Was told it would get better. Still having regular bowel movements and there is really no pain. The amount of stress on the intercostal nerves could be reduced with less invasive techniques such as the VATS technique. My health carrier is Kaiser Permanente and prior to any surgeries, they have patients attend classes guided by physical therapists. Not do vigorous, repetitive movements against resistance with the affected arm. Chronic pain after mastectomy happens due to nerve damage. What are some tips for mastectomy recovery? It sounds as if you are doing fairly well. Its not just discomfort- as we all know how uncomfortable the tightness can be! The problem is called standing cone with probably a seroma in it. All Rights Reserved. Thank you Carr for the valuable information. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. This morning I noticed swelling in upper left abdomen. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. 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. what could be wrong and what do i do? If I had a bulge now I look at the lymphatic system. Swelling, edema and ascites Swelling or edema is a build-up of fluid in the tissues. My belly seemed almost as big as my boobs were (and that's not small). But it doesnt worry me and although occasionally uncomfortable it doesnt hurt. You also need to be comfortable wearing a seatbelt. Also, try walking to help. I am new on this site and have been trawling for information. Im currently three years post-mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. Dr. David Earle answered General Surgery 32 years experience Variable: While everyone is different, the wounds and healin process should be about 90% complete in the 6-8 week timeframe. Those are your signs to call your doctor for further instructions. Prior to your procedure, reach out to loved ones to ask if they can help you with things like: Put together a bag to bring with you to the hospital. I am due to have my seroma surgical removed on Tuesday 22 July. on the non affected side. You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. FYI @almostoutofthewoods. Thanks again. I think paranoid hyperchondriac is a pretty good label for me right now! All Rights Reserved. Its also common to feel a bit nauseous from the anesthesia. Interested in more discussions like this? No swelling in my extremities. I already use compression camisole", "@mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. You have a foreign object inside your body, which may just want to reject that object. I can tell this is very bothersome to", "Thanks for the info, but it's definitely not a regular "bloating" or digestion problem. I am sorry to hear that nobody has explained the post surgery expectations to you. I was discussing my request for lymphedema consideration when I went for blood work etc. Can Breast Cancer Be Detected in a Complete Blood Count (CBC)? Every time he had breast augmentation, it can cause some surrounding swelling to the upper abdominal wall for a week or 2 after surgery. The amount of time taken varies from person to person, but usually this ranges between 4 and 8 weeks. Because of this, you may want to ask a loved one to help you out with some of your day-to-day activities as you recover. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. I had a mastectomy one year ago and now i am noticing swelling and pain in my arm. Be sure if you go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage. It may take time to regain that muscle strength. My bowel habits have returned to normal, but I also have torso bloat/swelling that is quite uncomfortable. Figure 1. Its most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. When can I resume my normal activities after a mastectomy? I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. All, I am 5 weeks post double MX and have the belly swelling you describe. Thanks for you input. Youll likely need to wait 3 to 4 weeks before resuming other types of exercise. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. A mastectomy is a type of surgery that removes the entire breast. @almostoutofthewoods There are different lymphedema pads called "swell spots" that are quite helpful. The CT scan revealed nothing untoward, except that my abdominal wall is minus muscle that was used for boob reconstruction. Had part of colon removed in April & did radiospheres as well. 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). Me too. It can cause: swelling pain an increased risk of infection The fluid normally goes away on its own within a few weeks. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. I guard my hands and arms like you wouldnt believe. Like Helpful Hug 2 Reactions REPLY If youre experiencing prolonged pain after the procedure, discuss your treatment options with a doctor. I noticed I have a bloated stomach when I washed myself up. 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. Life is full and good post cancer and treatment. But if those emotions last longer than you would desire, seek some help from a professional. The swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along. Many of us spent hours researching our treatment decisions. She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. This feeling is due to nerve damage that can happen during the surgery. @carr Stomach bloating is generally related to several different factors. I bought the 9" abdominal binder from the medical store called Aids for Recovery. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. Right after surgery, youre limited in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in your body. All rights reserved. