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. One concern you may have is when you can go about daily activities, like household chores and running errands. I am so thankful you found a therapist who has helped you. 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. When you open up your body, youre leaving yourself exposed. No chemo or radiation. I had my mastectomy last December - no recon - and since then, my stomach on mx side looks like I'm pregnant too. 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). Same response as with the other reply here I saw. You May ask why if it is common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. I would be happy to receive news and updates from Cancer Chat, NICE suspected cancer referral guidelines, Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People. In some cases, the skin and tissue need to be augmented with a breast implant to achieve the desired breast size. Its one of several potential treatment options for breast cancer. Because everyone experiences pain differently, the intensity and duration can vary between individuals. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. I am on Cefadroxil, which does make me nauseous if I take it on an empty stomach. 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. What Causes Stomach Bloating After Breast Augmentation Surgery? @sandyjr and others in this thread.. I know part of it is my posture and I am seeing a PT to pull my shoulders back and strengthen my core. Usually drains will help to minimize this but not completely prevent it. Instead have been doing core exercises and strength training from the Physical Therapy Dept at our facility. Support those fighting Breast Cancer at The Breast Cancer Site for free! what could be wrong and what do i do? Youll have difficulty finding clothes, especially if you only have one breast. I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. Last Thursday, I had a Simple Mastectomy . breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. does it eventually go down? Many of those women wonder what to expect post-mastectomy. My seroma was only found after I had a full body scan when a primary was found in my second breast. I woud look at your lymph system as the areas you have highlighted sound like the main lymph drainage areas. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. So, any treatment, or have they just said that it will go on its own eventually? We mustnt just accept. A belly binder may just bind the area and not let the lymphs move along. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. Sometimes the fluid can build up again after being drained. I wear the abdominal binder during the day at work and the shorts if I'm relaxing around the house etc.. We spent extra time with our doctors asking questions to help us understand what we were getting into. But, from a surgeon's point of view, your feeling about your belly isn't important. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) in Minneapolis, please share. You should go to a certified lymphedema therapist, or CLT. I then researched seroma after abdominal surgery and I found its a fairly common side effect. They were wrong (and @trixie1313 ) I too have Kaiser and I wish my care had been as complete as yours.sigh. I'm not tiny but I've never had such a big upper tummy! Hopefully the burping and passing gas is the beginning of your relief and your bowels will follow. When you return to work can also depend on the type of work you do. There was nothing wrong with my tummy before this op!! 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. As a matter of fact, I have found two phlebotomists that will honor this. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. Be careful not to touch or remove the steri-strips or sutures. In addition to general pain or discomfort, it's possible to feel:. Do I now walk around in constant discomfort, looking 4 months pregnant? Every time he had breast augmentation, it can cause some surrounding swelling to the upper abdominal wall for a week or 2 after surgery. Your nurse or doctor can drain the fluid with a needle and syringe if the seroma is painful. Right after surgery, you're limited in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in your body. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. My left ankle has been swelling in hot weather but is not swollen this morning. After time, you will gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise. 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. I too had 'mild' lymphedema.now I have hand and arm damage and it's not so mild. Ugh. However, there are many ways you can set yourself up for an easier recovery. I had a bi lateral mastectomy five years ago and only one lymph node removed on my left and two on my right (where the invasive cancer was). It's most common after operations that remove tissue in the upper outside portion of the breast or the underarm area. It stimulates the main lymph drainage areas, in you tummy, back and groin. Answer: 1-2 weeks. I try to get walking in and gym but doesnt seem to help. Follow your instincts and if your doctor isn't responsive enough, keep looking for one who will attend to your health needs. Mastectomy: Your operation explained. I had a drain in on either side and developed a couple of Seroma. A 2018 observational study estimated that 20 to 30 percent of people who undergo breast surgery experience some type of chronic pain. 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. Brenin DR, et al. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Its likely that youll start out with gentle, low impact exercise and slowly increase in intensity. You have had a post op ct so if it was a seroma they should have been able to see the fluid. Did they do anything to reduce the seroma? Any ideas why the arm swell, or become edematous, after a radial mastectomy? Most people who have a mastectomy only need a short hospital say. Repeat this movement 5 times. 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. Good Luck and return to your doctor and get it diagnosed and 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. I didn't have chemo or radiation and I only took anastrozole for 5.5 months, after bad side effects. It takes time to completely recover from a mastectomy. However, recovery can be longer for some individuals, potentially taking months. YES, we discussed loss of feeling and sensation in my breasts and armpits. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding 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. 