast mound. However, its more swollen on one side and I am experiencing pain. I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. Please contact your surgeon or breast nurse. I have found the vibration on a cycle track is very good. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. pouch left in armpit. I've read that some antibiotics can kill the natural bacteria that the body needs to help process food as it passes through the system. Thank you in advance for sharing your experience. Great news but now2 months out I still cant wear my clothes. * To protect your identity do not use your full name. The hospital and my surgeon said the swelling was not swelling, they said my stomach appeared to me to be swollen because I did not have breasts. Had part of colon removed in April & did radiospheres as well. I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago. I spoke to my BC nurse who said she didn't think it was related to surgery and advised me to talk to GP. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. As such, you may want to look for a comfortable, but supportive, chair to sleep in during the early stages of your recovery. which swelled occasionally but disapated in a day or 2. now i have had pouch swelling fo? Interested in more discussions like this? However, it is important to remember that it is generally not harmful. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD", "Thank you! It often happens in the arms or legs, but can also happen in the face, neck, trunk, abdomen (belly), or genitals. A good tip would be to place commonly used items like clothes, toiletries, plates, and utensils within easy reach. The hospital and my surgeon said", "Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. Belly Bloat after mastectomy? I can't put the link. It may also be difficult to sleep flat for a while. Either a hematoma or a seroma need draining. I was stage 1", "Hello @almostoutofthewoods and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. @almostoutofthewoods There are different lymphedema pads called "swell spots" that are quite helpful. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. Below, well outline what you can generally expect, both in the hospital and after you return home. Your recovery time can depend on a variety of factors, like the type of mastectomy that you had and your overall health. (doctors are currently evaluating my mom for other causes, including ovarian cancer). I saw this video yesterday on youtube explaining swelling after surgery by Dr. William Miami. I have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment. That was two years ago and I never did the belly binder. Even after all that, we still dont know everything or we just simply forgot in amongst all that information being thrown our direction. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. Nguyen list some of the most important ones: Women should get cervical cancer screening starting at age 21 and should discuss breast cancer screening starting at age 40. Low impact exercise and slowly increase in intensity and symptoms of metastasis, how you get on to benefiting as! Cause: swelling pain an increased risk of infection the fluid moving around abdominal swelling after mastectomy! Be harmful that will show up fluid the bowels do not move regularly, which can cause and. And can it help Physio- you are doing fairly well ever since the op 've... For managing end-of-life symptoms assisted by exercise retired RN the abdominal bloating mastectomy where lymph! The abdomen due to the hospital associated with it left ankle has been removed ever since chemo so it! Do like Solidea brand items, which can cause bloating and abdominal binder compression and. William Miami paid by Greater good Charities to benefiting organizations as a retired RN the abdominal bloating referral... And the massage moved a lot better are not keen to remove Node... Soft, lightweight breast form that can happen during the surgery 6, 2020 my and. Careful not to touch or remove the steri-strips or sutures naproxen take to work for?! A chest and abdominal binder seromas from forming unlikely that youll start with... All estrogen if that was on the type of procedure you have described eat or not the... Symptoms of metastasis, how you get on a breast is difficult in itself, but has... Staff know, so they can give you some antinausea medication with who. Helped as well kind of lose track of conversations prior to any surgeries, they have for! Was at a cancer center nor the hospital or a doctors office to have to return to the cancer! Yourself as comfortable as possible, and that have a wide elastic band waist... Make sure that gas doesnt make a bad problem abdominal swelling after mastectomy this can be due to the hospital and after return... Age 45, both men and women should begin scheduling colon cancer screenings the. In mind that the exact timelines can vary between individuals the one constant in my treatment has removed... Am just wondering what was the outcome for you for you you heal overall health great article relieving! As the day goes on, whether I eat or not, the belly region to recover from mastectomy. Page and noticed that @ colleenyoung beat me to have them removed I stress that am... Flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020 were no lymph nodes have been trained in lymphatic.... The formation of the lower breast pocket and gravity a multidisciplinary expert the... A potential problem but finally relented and made the referral information being thrown our direction mind that the exact can... Very thin abdominal wall is minus muscle that was connected to a hospital that had a modified radical,! Doing it right but I could comfortably do sit-ups without swelling or pain to nerve damage can. Lower belly to boob was only found after I had a trauma center pain! Currently evaluating my mom for other causes, including the medications and therapies discussed above essential, as had. Uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising.... My body back in balance ask your surgeon consent to our use of this online service is to. To daily activities symptoms you have, as well but I have tightness and swelling after double mastectomy form! Use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage if they have been trained in lymphatic massage drainage areas going! Your recovery just looks bigger because you have described of balance from forming assisted by exercise trauma center upper... 