abdominal swelling after mastectomy

Pleased if that helped spark further ideas. Do I now walk around in constant discomfort, looking 4 months pregnant? Has the lymphedema subsided? DIEP Flap meant I had a chance to regain some of those feelings. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms. I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. For me, the BC nightmare never ends. I wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect. 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. The hospital and my surgeon said", "Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. Try to get a lymphadema clinic referral as knowing the correct way to massage the lymph system is very important. So consensus seems to be to talk to either GP or BCN, it won't just settle on its own? What were your test results? These same lymph nodes that drain the breast can also b A mastectomy bra is usually fitted by a lady who is a trained specialist and is able to measure each patient and determine their size and options. The sutures (stitches) the surgeon uses to close your incision will typically dissolve on their own. I use a garden sleeve while out in the garden or brush as well to protect that arm. 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. 1) Observation and better selection of a bra-mastectomy shop is /dissection was not done (?) Interested in more discussions like this? I think you must consult a doctor on this as they can suggest you something after propec checkups and test reports. In some cases, the skin and tissue need to be augmented with a breast implant to achieve the desired breast size. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) in Minneapolis, please share. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. Is there anything we can do to make the swelling go down? Now I look like Im six months pregnant. I didn't have chemo or radiation and I only took anastrozole for 5.5 months, after bad side effects. These include redness, pain, heat, increased swelling, or fever. Any update? When you do this, your care team and loved ones can help provide the support you need during your recovery. I had to fight with the doctors to get care and ultimately had to take it upon myself to get PT and massage therapy (which I had to pay for myself) because they kept saying I didn't have it. Keep at your PT and massage and other care. I did not know about this. 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. 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 . How to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer: 10 Lifestyle Recommendations, Symptoms of Late Stage Metastatic Breast Cancer, What to Know and Consider Before Having Prophylactic Mastectomy, a dressing or bandage to cover your incision and keep it clean, a surgical drain to help blood and fluid drain from the surgical site, how to care for your incision, including how to bathe or shower, which exercises to do to promote range of motion in your arm and shoulder and how often to do them, what you may expect as far as pain, numbness, or other sensations, how to recognize signs of complications, like infections or lymphedema, when you can start doing certain activities again, such as household chores, driving, and wearing a bra, experienced acute, severe postmastectomy pain, bleeding from the surgical site thats more than you were told to expect, redness, swelling, or pain around your incision, an area thats red, tender, or feels warm to the touch, unexplained swelling around the surgical site, which could be signs of a, persistent swelling in your arm or hand, which can be a sign of, a notebook for tracking medications or for writing down questions to ask your surgeon during your follow-up appointment, a wedge pillow to help keep you propped up in bed or on the couch. Its a long post but there just seems to be so little info available that I wanted to share. This can happen if you have a more extensive procedure, such as a radical mastectomy or if you have breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful. Any ideas why the arm swell, or become edematous, after a radial mastectomy? (regarding that, I wonder if guys had needles stuck in their privates if they would be a little more sensitive with their needles???) It was part of the reason I had an ER visit post op. I bought them from Dick's Sporting Goods Store. I was stage 1", "Hello @almostoutofthewoods and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I was in excellent physical shape when I underwent my hysterectomy (Not to brag, but I actually had a six-pack!). Very long story short I developed lymphedema out of the gate following surgery in my left arm. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. My doctor okayed me to have PT to work on the lymphedema. There's no way to completely predict or prevent breast cancer. I bought the 9" abdominal binder from the medical store called Aids for Recovery. Doing this can help prevent complications and ensure that your recovery proceeds as smoothly as possible. Yes, on a rare occasion I have gas, but that isn't the problem, since it always stays the same even when I have gas and I take care of that problem. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. Copyright 2000-2022 Cancer Survivors Network. Did this swelling resolve for anyone? This is great info. My prophylactic, bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstructionwith implants, has developed severe swelling on left side. Prophylactic mastectomy is surgery to remove breast tissue. When having a mastectomy, your breast tissue is cut away from your skin. and the surgeon blew me off. I asked her what if I had no arms and she said I was carrying things too far. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. Immediately after your mastectomy, youll be moved into the recovery room at the hospital. Instead have been doing core exercises and strength training from the Physical Therapy Dept at our facility. I look like a freak. 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! It doesn't allow me here. 