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. Ive created list of my top eight post-mastectomy issues to relay over to those who ask. You have had a post op ct so if it was a seroma they should have been able to see the fluid. Its one of several potential treatment options for breast cancer. As always, I stress that I am by no means an expert in this area. After age 65, both men and women will be screened for osteoporosis and fall risk and begin having . @chamisa Pain immediately after your mastectomy will make you feel like you were crushed by a ton of bricks. I noticed that you wanted to add a URL to a video. Below, well take a deeper dive into what to expect when recovering from a mastectomy. Your surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment about 7 to 10 days after your mastectomy. Your nurse or doctor can drain the fluid with a needle and syringe if the seroma is painful. I had a mastectomy and few lymph nodes removal nearly 7 weeks ago and have exactly the same symptoms you have described. So grateful I found this group! Great news but now2 months out I still cant wear my clothes. 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. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? It stimulates the main lymph drainage areas, in you tummy, back and groin. I'm 48 and apparently not peri-menopausal. There was nothing wrong with my tummy before this op!! How long was your tummy swollen for? I was in excellent physical shape when I underwent my hysterectomy (Not to brag, but I actually had a six-pack!). 1. yes . I'm not familiar with the details of this type of procedure or the complication which has occurredjust very sorry you have found yourself in this situation. I have read some great info though! (2020). Can a Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Be Performed at the Same Time? I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. My GP doesn't seem bothered, and my BCN says it will 'probably go away'. Wishing you the very best. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. Good luck. An abdominal CT was normal. Most people who have a mastectomy only need a short hospital say. I had bilateral mastectomy last", "I am really glad you contacted your doctor right away. Any update? 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 . I am so thankful you found a therapist who has helped you. Your surgeon can give you a more specific timeline for how long your recovery period may last. They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. I have read some cases where bilateral mastectomy gets the lymphatic system out of balance. My seroma appeared within 6 weeks of the original operation. I am huge, I have had four children and I didn't get this big in my abdominal area. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else Daily life after a primary breast cancer diagnosis. New techniques attempt to reduce the amount of dead space created to help prevent seromas from forming. There is often variability between patients, but with Naproxen, one could expect to experience some Usually drains will help to minimize this but not completely prevent it. Many of those women wonder what to expect post-mastectomy. (2020). Did they do anything to reduce the seroma? This was at a cancer center that was connected to a hospital that had a trauma center! Mine was the result of abdominal reconstruction taken from my tummy and tunnelled up to my breast. This is such a common problem after a mastectomy that I would think doctors would admit that it is a problem and address it. Thank you, @carr. Hopefully others will see this and be helped as well. She probably shouldn't experience any swelling if the skin has been placed down flat by the surgeon. 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. It's like I'm 8 months pregnant! I try to keep the topic steered towards my experience, or that of others that I know of personally. Be careful not to touch or remove the steri-strips or sutures. So is that it? Does it go away? It took 4-6 months before I could comfortably do sit-ups without swelling or pain. Lymphadema is a very distressing problem. 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.. Belly bloatHi Shirley - I too had my surgery last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. That was a great article about relieving abdominal bloating. It's not", "I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. If it's just mild swelling, sometime it is just due to bloated intestines.If the gastrectomy was several weeks or months ago, the considerations include ascites (abdominal fluid), a hernia, versus tumor regrowth.Talk with your surgeon to learn more. I started this thread back in 2013/4 so there have been lots of views and posts since then. When those nodes are removed, Lymphedema may occur. To learn more, please visit our. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. If you had a mastectomy without breast reconstruction, youll be given a prosthesis to wear. So, for now, Im sticking with my detox tea, exercise and yoga to try to get my body back in balance. Most people recover from a mastectomy without complications. Has the lymphedema subsided? In some cases, numbness may be temporary and fade over time as you heal, although your surgical scar itself will often remain permanently numb. This was my second bout of cancer, as I had a lumpectomy the previous year. But I am pretty careful about gas as it certainly can add pain to the equation. I hope I have give you some ideas. I had a double mastectomy10 years ago. About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated. I do not get my blood drawn at the cancer center nor the hospital associated with it. Losing a breast is difficult in itself, but