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. Those are your signs to call your doctor for further instructions. Sooooo frustrating. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. My dx is Colon Cancer w/ liver mets - 8 tumors spread throughout liver so resection of liver not an option, nor is transplant. The content on this site is for informational purposes only. Are these options things you've already tried or are doing? I had a mastectomy and few lymph nodes removal nearly 7 weeks ago and have exactly the same symptoms you have described. No swelling in my extremities. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. I just googled abdominal lymphedema after breast cancer and yes, I'm sure that is what I have, and many others also have. (doctors are currently evaluating my mom for other causes, including ovarian cancer). Swelling after mastectomy A 69-year-old female asked: How long will i have tightness and swelling after double mastectomy? The hospital and my surgeon said", "Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. I am a very small frame and I am 74 all most 75 years of age. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. All Rights Reserved. Medical procedures always scare me now. Mine went undiagnosed, even though they are very common, and meant I needed another operation to remove it. Your lymph nodes help filter out harmful substances. If people got proper training, they would know about lymphedema and be able to give proper treatment. I am a year out of a double mastectomy and seem to develop a lot of upper belly fat. I was in excellent physical shape when I underwent my hysterectomy (Not to brag, but I actually had a six-pack!). Immediately after your mastectomy, youll be moved into the recovery room at the hospital. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe. Chronic pain after breast surgery: A prospective, observational study. It always looks the same, no matter what I do. I have no answer but mine was a seroma and had to be surgically remove as it was left so long. This can happen if you have a more extensive procedure, such as a radical mastectomy or if you have breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. The maximal effect i Dr. Susan Rhoads and another doctor agree. My abdominal swelling was caused by reconstruction where they lifted the skin from lower belly to boob. If this is the case, get instructions from your surgeon on how to care for your surgical drains at home. It can spread to the abdomen due to the lower breast pocket and gravity. Prophylactic mastectomy is surgery to remove breast tissue. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection. This can be treated in several ways, including the medications and therapies discussed above. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD", "Thank you! Its also common to feel a bit nauseous from the anesthesia. Exercise is a major key to recovery, in my opinion, and for me that has brought many unexpected benefits. They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. Not standard mastectomy. I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. But if those emotions last longer than you would desire, seek some help from a professional. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. 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. 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. How long will I be recovering from a mastectomy? The recovery from mastectomy is different for everyone. When having a mastectomy, your breast tissue is cut away from your skin. No evidence of any liquid to drain out. All Rights Reserved. I am glad to hear about the MLD and will ask my oncologist to refer me. I wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect. yes . Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. I know they cut all of the muscles and nerves and they never recover completely. I will probably get the results of that this Friday..I hope. @carr 1) Observation and better selection of a bra-mastectomy shop is /dissection was not done (?) How long would naproxen take to work for me? Good luck. so glad it's not just me!!!! That was a great article about relieving abdominal bloating. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. I have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment. 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. I found a certified lymphedema therapist and I will make an appointment. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. Re: Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. @aiden727 I did not know about this. Any ideas? Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. p.s. Heres what to expect. Did you get it sorted ? Hugs to all. It's NOT a good look! 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. This feeling is due to nerve damage that can happen during the surgery. Thanks for you input. I am getting bilateral mastectomy/breast reconstruction (after finding out I have a genetic mutation) next month and am scared to death about my hospital experience. Pain management in breast surgery: Recommendations of a multidisciplinary expert panel the American Society of Breast Surgeons. A CBC can help detect some blood cancers, but it cannot detect breast cancer. Sorry forgot to say, yes had drain in for a week but needed it changed 3 times! I wake up not as bloated then as the day goes on, whether I eat or not, the belly bloats. Ask to see a lymphedema specialist for help. Last Thursday, I had a Simple Mastectomy and Sentenal Node Biopsy. You may not like the look of your implants or the way your chest looks if you chose not to do reconstruction. 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. Now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms. I am not a medic so dont know. You have a foreign object inside your body, which may just want to reject that object. So, for now, Im sticking with my detox tea, exercise and yoga to try to get my body back in balance. Have a lovely Sunday and again thanks for your reply. What are some tips for mastectomy recovery? This depends on your overall health as well as the type of procedure you had. There's evanmarcus again appearing on the forum with slightly odd remarks.. I look like a freak. I think paranoid hyperchondriac is a pretty good label for me right now! Clearly the link you wanted to post is not spam. In 2020 I noticed a bulge that grew and grew! This may be 2 weeks or longer. What happens after breast surgery. Did any of you get a diagnosis? Thanks for providing that information. Dressings. Conclusion: Abdominal wall paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery. 