I can tell this is very bothersome to", "Thanks for the info, but it's definitely not a regular "bloating" or digestion problem. Doing so can help your recovery go as smoothly as possible. Hugs to all. Sorry for any confusion. I am also on the Wheat Belly diet, which is similar to Ketono wheat or grains, no sugar, good fats and vegetables, etc. There was nothing wrong with my tummy before this op!! I had a CT scan yesterday. (2020). However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. My belly seemed almost as big as my boobs were (and that's not small). I am just wondering what was the outcome for you? "I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. After age 65, both men and women will be screened for osteoporosis and fall risk and begin having . I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. Either a hematoma or a seroma need draining. Dr. Harness comments on the degree of swelling a woman should expect after her double mastectomy. Also, try walking to help. Chronic pain after breast surgery: A prospective, observational study. She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. I think paranoid hyperchondriac is a pretty good label for me right now! This can happen if you have a more extensive procedure, such as a radical mastectomy or if you have breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. Its also possible for numbness to be persistent or chronic. I wear the abdominal binder during the day at work and the shorts if I'm relaxing around the house etc.. 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.. 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. Then I went back to the last page and noticed that @colleenyoung beat me to it. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. In some cases, the skin and tissue need to be augmented with a breast implant to achieve the desired breast size. It stimulates the main lymph drainage areas, in you tummy, back and groin. I can't put the link. After you wake up from the anesthesia, you may notice that you have: Youll be given pain medication to help ease discomfort. I was very concerned about lymphedema because I was trying to resolve my risks. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. I haven't been horrendously uncomfortable most of the time. Try to make the circle as big as you can and move both shoulders at the same time. We are always here for you. 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. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. Up till then I was completely fobbed off. 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. Checklist for recovery after mastectomy. Contact your doctor promptly if you have: Looking for help in planning your mastectomy recovery? It may take time to regain that muscle strength. 1) Observation and better selection of a bra-mastectomy shop is /dissection was not done (?) This can include: Its very important to carefully follow all of these instructions after you return home. I have no answer but mine was a seroma and had to be surgically remove as it was left so long. Owned and operated by CharityUSA.com, LLC. I do not get my blood drawn at the cancer center nor the hospital associated with it. 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. Dressings. Did you get it sorted ? If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) in Minneapolis, please share. I was hospitalized for 6 days and have permanant damage to my left hand that will never improve. PS would physiotherapy help re strengthening other muscles, what to do/not to do etc? This feeling is due to nerve damage that can happen during the surgery. 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! does it eventually go down? When you open up your body, youre leaving yourself exposed. 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. Has anyone else had this? For example, you might not be able to lift your arms above your head for a period of time during your recovery. I look like a freak. It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. Its important to take all pain medications exactly as prescribed. Mine has in ever since chemo so thought it was from that but other folks noticed it after anesthesia. Your surgeon will be able to give you more specific details. How". Weve assembled some tips below to help you get started. I now have a very large protruding stomach that seems to get progressively worse as time goes on. Pain immediately after your mastectomy will make you feel like you were crushed by a ton of bricks. It may also be difficult to sleep flat for a while. The swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along. Be sure if you go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage. GP has suggested that it is related to my surgery ( I wasn't like this prior) and to get the area scanned. Good Luck everyone and a swift recovery. Also, some elastic type shorts that come up to belly button and that have a wide elastic band for waist. They are not keen to remove the fluid unless it is essential, as it tends to build up again quite quickly. Publication types Case Reports Review MeSH terms Abdominal Wall / innervation Abdominal Wall / physiopathology* Humans If youre unsure if its safe for you to drive, ask your surgeon for their advice. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. Be careful not to touch or remove the steri-strips or sutures. Thank you, @carr. I have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment. Swelling can take 4-8 weeks to completely resolve. Your surgeon can give you a more specific timeline for how long your recovery period may last. Because everyone experiences pain differently, the intensity and duration can vary between individuals. I might be a big baby, but I was so upset! I already messaged my surgeon. But if those emotions last longer than you would desire, seek some help from a professional. I have had CT scan, Xrays and blood tests and all are normal. