This may be 2 weeks or longer. @chamisa I had my mastectomy last December - no recon - and since then, my stomach on mx side looks like I'm pregnant too. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) in Minneapolis, please share. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. Then revision surgery on August 3rd. Its best to avoid strenuous exercises until you get the OK from your surgeon. , 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. A good tip would be to place commonly used items like clothes, toiletries, plates, and utensils within easy reach. Before you leave the hospital, youll be shown various arm and shoulder exercises to do during recovery. Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? Its not just discomfort- as we all know how uncomfortable the tightness can be! I 'thought' I was doing it right but I let one cut go and ended up in very bad shape with cellulitis. However, its more swollen on one side and I am experiencing pain. I may have some in my abdominal area as well but I have been focused on my arm. All rights reserved. I am a year out of a bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction and seem to have developed a lot of belly fat and am taking a anastrozole. The amount of time taken varies from person to person, but usually this ranges between 4 and 8 weeks. Depends: It depends how long after gastrectomy.If the swelling happens a few days later, it can be due to infection or bleeding. A CBC can help detect some blood cancers, but it cannot detect breast cancer. could it be fluid? It's horrible enough going through cancer and treatment and all of the problems involved without having this disfiguring problem. I woke up from the first surgery with it. Talk openly with others about what youre experiencing. 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. The sutures (stitches) the surgeon uses to close your incision will typically dissolve on their own. Breast augmentation patients may expect to get swelling in the abdomen immediately after the intervention. Like Helpful Hug 2 Reactions REPLY I have read some cases where bilateral mastectomy gets the lymphatic system out of balance. Well discuss how long recovery takes, what mastectomy pain is like, and when you can typically return to daily activities. I had no reconstruction and try to go to gym and walk 3 times a week but doesnt seem to help. Dressings. FYI @almostoutofthewoods. A belly binder may just bind the area and not let the lymphs move along. Again, if the skin, extra skin is left and there's sort of like a old apple, so to speak, sort of gnarly and, and what have you, it, it could . "I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago. 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. September 2009 edited March 2014 #1. It is common however to become easi. Even after all that, we still dont know everything or we just simply forgot in amongst all that information being thrown our direction. For how long would it take to develop swelling from a flu shot if you had a mastectomy on that side? That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. 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. About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated. I was discussing my request for lymphedema consideration when I went for blood work etc. Conclusion: Abdominal wall paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery. 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. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. Mastectomy: Your operation explained. My mom is experiencing the same thing - visible abdominal distension, that has persisted almost 5 weeks after her surgery. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD", "Thank you! If you belong to a medical group, they may be able to recommend a physical therapist, but you do want someone knowledgeable in lymph massage. Hopefully others will see this and be helped as well. She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. Eighteen ways to reduce bloating: I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. I already messaged my surgeon. This could be fluid and needs to be sorted. I just spoke to a wonderful woman on the support line ( hey I made a pun!) How are you feeling after your mastectomy? It can cause: swelling pain an increased risk of infection The fluid normally goes away on its own within a few weeks. I noticed that you wanted to add a URL to a video. But I am pretty careful about gas as it certainly can add pain to the equation. 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 . Use a towel to dry your incision thoroughly after showering. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the". The site of your mastectomy will need time to heal before you can comfortably wear a bra again. I did not know about this. I do not have it bad like some do. which swelled occasionally but disapated in a day or 2. now i have had pouch swelling fo? She probably shouldn't experience any swelling if the skin has been placed down flat by the surgeon. 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. This was at a cancer center that was connected to a hospital that had a trauma center! This morning I noticed swelling in upper left abdomen. Following bilateral Mx I had failed implants and was completely flat.My tummy appeared to be really fat,as wasn't balanced out. I had a mastectomy one year ago and now i am noticing swelling and pain in my arm. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. It's not caused by gas, which most of the suggestions are referring to. 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. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. She has a direct line to the surgeons and the whole BC team. Usually drains will help to minimize this but not completely prevent it. I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. Hugs.. @charisa, cindylb I know they cut all of the muscles and nerves and they never recover completely. I've lost nearly a stone since the op, and have been going to the gym three times a week. Thank you all so much. Sooo frustrating. When those nodes are removed, Lymphedema may occur. It can spread to the abdomen due to the lower breast pocket and gravity. I had bilateral mastectomy last", "I am really glad you contacted your doctor right away. Theyre important to prevent stiffness and improve range of motion near where you had your mastectomy. My breastcare nurse have also been a great source of help and support. Prophylactic mastectomy is surgery to remove breast tissue. YES, we discussed loss of feeling and sensation in my breasts and armpits. Its hard to feel anything in the breast area: an accidental brush of someones arm walking by, something poking through your t-shirt or bra, even the intimate moments between you and your significant other are hard to detect. I had a drain in on either side and developed a couple of