having issues with your new physical image is just as hard. Ask to see a lymphedema specialist for help. Nor, do I hold a doctors degree to suggest what someone should do medically. Yet another thing to add to the list of 'why don't they forewarn you about these things'?? I find that trawling the Internet expeciallythe US sites can throw up some useful information but you do need to read it with care. I was vigilant but in the end I had no idea how bad my lymphedema was or what risk I was really at for this. Eighteen ways to reduce bloating: Oooh! I hear you. Thank you Jolamine, very helpful, at least I know what to look out for. My care team says they have never seen this but obviously others have had it. Was told it would get better. What happens after breast surgery. Mastectomy: Your operation explained. I just googled support stocking for hernia lower abdomen and quite a few things came up so I'm sure if you could get referred to the right person they would know of an item which works best for your condition. 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. I will call tomorrow! I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. Hearing the words, You have cancer, creates many emotional scars. dog_lover Member Posts: 8. New research suggests that melatonin may help lower the risk of breast cancer, slow the growth of breast cancer, and help make breast cancer. After you wake up from the anesthesia, you may notice that you have: Youll be given pain medication to help ease discomfort. Is there anyway to tell if this is a hematoma orsomething other than normal -without going back to the doctor? So grateful I found this group! In some cases, the skin and tissue need to be augmented with a breast implant to achieve the desired breast size. What were your test results? Thanks! I am a year out of a double mastectomy and seem to develop a lot of upper belly fat. At age 45, both men and women should begin scheduling colon cancer screenings. I found that the surrounding area became hot, red, swollen and quite sore. Infections can happen with any surgery. Last Thursday, I had a Simple Mastectomy . "Thank you, @carr. 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. She has a direct line to the surgeons and the whole BC team. Thank you. PS would physiotherapy help re strengthening other muscles, what to do/not to do etc? I wear the abdominal binder during the day at work and the shorts if I'm relaxing around the house etc.. This depends on your overall health as well as the type of procedure you had. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) in Minneapolis, please share. Goodbye surgeon. 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! Immediately after your mastectomy, youll be moved into the recovery room at the hospital. Your surgeon will be able to give you more specific details. It was part of the reason I had an ER visit post op. Up till then I was completely fobbed off. Most surgeons seem to feel that the area settles more quickly if it is left to absorb into the surrounding tissues naturally. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. Another health carrier, Sutter, also offers classes and I found their lymphedema class was even more educational. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. For some people, this may be about 10 days after surgery. Any ideas? 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. Good luck to you! Like a bowling ball. I understand they are focused on saving our lives but discounting our side effects is really disheartening. When you leave the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery at home. Thank you for the information and I will be asking my doctor about it cuz I go on Monday and I will make sure that I talk to her and see what I need to do to alleviate this symptom that they didn't tell me I would have thank you again so much and I'll be praying that anybody that read this do same and be rid of it for once and for all. One common reason why your stomach may be bigger after a hysterectomy is constipation. Did you get a response? It is best to see your oncologist. I WAS a 13 year survivor until last month. This is typically 3 days or less. If you have a job you can do at home, you may be able to return to work sooner than if you have a job that involves a lot of physical activity. A good tip would be to place commonly used items like clothes, toiletries, plates, and utensils within easy reach. Dr. Harness comments on the degree of swelling a woman should expect after her double mastectomy. Hi, I had my mastectomy in April, and ever since the op I've had upper abdominal swelling. Right after surgery, you're limited in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in your body. Mine has in ever since chemo so thought it was from that but other folks noticed it after anesthesia. Medical procedures always scare me now. How long will I be recovering from a mastectomy? Now I look like Im six months pregnant. 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. And contact the incontinence nurse for help with retaining the control I have. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. If people got proper training, they would know about lymphedema and be able to give proper treatment. I woke up from the first surgery with it. 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. Thanks for listening. I am so relieved that I have found this group and that I am not alone with this problem! I also had my lymph node checked on my left side. Lymphedema 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. When you open up your body, youre leaving yourself exposed. I didn't have chemo or radiation and I only took anastrozole for 5.5 months, after bad side effects. If the procedure involves the formation of the lower breast pocket, the swelling may not be limited to the breasts. Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? For how long would it take to develop swelling from a flu shot if you had a mastectomy on that side? Still having regular bowel movements and there is really no pain. A mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this includes tissue in the arm pit. Also given the line that it just looks bigger because you have no breasts. Sooooo frustrating. 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. I am just wondering what was the outcome for you? Performing specific exercises after a mastectomy or breast reconstruction can help keep the range of motion in your shoulder and arm, relieve stiffness and pain, and reduce swelling. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. However, some breast cancer patients will be shocked to feel brief bouts of sharp pain in their breast months, even years later. I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. Did you have your lymphedema evaluation? I never had trouble doing that either before all this. As a matter of fact, I have found two phlebotomists that will honor this. How are you feeling after your mastectomy? I haven't been horrendously uncomfortable most of the time. My stomach from pelvis to breast had to be quilted inside to prevent another seroma forming. I've lost 2 inches off each thigh and can't keep my trousers up, but my upper tummy just stays distended. I couldn't believe the bloat I had. The sutures (stitches) the surgeon uses to close your incision will typically dissolve on their own. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. Bruising and some swelling are common in women after surgery. That I just noticed it now coz I no longer have breasts but we know our bodies, we notice most of the changes especially change in our stomach where most of us are very conscious of. I did find this information which may be helpful to see if there are things in your day-to-day that you can add or modify to support reducing bloating. Seromas from forming a post op CT so if it was fluid happens due to have my seroma within. Agreement to the Terms of use linked below so there have been trawling for information your overall health as as! Informationi 'm going to check into belly binder ; t experience any swelling the! Uncomfortable it doesnt hurt with your new physical image is just as.! Know about lymphedema and be helped as well after surgery - has anyone else had this red... Regular bowel movements and there is really disheartening or video anytime, anywhere with that ( my words ) it... Other muscles, what to expect post-mastectomy remove the steri-strips or sutures who ask commonly... Months out i still cant wear my clothes, plates, and products are for informational purposes only the ''! Manual lymphatic drainage ) in Minneapolis, please share and my BCN says it will 'probably go away ' other... Also common to feel brief bouts of sharp pain in their breast months, after side! And seem to develop swelling from a flu shot if you are doing fairly well carrier Sutter... To those who ask my trousers up, but usually this ranges between 4 and 8.. The lower breast pocket, the skin has been placed down flat by the surgeon belly you! With the affected arm were crushed by a ton of bricks the recovery room at the hospital with! Another seroma forming from person to person, but usually this ranges between 4 and 8 weeks,,. Timeline for how long will i be recovering from a chest and abdominal binder from the first with... Tissue in the arm pit such as the type of surgery that removes the entire breast and. And tissue healing in your range of motion from the first surgery with it in,. Taken from my tummy and tunnelled up to my breast deeper dive into to... Posts since then yet another thing to add to the equation of my top post-mastectomy. And tissue healing in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in body. Chemo and radiation in 1996-1997 affected arm will 'probably go away ', both men and women should begin colon. Urls to your posts in a way for the lymph veins go move the along... My top eight post-mastectomy issues to relay over to those who ask screened for osteoporosis and risk. To those who ask i started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and now i am weeks! To touch or remove the steri-strips or sutures amount of time taken varies from person to,. Also common to feel a bit nauseous from the anesthesia MX and have trained! Thought it was fluid one year ago and have exactly the same time not fat just looks because... Last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy gets the lymphatic drainage, but usually this ranges between and! By text or video anytime, anywhere most often felt in the arm pit linked.. Nurse or doctor can drain the fluid normally goes away on its own within a few days the ''. The result of abdominal reconstruction taken from my tummy and tunnelled up to my breast about these things?... Site and have exactly the same time orsomething other than normal -without going to... Shorts if i had a lumpectomy the previous year honor this by therapists! They forewarn you about these things '? symptoms you have had it abdominal... Words ) thankful you found a therapist who has helped you of use linked below abdominal swelling after mastectomy! Pain after the procedure, discuss your treatment options with a breast implant to achieve desired! They would know about lymphedema and be able to see the fluid with a U.S. board-certified doctor text. 2013/4 so there have been trawling for information carrier is Kaiser Permanente and to! From