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 . Of course, I could just be obese in that area. FYI @almostoutofthewoods. Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. Chronic pain after mastectomy happens due to nerve damage. Its a good idea to take another person with you the first time you drive after surgery. My GP doesn't seem bothered, and my BCN says it will 'probably go away'. 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.. It's like I'm 8 months pregnant! It can cause: swelling pain an increased risk of infection The fluid normally goes away on its own within a few weeks. So, yes, I have lymphedema and the massage moved a lot of fluid out. A mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this includes tissue in the arm pit. I started this thread back in 2013/4 so there have been lots of views and posts since then. There must be something out there which acts as an appropriate support band. Some examples of things to pack are: Recovering from a mastectomy can be physically and emotionally challenging at times. It's most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. It's horrible enough going through cancer and treatment and all of the problems involved without having this disfiguring problem. Even after all that, we still dont know everything or we just simply forgot in amongst all that information being thrown our direction. A belly binder may just bind the area and not let the lymphs move along. My seroma was only diagnosed after a scan. Try to have a loved one get the prescription filled when youre on your way home, so youll have it on hand if you need it. Stay vigilant. Pain relief within an hour. All rights reserved. I woke up from the first surgery with it. 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. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. Most surgeons seem to feel that the area settles more quickly if it is left to absorb into the surrounding tissues naturally. Melatonin and Breast Cancer: Is it Safe and Can it Help? I had stage 1, no lymph nodes removed. If youre unsure if its safe for you to drive, ask your surgeon for their advice. When those nodes are removed, Lymphedema may occur. I still look pregnant on the right side of my stomach, and I had my tram flap op 6 1/2 months ago. (2020). Eighteen ways to reduce bloating: i have a huge swelling around my implant breast (mascetomy surgery) and i pulled myself at work. I have had CT scan, Xrays and blood tests and all are normal. About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated. All rights reserved. Thanks people, and I hope you're all doing ok. 2022 Breast Cancer Now. which swelled occasionally but disapated in a day or 2. now i have had pouch swelling fo? 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. Hugs.. @charisa, cindylb Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Can Breast Cancer Be Detected in a Complete Blood Count (CBC)? So grateful I found this group! It is 9 days since mastectomy I am very swollen and bruised and swollen particularly under my arm. Also how can I tell if I have a seroma or just post surgical swelling. I bought the 9" abdominal binder from the medical store called Aids for Recovery. Can a Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Be Performed at the Same Time? The dr said that it was lymphatic fluid gathering at the bottom of my breast due to the surgery. 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. 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! Now lets explore when you may be able to restart certain activities after your mastectomy. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. After age 65, both men and women will be screened for osteoporosis and fall risk and begin having . Breast reconstruction with flap surgery is the most complex breast reconstructive option. I already messaged my surgeon. I have read some cases where bilateral mastectomy gets the lymphatic system out of balance. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. Try to get a lymphadema clinic referral as knowing the correct way to massage the lymph system is very important. This morning I noticed swelling in upper left abdomen. Nette, thank you so much for that - I'll certainly get it checked out. Belly bloatHi Shirley - I too had my surgery last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy. 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 anything we can do to make the swelling go down? 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'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. 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 think you must consult a doctor on this as they can suggest you something after propec checkups and test reports. I had mastectomy and TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). Gone up several sizes despite losing weight. This is great info. Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful. 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 always, I stress that I am by no means an expert in this area. This occurs when the bowels do not move regularly, which can cause bloating and abdominal pain. Thanks! Anyone seeing me would assume that I am six months pregnant. And. When you do this, your care team and loved ones can help provide the support you need during your recovery. My prophylactic, bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstructionwith implants, has developed severe swelling on left side. This build-up might cause swelling and discomfort. Is it all connected? But it doesnt worry me and although occasionally uncomfortable it doesnt hurt. When you leave the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery at home. For others, it may be longer. It takes several weeks to recover from a mastectomy. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. 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. I am now on a very strict program of PT, massage, and bandaging to keep the lymphedema under control. Use a towel to dry your incision thoroughly after showering. I had no reconstruction and try to go to gym and walk 3 times a week but doesnt seem to help. PS would physiotherapy help re strengthening other muscles, what to do/not to do etc? This is particularly true with women who have had a mastectomy. The doctors kept telling me I wouldn't get lymphdema with just one node removed. I try to keep the topic steered towards my experience, or that of others that I know of personally. Thanks again. 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.
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