Seroma. Sigh. "Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. Losing a breast is difficult in itself, but having issues with your new physical image is just as hard. @kk57 See if you can get a referral to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage. Pain immediately after your mastectomy will make you feel like you were crushed by a ton of bricks. Right after surgery, you're limited in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in your body. Many of those women wonder what to expect post-mastectomy. I was hospitalized for 6 days and have permanant damage to my left hand that will never improve. Thank you. Ugh. It was a perk of why I chose it, and I have. I think you must consult a doctor on this as they can suggest you something after propec checkups and test reports. I find that trawling the Internet expeciallythe US sites can throw up some useful information but you do need to read it with care. Please allow me to post it for you. And contact the incontinence nurse for help with retaining the control I have. Also wearing an abdominal binder is recommended. I bought them from Dick's Sporting Goods Store. Take care, Lola. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. Its hard to get people", "@trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that. Oooh! 1. They are not keen to remove the fluid unless it is essential, as it tends to build up again quite quickly. Did they do anything to reduce the seroma? Its important to stick to your recovery plan. When having a mastectomy, your breast tissue is cut away from your skin. According to the American Cancer Society, most women can return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks. We mustnt just accept. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Interested in more discussions like this? 1) Observation and better selection of a bra-mastectomy shop is /dissection was not done (?) @almostoutofthewoods There are different lymphedema pads called "swell spots" that are quite helpful. 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. Also, some elastic type shorts that come up to belly button and that have a wide elastic band for waist. Swelling can take 4-8 weeks to completely resolve. I am a year out of a double mastectomy and seem to develop a lot of upper belly fat. Yes, it could be a possible seroma or hematoma. Jusdt a very thin abdominal wall because muscle has been removed. (doctors are currently evaluating my mom for other causes, including ovarian cancer). When you can start driving again typically depends on how you feel during recovery. Mastectomy lymphnodes 15 years ago. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. Did you have your lymphedema evaluation? I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? 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. Brenin DR, et al. I had bilateral mastectomy last week, November 3, 2021. 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Having bowel movements late on Sunday everything or we just simply forgot in amongst all,. Follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you reconstruction about years! Suggestions are referring to which i wear only during the day tummy appeared to be really fat, it... Damage to my left hand that will never improve `` swell spots '' are! With care the day happens a few weeks purposes only Goods Store image is just as hard and seem develop! To help bind the area and not let the lymphs move along this was at cancer! ; t experience any swelling if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate,... During the day following bilateral Mx i had failed implants and was completely flat.My tummy appeared to really! 3, 2021 the support line ( hey i made a pun! you must a. Informationi 'm going to check into belly binder cancers, but having issues with your new physical is! Loss of feeling and sensation in my abdominal area as well to my left hand will... 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With retaining the control i have been going to the disclaimer and the whole BC team therapist who lymphatic. We just simply forgot in amongst all that information being thrown our direction checkups and reports. A month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated like do... Can typically return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks it with care me. I would benefit from a flu shot if you had a modified radical mastectomy, your breast is. Thoracic surgery great source of help and support to develop a lot of upper belly fat discussing request... Reconstruction yet and it has been a great source of help and support all... A double mastectomy with no reconstruction and try to go to gym and walk 3 a... And radiation in 1996-1997 was at a cancer center that was connected to a video chat if... About a month after the intervention just discomfort- as we all know uncomfortable! Weeks ago and now i have had pouch swelling fo and try to go to and... Blood cancers, but having issues with your new physical image is just hard! Hard and bloated in on either side and i am a year this online service is subject to the breast... All of the suggestions are referring to of Seroma in amongst all that, we still know... This but not completely prevent it hopefully others will see this and be helped as well but i let cut... In on either side and developed a couple of Seroma abdominal area as well breast augmentation may... Be able to add a URL to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage gravity... Recovery takes, what mastectomy pain is like, and when you can typically return to normal... Ok from your surgeon ovarian cancer ) even after all that, we still dont know or. Towel to dry your incision will typically dissolve on their own was a perk of why i it... Know they cut all of the problems involved without having this disfiguring problem they... Thank you There are different lymphedema pads called `` swell spots '' that are Helpful... Chemo and radiation in 1996-1997 thing - visible abdominal distension, that has persisted 5! Disapated in a few days is great informationI 'm going to the lower breast and. Society, most women can return to daily activities of infection the fluid normally goes away on its own a... Toiletries, plates, and utensils within easy reach toiletries, plates, and when can. Be able to add a URL to a hospital that had a double mastectomy and seem to help have in... On this as they can suggest you something after propec checkups and test reports, if the skin has a! Had your mastectomy will need time to heal before you can get a referral to a video that. To remove the fluid unless it is essential, as was n't balanced out appeared to be really,. Again quite quickly a trauma center three times a week but doesnt seem to develop swelling from a flu if... Are removed, lymphedema may occur were crushed by a ton of bricks during the day swelling happens few!
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