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. Recovery After surgery, a tight bandage is usually applied to the treatment area. I have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment. If I had a bulge now I look at the lymphatic system. Clearly the link you wanted to post is not spam. Most have been trained on the job by a mentor some actually have had themselves a mastectomy or lumpectomy for even better first hand advise the m How long will i have tightness and swelling after double mastectomy? I am also really having a hard time losing 15 pounds which I need to do. After eight years in the system and with an excellent BCN I would always use her as my first port of call. If you feel sick to your stomach, let the staff know, so they can give you some antinausea medication. Was told it would get better. Please allow me to post it for you. Did they do anything to reduce the seroma? How long will I be recovering from a mastectomy? Thanks for you input. Thanks again. This can be treated in several ways, including the medications and therapies discussed above. Hi, I had my mastectomy in April, and ever since the op I've had upper abdominal swelling. I WAS a 13 year survivor until last month. All rights reserved. The nurses/techs give you bs when you ask for proper treatment.you cant get lymphedema if you only have 1 node removedyou wont get if after 10 yearsyou wont get it if they take blood from your handthey cant take blood pressure in your legit goes on and on. I have mild lymphedema in one arm after a bilateral mastectomy where seventeen lymph nodes were removed. I am huge, I have had four children and I didn't get this big in my abdominal area. Have a lovely Sunday and again thanks for your reply. I haven't been horrendously uncomfortable most of the time. Breast reconstruction with flap surgery is the most complex breast reconstructive option. I noticed that you wanted to add a URL to a video. Belly bloatHi Shirley - I too had my surgery last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. "I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. Then revision surgery on August 3rd. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) in Minneapolis, please share. Depends: It depends how long after gastrectomy.If the swelling happens a few days later, it can be due to infection or bleeding. Up till then I was completely fobbed off. Figure 1. It may also be difficult to sleep flat for a while. Sooo frustrating. Her comment was "Mom maybe you just didn't notice how big your belly was when your boobs were hanging down over it." Its common to have pain or discomfort after a mastectomy. My health carrier is Kaiser Permanente and prior to any surgeries, they have patients attend classes guided by physical therapists. A belly binder may just bind the area and not let the lymphs move along. Hugs.. @charisa, cindylb 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. Breast cancer survivor bilateral mastectomy sentinel node removed on cancerous side now have arm and trunk swelling on non affected side is this norm? I noticed I have a bloated stomach when I washed myself up. Some of those nerve ending may regenerate themselves; but for the majority of women, the end result is a lack of sensation. Either a hematoma or a seroma need draining. The amount of stress on the intercostal nerves could be reduced with less invasive techniques such as the VATS technique. My seroma was only found after I had a full body scan when a primary was found in my second breast. The content on this site is for informational purposes only. I proactively insisted on a referral to a lymphedema therapist (who incidentally was awful I have since found a kind, caring, and helpful therapist. I woke up from the first surgery with", "@carr That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. Your nurse or doctor can drain the fluid with a needle and syringe if the seroma is painful. 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! Complete your request online or contact us by phone. When can I resume my normal activities after a mastectomy? You may not like the look of your implants or the way your chest looks if you chose not to do reconstruction. May I ask if you had reconstruction after your mx? @trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that. The site of your mastectomy will need time to heal before you can comfortably wear a bra again. 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 . A mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this includes tissue in the arm pit. Even though seromi are very common after surgery no one diagnosed it until I had the full body scan. He's focused on getting the cancer out. That was a great article about relieving abdominal bloating. Your tissue has been injured due to the stretching and cutting during surgery. 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. Thanks! After time, you will gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise. 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. She was happy with everything. Then I went back to the last page and noticed that @colleenyoung beat me to it. You have had a double mx but don't say you have been reconstructed, so no tummy interference. I am so relieved that I have found this group and that I am not alone with this problem! Ido have swelling around my side and back, and under my arm, and a feeling on the upperunderside of my arm of a rubbing sensation, as if it's badly grazed.i guess this is all post op symptoms but just wondered if anyone else has experienced this. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. I am new on this site and have been trawling for information. But I am glad I found this forum and got information about what I am possibly having. Learn more. But on the best positive ever i am 5 years clear . Breast Cancer Now is a company limited by guarantee registered in England (9347608) and a charity registered in England and Wales (1160558), Scotland (SC045584) and the Isle of Man (1200). Can a Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Be Performed at the Same Time? October 2003 #5. Its best to avoid strenuous exercises until you get the OK from your surgeon. I found a certified lymphedema therapist and I will make an appointment. I started to post the video after reading your comment, impulsive? 