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. If the mastectomy also took lymph nodes out of the armpit, the arm will always have a tendency to swell. which swelled occasionally but disapated in a day or 2. now i have had pouch swelling fo? I'm here because of the bloated stomach I noticed just today. I had my op on both breasts on the Thursday and my drains were taken out on the Saturday. About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated. They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. The only thing I can suggest is that you ask for a scan or you float the idea of a seroma with a memberof your medical team. Keep at your PT and massage and other care. Talk openly with others about what youre experiencing. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. This results in nerve endings being shredded. Also given the line that it just looks bigger because you have no breasts. Mine went undiagnosed, even though they are very common, and meant I needed another operation to remove it. I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. Interested in more discussions like this? This feels different like an unusual fluid retention in the belly region. I saw this video yesterday on youtube explaining swelling after surgery by Dr. William Miami. It often happens in the arms or legs, but can also happen in the face, neck, trunk, abdomen (belly), or genitals. So grateful I found this group! Hearing the words, You have cancer, creates many emotional scars. 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? @carr The worst part of my story is thisthis past November I got cellulitis in my left hand and arm and went into sepsis. These are typically removed during a follow-up visit. Most surgeons seem to feel that the area settles more quickly if it is left to absorb into the surrounding tissues naturally. I woke up from the first surgery with it. It's not caused by gas, which most of the suggestions are referring to. As a matter of fact, I have found two phlebotomists that will honor this. Its hard to get people to understand that. They just say that because muscle has been removed from my abdomen, the abdominal wall is very thin, so there is not much support. I am so thankful you found a therapist who has helped you. Lymphadema is a very distressing problem. Any update? I WAS a 13 year survivor until last month. I just googled abdominal lymphedema after breast cancer and yes, I'm sure that is what I have, and many others also have. But the causes are not known for sure. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. No chemo or radiation. To learn more, please visit our. I have mild lymphedema in one arm after a bilateral mastectomy where seventeen lymph nodes were removed. I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. Weakness is a common side effect to mastectomy patients, especially to those who proceed with reconstructive surgery. pouch left in armpit. 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. When can I resume my normal activities after a mastectomy? (doctors are currently evaluating my mom for other causes, including ovarian cancer). Take care, Lola. They were wrong (and @trixie1313 ) I too have Kaiser and I wish my care had been as complete as yours.sigh. 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. I'm 48 and apparently not peri-menopausal. 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. All Rights Reserved. , 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. So grateful I found this group! It is best to see your oncologist. I would be happy to receive news and updates from Cancer Chat, NICE suspected cancer referral guidelines, Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People. Goodbye surgeon. Im currently three years post-mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. A mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this includes tissue in the arm pit. Exercise is a major key to recovery, in my opinion, and for me that has brought many unexpected benefits. So, for now, Im sticking with my detox tea, exercise and yoga to try to get my body back in balance. Good luck to you! If people got proper training, they would know about lymphedema and be able to give proper treatment. Did you get a response? They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. Im going to email my surgeons with all those questions you dont ask at the time ! So, any treatment, or have they just said that it will go on its own eventually? I felt lucky about their cancer assessment, but I couldn't get the information or education for lymphedema I requested. How are you doing? I wake up not as bloated then as the day goes on, whether I eat or not, the belly bloats. Interested in more discussions like this? Its a good idea to take another person with you the first time you drive after surgery. I have found the vibration on a cycle track is very good. We spent extra time with our doctors asking questions to help us understand what we were getting into. It took 4-6 months before I could comfortably do sit-ups without swelling or pain. Conclusion: Abdominal wall paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery. I had bilateral mastectomy last", "I am really glad you contacted your doctor right away. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. You have had a double mx but don't say you have been reconstructed, so no tummy interference. During this time, theyll evaluate your progress, discuss any additional treatments (if needed), and address any concerns you may have. Hello. You can do research about them on Google to understand how they work. These include redness, pain, heat, increased swelling, or fever. Does it go away? @aiden727 I do find that some of those things help, just to make sure that gas doesnt make a bad problem worse. You should go to a certified lymphedema therapist, or CLT. Below, well take a deeper dive into what to expect when recovering from a mastectomy. Please allow me to post it for you. I have read some great info though! 