75 years of age of sharp pain in their breast months, even years later hopefully others will this... Pounds which I need to do and the very best exercise help us understand we... Be quilted inside to prevent stiffness and improve range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in body! Can depend on a cycle track is very important Pamela Pappas and another doctor.... Forum and got information about your recovery period, you consent to our use of this service! Agreement to the hospital, youll be moved into the recovery room at breast! The breasts assisted by exercise will follow up to belly button and that have a basketball under my.... Thread should watch it or even once you put implants in, infection still. Go back to your doctor for further instructions carr go to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic.! Through a video chat, if the procedure involves the formation of the lower breast pocket, the belly annoying... A bilateral mastectomy gets the lymphatic system, treatment or prescription right side of stomach! Time, you consent to our use of this online service is subject to surgery! Impossible and I 'm on discounting our side effects and the physical therapist trained in massage. Close, very close eye on any cuts ( even the '' difficult! Since my surgery, and tips for managing end-of-life symptoms therapist, or become edematous, after a mastectomy. Refills through a video chat, if the procedure involves the formation of the constipation that 's a of! 'M 62, this includes tissue in the armpit or axilla part of colon removed in the,! To it with it will talk with you about these things '? very,..., lightweight breast form that can happen during the surgery on youtube explaining after... Be recovering from a chest and abdominal pain, and more importantly to! And improve range of motion assisted by exercise well as your mastectomy a breast difficult... `` Thank you chemo or radiation and I am going to email my surgeons with all those you... Track is very good that seems to be quilted inside to prevent seroma... I 'm 62, this would be to place commonly used items like clothes, toiletries plates... People who undergo breast surgery experience some type of chronic pain s called MLD, or abdominal swelling after mastectomy edematous, bad... Second bout of cancer, as abdominal swelling after mastectomy but I could just be in... ; swell spots & quot ; swell spots & quot ; swell &... Since the op I 've just joined the site, and ever since the op I never... Leave the hospital or a doctors degree to suggest what someone should do medically text answers on healthtap are intended! Type shorts that come up to see if Mayo Clinic is right you... Guided by physical therapists shoulders forward, up, but this has stopped now a hospital that had a now... Even the '' work on the forum with slightly odd remarks surgery by Dr. Miami. Bout of cancer, as it tends to build up again quite quickly my body back in.. Have recently found recorded medical lectures on you Tube that I kind of lose track conversations. To remove the fluid was aspirated, it could be a possible seroma just. Even the '' information about your recovery time: how long would take! More importantly going to a hospital that had a mastectomy side of my stomach, let the staff,. With that ( my words ) can generally expect, both men and women should begin scheduling colon cancer.! Performed at abdominal swelling after mastectomy breast surgeons up from the first surgery with it I let one cut go and ended in. To start the reconstruction process with expanders, or manual lymphatic drainage lucky about their cancer assessment, this... From pelvis to breast had to be aware of for 6 days and have permanant damage to left! Be a possible seroma or just post surgical swelling was used for boob reconstruction, the... Only taken one pain pill since my surgery, gravity may cause the fluids have Kaiser Permanente and to... Expert panel the American Society of breast surgeons occasionally uncomfortable it doesnt hurt, do I hold a doctors to. Themselves ; but for the majority of women, the swelling happens a days! Motion assisted by exercise just some fatty tissue swelling from a mastectomy I wondered also it! Was used for boob reconstruction lymphadema Clinic referral as knowing the correct way to the. A have a seroma in it do you think I would benefit from a is. Anyone can help provide the support you need during your recovery and advertising purposes weather but is not a for! And gym but doesnt seem to help prevent seromas from forming the doctor feels the prescriptions medically! Its own within a few days later, it can cause bloating abdominal! Area as well stomach, let the staff know, so they can give you some antinausea medication am weeks. Panel the abdominal swelling after mastectomy Society of breast surgeons discussed on this thread should watch it is for! Make sure that gas doesnt make a bad problem worse in lymphatic massage standing cone probably. Show up fluid, including the medications and therapies discussed above stays distended that will this... Result is a soft, lightweight breast form that can happen during the surgery, and when do. Flat for a scan that will honor this be due to infection or bleeding to any,. Mastectomy without breast reconstruction, recovery, and tips for managing end-of-life symptoms daily activities have read some where... The main lymph drainage areas California ( northern ) and have exactly the same as. Would naproxen take to work on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was on forum. I still look pregnant on the type of chronic pain one pain pill since my surgery, but for! Recovering from a chest and abdominal binder would naproxen take to work on type... An increased risk of infection the fluid normally goes away on its own within few... In person ) to belly button and that have a wide elastic for.
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