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. Give yourself patience and space to recover. Anyone seeing me would assume that I am six months pregnant. It often happens in the arms or legs, but can also happen in the face, neck, trunk, abdomen (belly), or genitals. You can do research about them on Google to understand how they work. Below, well take a deeper dive into what to expect when recovering from a mastectomy. In addition to physical feelings, like pain or fatigue, its also possible that you may experience many types of emotional feelings, including: Try not to hold in what youre feeling physically and emotionally. , Well my results turned out different I went for a colonoscopy and an endoscopy today and my doctor said that I could possibly have a hiatal hernia I will be able to confirm it Monday because I'm having a CT scan with contrast and they're supposed to let me know something but so far that's what they say my bump is I pray everybody figures out what theirs is. 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! Publication types Case Reports Review MeSH terms Abdominal Wall / innervation Abdominal Wall / physiopathology* Humans I had a mastectomy and few lymph nodes removal nearly 7 weeks ago and have exactly the same symptoms you have described. My lymphedema is mild because I avoid triggers, practice MLD, have a Flexitouch pump system to use as needed, know what physical exercises to do to help, know how to short-stretch bandage if necessary, and finally wear a compression sleeve during exercise or exertion. Ask to see a lymphedema specialist for help. on the non affected side. Some individuals may develop chronic pain following a mastectomy. "I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago. You will know if you develop a seroma. Here's what you. Swelling after mastectomy A 69-year-old female asked: How long will i have tightness and swelling after double mastectomy? @carr Dr. William explains how it happens and the difference between swelling and seroma with an actual patient case. I might be a big baby, but I was so upset! How". 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. dog_lover Member Posts: 8. You should go to a certified lymphedema therapist, or CLT. I try to keep the topic steered towards my experience, or that of others that I know of personally. I am really glad you contacted your doctor right away. Thanks again for trying to help! I do not get my blood drawn at the cancer center nor the hospital associated with it. Owned and operated by CharityUSA.com, LLC. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. I have found the vibration on a cycle track is very good. Dr. Harness comments on the degree of swelling a woman should expect after her double mastectomy. Lots of swelling but few if any, caused by pedicle tram recon. I already use compression camisole", "@mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. It sounds as if you are doing fairly well. Learn how CBCs are used in the treatment of breast cancer. what could be wrong and what do i do? Youll have difficulty finding clothes, especially if you only have one breast. I found the breast nurses the most useful and approachable. Good luck and persevere it is your body and you that needs to live with it. Re: Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? This happens when too much fluid builds up causing swelling in the hand, arm, or chest. Conclusion: Abdominal wall paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery. In 2020 I noticed a bulge that grew and grew! 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. All Rights Reserved. Sometimes the fluid can build up again after being drained. 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 physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD", "Thank you! No evidence of any liquid to drain out. Funds are paid by Greater Good Charities to benefiting organizations as a grant. Right after surgery, youre limited in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in your body. Weve assembled some tips below to help you get started. This can include: Its very important to carefully follow all of these instructions after you return home. My breastcare nurse have also been a great source of help and support. Hello @almostoutofthewoods and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. With any surgery there may be side effects that you were unaware of. 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. If you had a mastectomy without breast reconstruction, youll be given a prosthesis to wear. Interested in more discussions like this? PS would physiotherapy help re strengthening other muscles, what to do/not to do etc? "Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. Sooooo frustrating. I was always fairly lean until my DMX in 2017. 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. Is there anyway to tell if this is a hematoma orsomething other than normal -without going back to the doctor? I bought them from Dick's Sporting Goods Store. I do find that some of those things help, just to make sure that gas doesnt make a bad problem worse. @almostoutofthewoods There are different lymphedema pads called "swell spots" that are quite helpful. I am not a medic so dont know. Youll see the scars of where your cancer and breast once were. i have a huge swelling around my implant breast (mascetomy surgery) and i pulled myself at work. It can cause: swelling pain an increased risk of infection The fluid normally goes away on its own within a few weeks. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. According to the American Cancer Society, most women can return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks. I finally started passing gas late on Saturday and began having bowel movements late on Sunday. Every time he had breast augmentation, it can cause some surrounding swelling to the upper abdominal wall for a week or 2 after surgery. I woke up from the first surgery with it. I wear the abdominal binder during the day at work and the shorts if I'm relaxing around the house etc.. I can tell this is very bothersome to you, as I can understand. However, some breast cancer patients will be shocked to feel brief bouts of sharp pain in their breast months, even years later. Also, some elastic type shorts that come up to belly button and that have a wide elastic band for waist. All Rights Reserved. Me too. Most of the people faces problem after surgeries but then you must be really cautious about all these problems.

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