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. You May ask why if it is common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed. But I am glad I found this forum and got information about what I am possibly having. Thanks! 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! PMPS is thought to be linked to damage done to the nerves in the armpit and chest during surgery. I try to keep the topic steered towards my experience, or that of others that I know of personally. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the smallest). I hope I have give you some ideas. Copyright 2000-2022 Cancer Survivors Network. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. and the surgeon blew me off. Is there anyway to tell if this is a hematoma orsomething other than normal -without going back to the doctor? This can be treated in several ways, including the medications and therapies discussed above. It can cause: swelling pain an increased risk of infection The fluid normally goes away on its own within a few weeks. You should go to a certified lymphedema therapist, or CLT. I have recently found recorded medical lectures on You Tube that I have found helpful. I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago. dog_lover Member Posts: 8. However, some breast cancer patients will be shocked to feel brief bouts of sharp pain in their breast months, even years later. Any ideas why the arm swell, or become edematous, after a radial mastectomy? Not do vigorous, repetitive movements against resistance with the affected arm. When those nodes are removed, Lymphedema may occur. If I had a bulge now I look at the lymphatic system. 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. It was a perk of why I chose it, and I have. I am glad to hear about the MLD and will ask my oncologist to refer me. Youll have difficulty finding clothes, especially if you only have one breast. The site of your mastectomy will need time to heal before you can comfortably wear a bra again. This morning I noticed swelling in upper left abdomen. You have had a post op ct so if it was a seroma they should have been able to see the fluid. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. What are the side-effects they need to be aware of? Stay vigilant. When you talk about massage is it literally gentle massage with your fingers. Oooh! Swelling Because of the overall healing response of multiple surgical sites, swelling is normal and expected of the breasts and the abdomen after surgery. Infections can happen with any surgery. Mine was the result of abdominal reconstruction taken from my tummy and tunnelled up to my breast. One common reason why your stomach may be bigger after a hysterectomy is constipation. Has the lymphedema subsided? Thanks for the info, but it's definitely not a regular "bloating" or digestion problem. Many of those women wonder what to expect post-mastectomy. (I dont like regular lymphedema compression sleeves but I do like Solidea brand items, which my therapist recommended.) @almostoutofthewoods There are different lymphedema pads called "swell spots" that are quite helpful. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. A belly binder may just bind the area and not let the lymphs move along. Great news but now2 months out I still cant wear my clothes. Youll also be given a leaflet that has written and visual descriptions of these exercises. Very long story short I developed lymphedema out of the gate following surgery in my left arm. things that can help you while showering or bathing, including: items to help with surgical drains (if you have them), such as: a drain lanyard for the shower, which can help to keep surgical drains from dangling, a mastectomy drain apron or jacket, which has pockets designed to secure surgical drains, comfortable pants, such as yoga or lounge pants, shirts that fit loosely and that can button or zip in the front, something to keep you entertained in your hospital room, such as a book, magazine, or tablet. Now lets explore when you may be able to restart certain activities after your mastectomy. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. Clearly the link you wanted to post is not spam. 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. Its hard to get people to understand that. It always looks the same, no matter what I do. All, I am 5 weeks post double MX and have the belly swelling you describe. Breast cancer survivor bilateral mastectomy sentinel node removed on cancerous side now have arm and trunk swelling on non affected side is this norm? Then she went out and got me fruits and a big salad to push the greens. My prophylactic, bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstructionwith implants, has developed severe swelling on left side. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. This is great info. Thanks, I am going to email my consultants and see if they have recommendations for Physio- you are on it! Dr. William explains how it happens and the difference between swelling and seroma with an actual patient case. Might be worth discussing with hospital team and GP? Hahaha. Most people recover from a mastectomy without complications. 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. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. Registered Office: Fifth Floor, Ibex House, 4247 Minories, London EC3N 1DY. All rights reserved. I had my mx last December and unless I wear my prosthesis I look pregnant - not a good look LOL x. Hi, thank you for responding. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. Gone up several sizes despite losing weight. Lots of swelling but few if any, caused by pedicle tram recon. Its possible that you may go home with one or more surgical drains. Sorry forgot to say, yes had drain in for a week but needed it changed 3 times! Not standard mastectomy. Its best to avoid strenuous exercises until you get the OK from your surgeon. Any update? Please tell me it will go away. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. However, the surgeon got a little ambitious and created a lot of damage on my left side to remove the node. I noticed that you wanted to add a URL to a video. If this is the case, get instructions from your surgeon on how to care for your surgical drains at home. When breast cancer is present, surgeons will take a few lymph nodes (if not more) to determine the stage and spread of cancer. You should be off narcotic pain medication before driving again. Six years later I have a perfectly flat stomach but can still feel a pull. 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. However, some people may have a longer recovery period. Thank you, @carr. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. Did they do anything to reduce the seroma? I never had trouble doing that either before all this. 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. 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. Now I look like Im six months pregnant. I had my mastectomy last December - no recon - and since then, my stomach on mx side looks like I'm pregnant too. I am now on a very strict program of PT, massage, and bandaging to keep the lymphedema under control. Any ideas? It takes time to completely recover from a mastectomy. I've lost 2 inches off each thigh and can't keep my trousers up, but my upper tummy just stays distended. That was a great article about relieving abdominal bloating. Thank you! 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. It's horrible enough going through cancer and treatment and all of the problems involved without having this disfiguring problem. Last Thursday, I had a Simple Mastectomy and Sentenal Node Biopsy. Nette, thank you so much for that - I'll certainly get it checked out. Support those fighting Breast Cancer at The Breast Cancer Site for free! Protect your fingers from needle pricks and sharp objects. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. Hi, I had my mastectomy in April, and ever since the op I've had upper abdominal swelling. I can tell this is very bothersome to you, as I can understand. @mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. @carr I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. 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. May I ask if you had reconstruction after your mx? Even though seromi are very common after surgery no one diagnosed it until I had the full body scan. There is often variability between patients, but with Naproxen, one could expect to experience some In a circular motion, bring your shoulders forward, up, backward, and down (see Figure 1). But it does seem just that bit more than those would explain. The CT scan revealed nothing untoward, except that my abdominal wall is minus muscle that was used for boob reconstruction. Did you get a response? That pain will subside. What Causes Stomach Bloating After Breast Augmentation Surgery? As it turned out there were no lymph nodes removed, just some fatty tissue. Your surgeon will talk with you about when this may be possible. Thank you all so much. 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! It doesn't allow me here. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) in Minneapolis, please share. According to the American Cancer Society, most women can return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks. i have a huge swelling around my implant breast (mascetomy surgery) and i pulled myself at work. About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated. My mom is experiencing the same thing - visible abdominal distension, that has persisted almost 5 weeks after her surgery. Belly Bloat after mastectomy? Did any of you get a diagnosis? it took me a year to have my abdominal swell to be identified but when it was I was told it was a common side effect. How are you feeling after your mastectomy? I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. I still look pregnant on the right side of my stomach, and I had my tram flap op 6 1/2 months ago. After researching this phenomenon online, I think that it must be due to the antibiotic I will finish today. Good Luck and return to your doctor and get it diagnosed and sorted. With this in mind, try to prep your house and supplies ahead of time. Possible problems after mastectomy. . I already use compression camisole", "@mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. I woke up from the first surgery with it. Also given the line that "it just looks bigger because you have no breasts". Prophylactic mastectomy is surgery to remove breast tissue. A belly binder may just bind the area and not let the lymphs move along. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. While everyone is different, the wounds and healin process should be about 90% complete in the 6-8 week timeframe. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. Because of this, its unlikely that youll have to return to the hospital or a doctors office to have them removed. 20002023 The Breast Cancer Site and GreaterGood. @chamisa I try to get walking in and gym but doesnt seem to help. When having a mastectomy, your breast tissue is cut away from your skin. Its important to talk with your surgeon about which specific activities you can do when you get home. Like Helpful Hug Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? I didn't have chemo or radiation and I only took anastrozole for 5.5 months, after bad side effects.
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