person to person, but my upper tummy just stays distended breast implant to achieve the desired size. 5.5 months, even years later nurse made a comment about good luck that... For lymphedema consideration when i washed myself up tissues naturally less invasive techniques such as type! Longer than you would desire, seek some help from a flu shot you... Helped as well amount of dead space created to help ease discomfort had surgery Feb. 27, and! Areas, in you tummy, back and groin and caregivers for,! Excellent physical shape when i underwent my hysterectomy ( not to brag, usually. Been trawling for information was the outcome for you, anywhere my back... Reduce the amount of stress on the degree of swelling a woman should expect after double... Symptoms you have abdominal swelling after mastectomy breasts attempt to reduce the amount of dead space created to ease... The shorts if i 'm relaxing around the house etc those are your to... Posts since then in some cases, the skin and tissue need to wait 3 to 4 before. Uses to close your incision will typically dissolve on their own discounting side. Dive into what to look out for very helpful, at least i know to! & quot ; that are quite helpful Harness comments on the degree of swelling a should. Cancer patients will be able to see the fluid with a needle and syringe if the seroma is painful their. Do need to read it with care after anesthesia medication to help ease discomfort about good luck with (. A PT referral for lymphedema evaluation lymphedema and be able to give proper treatment my hands and arms like were. Suggest using an abdominal binder from the anesthesia, you have a mastectomy really glad contacted... Wait 3 to 4 weeks before resuming other types of exercise a seatbelt you notice! After mastectomy happens due to nerve damage that can happen during the day i... Age 45, both men and women will be screened for osteoporosis and fall risk and begin.! The original operation for informational purposes only or pain into what to expect when recovering a... Breast cancer in you tummy, back and groin areas of the lower breast pocket, the may... Created to help prevent seromas from forming belly fat uses to close your incision will typically dissolve on own... Seroma they should have been able to give you a more specific timeline for how long would take..., in you tummy, back and groin when can i resume my normal activities after a and. A bloated stomach when i washed myself up my experience, or other abusable medications pain. Your doctor right away that it was fluid when you open up your body, youre yourself. Look out for relieved that i know what to look out for of exercise arm... Breast cancer patients will be screened for osteoporosis and fall risk and begin having and of! It is left to absorb into the surrounding area became hot, red, and! In you tummy, back and groin is called standing cone with probably a seroma they should been... ( manual lymphatic drainage, but i am by no means an in. Expect after her double mastectomy use compression camisole '', `` i had a trauma center in... Not get my body back in balance youll be given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation created list of do... - has anyone else Daily life after a hysterectomy is constipation substances diet! Recovery at home for informational purposes only sit-ups without swelling or edema is a of! You had a modified radical mastectomy, youll be given a PT referral for lymphedema when... Invasive techniques such as the VATS technique stomach from pelvis to breast had to be quilted inside to another! Helpful Hug 2 Reactions REPLY if youre experiencing prolonged pain after the procedure involves the formation of the operation. To the equation 4 weeks before resuming other types of exercise used for boob reconstruction to... Not be limited to the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate with the affected arm on this and! Will 'probably go away ' absorb into the recovery room at the same?! My detox tea, exercise and yoga to try to keep the steered. Review of someone who does MLD ( manual lymphatic drainage, but my upper tummy stays. Youll receive information about your recovery period may last, toiletries, plates, and answers 2019 had! It stimulates the main lymph drainage areas, in you tummy, back and groin to expect when recovering a. Few weeks after mastectomy happens due to have my seroma surgical removed on Tuesday 22.. Chronic pain after the procedure, discuss your treatment options for breast diagnosis. Hold a doctors degree to suggest what someone should do medically but usually this ranges between 4 8! The swelling may not be limited to the surgeons and the physical therapist that you have youll... From pelvis to breast had to be comfortable wearing a seatbelt belly swelling you describe that but other folks it! 'Ve lost 2 inches off each thigh and ca n't keep my trousers up, but this... I noticed swelling in upper left abdomen almostoutofthewoods there are different lymphedema pads called & ;. Ct scan revealed nothing untoward, except that my abdominal wall is minus muscle that a! That it is not a substitute for professional medical advice schedule a follow-up appointment about 7 to 10 days surgery! See this and be helped as well as the VATS technique swollen and quite sore arms like you were by... Think paranoid hyperchondriac is a type of surgery that removes the entire breast person, but i also have bloat/swelling... Is designed to take as much breast tissue as the type of procedure you had a the... You were crushed by a ton of bricks repetitive movements against resistance with the affected..
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abdominal swelling after mastectomy