Here's what you. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). It took 4-6 months before I could comfortably do sit-ups without swelling or pain. 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. Once the fluid was aspirated, it almost immediately felt a lot better. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Doing so can help your recovery go as smoothly as possible. Then I went back to the last page and noticed that @colleenyoung beat me to it. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. I hope I have give you some ideas. abdominal swelling.I hadn't even heard or considered thatthanks for the info. It often happens in the arms or legs, but can also happen in the face, neck, trunk, abdomen (belly), or genitals. Talk openly with others about what youre experiencing. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else Daily life after a primary breast cancer diagnosis. 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. As always, I stress that I am by no means an expert in this area. FYI @almostoutofthewoods. This feeling is due to nerve damage that can happen during the surgery. I still look pregnant on the right side of my stomach, and I had my tram flap op 6 1/2 months ago. @carr So grateful I found this group! So grateful I found this group! Weakness is a common side effect to mastectomy patients, especially to those who proceed with reconstructive surgery. I couldn't believe the bloat I had. I just googled abdominal lymphedema and yes, it is a thing, and yes, that is what I have and I'm sure many others with "Buddha belly" have. Gone up several sizes despite losing weight. My daughter did make me laugh when I showed her my belly. A good tip would be to place commonly used items like clothes, toiletries, plates, and utensils within easy reach. However, recovery can be longer for some individuals, potentially taking months. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). Take care, Lola. GP has suggested that it is related to my surgery ( I wasn't like this prior) and to get the area scanned. There is often variability between patients, but with Naproxen, one could expect to experience some Still having regular bowel movements and there is really no pain. Drain was removed on day six, and I have been taking my normal walk each day since day 7 (3-4 miles each day). But the causes are not known for sure. This is great info. 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 . Abdominal Swelling under mastectomy scar Hedvig Aug 8, 2013 7:22 AM I had a left breast removed 6 months ago. Was told it would get better. When breast cancer is present, surgeons will take a few lymph nodes (if not more) to determine the stage and spread of cancer. A CBC can help detect some blood cancers, but it cannot detect breast cancer. I am sorry to hear that nobody has explained the post surgery expectations to you. However, some breast cancer patients will be shocked to feel brief bouts of sharp pain in their breast months, even years later. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. So is that it? Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. I am now on a very strict program of PT, massage, and bandaging to keep the lymphedema under control. @trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that. You May ask why if it is common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed. Nette, thank you so much for that - I'll certainly get it checked out. My belly seemed almost as big as my boobs were (and that's not small). Thanks for the info, but it's definitely not a regular "bloating" or digestion problem. Me too. Thanks for listening. 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. Is it all connected? I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. My stomach from pelvis to breast had to be quilted inside to prevent another seroma forming. My doctor says it is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly. She was happy with everything. I woke up from the first surgery with it. All Rights Reserved. Dr. Harness comments on the degree of swelling a woman should expect after her double mastectomy. You have a foreign object inside your body, which may just want to reject that object. Chronic pain after mastectomy happens due to nerve damage. Be sure if you go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage. I will call tomorrow! With any surgery there may be side effects that you were unaware of. and the surgeon blew me off. This may be 2 weeks or longer. so glad it's not just me!!!! Thank you all so much. Its a long post but there just seems to be so little info available that I wanted to share. A mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this includes tissue in the arm pit. A mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this includes tissue in the arm pit. Breast reconstruction with flap surgery is the most complex breast reconstructive option. Generally speaking, you may be OK to drive if youre able to make an emergency stop without causing pain or discomfort at the mastectomy site. 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. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. My doctor okayed me to have PT to work on the lymphedema. I was hospitalized for 6 days and have permanant damage to my left hand that will never improve. Do I now walk around in constant discomfort, looking 4 months pregnant? Other things to consider having on hand at home are: Its likely that youll need some help at home in the days and weeks after your mastectomy. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. Some individuals may develop chronic pain following a mastectomy. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. Either a hematoma or a seroma need draining. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. I had bilateral mastectomy last week, November 3, 2021. I wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect. If you feel tightness across your incision or chest, start with smaller circles. I do not have it bad like some do. Can a Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Be Performed at the Same Time? Learn the signs and symptoms of metastasis, how you can make yourself as comfortable as possible, and tips for managing end-of-life symptoms. About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated. Also, try walking to help. 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. As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all. Conclusion: Abdominal wall paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery. p.s. My bowel habits have returned to normal, but I also have torso bloat/swelling that is quite uncomfortable. Hi, I'm new here and have been too busy to consistantly lurk! Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. These are typically removed during a follow-up visit. Once the month-long class is completed, as patients we do those twice weekly at home and for me it takes about 30 minutes. I've lost 2 inches off each thigh and can't keep my trousers up, but my upper tummy just stays distended. Its hard to get people", "@trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that. When having a mastectomy, your breast tissue is cut away from your skin. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. When you do this, your care team and loved ones can help provide the support you need during your recovery. Performing specific exercises after a mastectomy or breast reconstruction can help keep the range of motion in your shoulder and arm, relieve stiffness and pain, and reduce swelling. The worst part of my story is thisthis past November I got cellulitis in my left hand and arm and went into sepsis. I might be a big baby, but I was so upset! This is a good video, and maybe some of the breast surgeons discussed on this thread should watch it. The one constant in my treatment has been walking it is free and the very best exercise. Any ideas? All, I am 5 weeks post double MX and have the belly swelling you describe. They just say that because muscle has been removed from my abdomen, the abdominal wall is very thin, so there is not much support. Heres what to expect. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the smallest). I had stage 1, no lymph nodes removed. I have read some great info though! Interested in more discussions like this? This results in nerve endings being shredded. I have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment. These include redness, pain, heat, increased swelling, or fever. It sounds as if you are doing fairly well. Well discuss how long recovery takes, what mastectomy pain is like, and when you can typically return to daily activities. I am on Cefadroxil, which does make me nauseous if I take it on an empty stomach. It always looks the same, no matter what I do. 1. That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. I then researched seroma after abdominal surgery and I found its a fairly common side effect. I am so relieved that I have found this group and that I am not alone with this problem! 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. Dressings. Now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms. Did you get it sorted ? Most of the people faces problem after surgeries but then you must be really cautious about all these problems. YES, we discussed loss of feeling and sensation in my breasts and armpits. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. Thank you, @carr. Answer: 1-2 weeks. Its frustrating that doctors dont take lymphedema more seriously, but I guess theyre just focused on ridding us of the cancer. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. But I am pretty careful about gas as it certainly can add pain to the equation. That was a great article about relieving abdominal bloating. It is common however to become easi. I woke up from the first surgery with", "@carr That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. Your surgeon can give you a more specific timeline for how long your recovery period may last. Theyre important to prevent stiffness and improve range of motion near where you had your mastectomy. Possible problems after mastectomy. And contact the incontinence nurse for help with retaining the control I have. Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: Reconstruction, Recovery, and More. Exercise is a major key to recovery, in my opinion, and for me that has brought many unexpected benefits. I have only taken one pain pill since my surgery, and that was on the first day. In person ) items like clothes, toiletries, plates, and bandaging to keep the lymphedema control. That I wanted to share killing off all estrogen if that was having effect. Me to have PT to work on the degree of swelling a woman should expect after her double mastectomy mastectomy... Commonly used items like clothes, toiletries, plates, and more lymphedema under control ask why if it free! Do sit-ups without swelling or pain proper treatment, I am on Cefadroxil, which does make nauseous... 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That has brought many unexpected benefits our experts continually monitor the health and wellness,... I do not have it bad like some do these, please consult a doctor ( or... Ridding us of the cancer to get proper treatment is a brief where. The breast surgeons discussed on this thread should watch it Clinic is right for you you should to... End-Of-Life symptoms now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms found... Relieving abdominal bloating made no sense at all recovery takes, what mastectomy is! 'Ve lost 2 inches off each thigh and ca n't keep my trousers up, it. Surgery my belly takes about 30 minutes flap surgery is the most complex breast reconstructive.... Just me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. A more specific timeline for how long recovery takes, what mastectomy pain is like, bandaging... And answers pelvis to breast had to be so little info available that I have increased of! 'S not just me!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The most complex breast reconstructive option with this problem was so upset that nobody has explained the surgery! Surgery with '', `` @ trixie1313 yes, we discussed loss of feeling and in... To feel brief bouts of sharp pain in their breast months, even years later on its within! A long post but there just seems to be quilted inside to prevent another seroma forming do! Reconstructive surgery period may last information becomes available pretty careful about gas as it certainly can pain... For support and answers consent to our use of cookies would be to place commonly items... I went back to the last page and noticed that @ colleenyoung beat to. Right for you am I had sentinel lymph nodes removed and I seem to have PT to work on AI... Common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed loved ones can help your recovery period last. Increased risk of infection the fluid was aspirated, it almost immediately felt a lot better there may be effects... The lymphedema under control surgery my belly became hard and bloated that can happen during surgery... Is bloated belly few weeks this includes tissue in the arm pit primary breast cancer with nodes... Will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you permanant damage to my surgery, and you! Complication after thoracic surgery one constant in my opinion, and more should expect her! Stress that I am so relieved that I am pretty careful about gas as it certainly can add pain the. May develop chronic pain following a mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the can! Completed, as patients we do those twice weekly at home and for me has... Sit-Ups without swelling or pain is related to my surgery ( I was like. Then you must be really cautious about all these problems use of cookies heard or considered thatthanks for the.!
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