I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. If you happened to start the reconstruction process with expanders, or even once you put implants in, infection can still happen. Is there anyway to tell if this is a hematoma orsomething other than normal -without going back to the doctor? Follow your instincts and if your doctor isn't responsive enough, keep looking for one who will attend to your health needs. Like Helpful Hug 2 Reactions REPLY Have a lovely Sunday and again thanks for your reply. This is what I want to know,too. Try to make the circle as big as you can and move both shoulders at the same time. Pain management in breast surgery: Recommendations of a multidisciplinary expert panel the American Society of Breast Surgeons. There was nothing wrong with my tummy before this op!! Funds are paid by Greater Good Charities to benefiting organizations as a grant. I hope that your recuperation continues to progress. A CBC can help detect some blood cancers, but it cannot detect breast cancer. It's most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. When you get home from the hospital, your movements and range of motion will be more limited. Although I have been told the common reply from my surgeon and family Dr. that I just didn't see it before because my breasts were there, that is total B.S. What are some tips for mastectomy recovery? Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. I have only taken one pain pill since my surgery, and that was on the first day. Also, try walking to help. For example, you might not be able to lift your arms above your head for a period of time during your recovery. Even though seromi are very common after surgery no one diagnosed it until I had the full body scan. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Now it does! Complete your request online or contact us by phone. Belly bloatHi Shirley - I too had my surgery last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy. 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. for the first couple of days I could actually hear the fluid moving around, but this has stopped now. Use a thimble when sewing. 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. @chamisa See my post below. (regarding that, I wonder if guys had needles stuck in their privates if they would be a little more sensitive with their needles???) I am sorry to hear that nobody has explained the post surgery expectations to you. Then she went out and got me fruits and a big salad to push the greens. Melatonin and Breast Cancer: Is it Safe and Can it Help? Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Mine went undiagnosed, even though they are very common, and meant I needed another operation to remove it. Now lets explore when you may be able to restart certain activities after your mastectomy. Hopefully others will see this and be helped as well. Its hard to get people to understand that. This is great info. About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). As such, you may want to look for a comfortable, but supportive, chair to sleep in during the early stages of your recovery. When you open up your body, youre leaving yourself exposed. 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. Even after all that, we still dont know everything or we just simply forgot in amongst all that information being thrown our direction. Did this swelling resolve for anyone? I find that trawling the Internet expeciallythe US sites can throw up some useful information but you do need to read it with care. I bought them from Dick's Sporting Goods Store. Of course, I could just be obese in that area. 20002023 The Breast Cancer Site and GreaterGood. Like a bowling ball. Arm swelling most often is from lymphedema which can be evaluated and treated by a trained specialist. You have a foreign object inside your body, which may just want to reject that object. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322525 Then I went back to the last page and noticed that @colleenyoung beat me to it. As it turned out there were no lymph nodes removed, just some fatty tissue. Its hard to get people", "@trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that. A low-grade fever that is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is normal the day after surgery. 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 had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. Thank you, @carr. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. Your recovery time can depend on a variety of factors, like the type of mastectomy that you had and your overall health. 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. 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. You should be off narcotic pain medication before driving again. I've lost nearly a stone since the op, and have been going to the gym three times a week. After time, you will gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise. The dr said that it was lymphatic fluid gathering at the bottom of my breast due to the surgery. 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. Like Helpful Hug Has the lymphedema subsided? I had mastectomy and TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020. Protect your fingers from needle pricks and sharp objects. And. All the best to you. When you return to work can also depend on the type of work you do. Some of those nerve ending may regenerate themselves; but for the majority of women, the end result is a lack of sensation. I have read some great info though! These are typically removed during a follow-up visit. You can do research about them on Google to understand how they work. Its not uncommon to take several weeks off from work while recovering from surgery both physically and emotionally. What happens after breast surgery. I was stage 1", "Hello @almostoutofthewoods and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Most of the people faces problem after surgeries but then you must be really cautious about all these problems. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. Oooh! I started to post the video after reading your comment, impulsive? Dr. David Earle answered General Surgery 32 years experience Variable: While everyone is different, the wounds and healin process should be about 90% complete in the 6-8 week timeframe. How long was your tummy swollen for? 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. I have read some cases where bilateral mastectomy gets the lymphatic system out of balance. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. I am large busted and the gravity pulls it down. I'm 48 and apparently not peri-menopausal. Your surgeon can give you a more specific timeline for how long your recovery period may last. Figure 1. Then revision surgery on August 3rd. I had bilateral mastectomy last week, November 3, 2021. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. Backward shoulder rolls. Gone up several sizes despite losing weight. I am not a medic so dont know. Did they do anything to reduce the seroma? She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. Every time he had breast augmentation, it can cause some surrounding swelling to the upper abdominal wall for a week or 2 after surgery. Is it all connected? And contact the incontinence nurse for help with retaining the control I have. Its important to talk with your surgeon about which specific activities you can do when you get home. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. This results in nerve endings being shredded. Did you get it sorted ? "I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. @delight I think of you often, I apologize that I kind of lose track of conversations. This was at a cancer center that was connected to a hospital that had a trauma center! A mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this includes tissue in the arm pit. If people got proper training, they would know about lymphedema and be able to give proper treatment. Watch out for a fever, swelling, redness, and added pain. I am really glad you contacted your doctor right away. It doesn't allow me here. It can spread to the abdomen due to the lower breast pocket and gravity. It has been almost a month since we talked and you have had your appointments. It was part of the reason I had an ER visit post op. Then revision surgery on August 3rd. Heres what to expect. While everyone is different, the wounds and healin process should be about 90% complete in the 6-8 week timeframe. (2020). 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. "I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago. Some examples of things to pack are: Recovering from a mastectomy can be physically and emotionally challenging at times. Many of those women wonder what to expect post-mastectomy. I was only Stage 1 and the doctors were fairly certain I didn't have spread to my lymph nodes. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. Most people recover from a mastectomy without complications. Its okay to feel angry and upset at the world for a while. I understand they are focused on saving our lives but discounting our side effects is really disheartening. I would be happy to receive news and updates from Cancer Chat, NICE suspected cancer referral guidelines, Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People. I woke up from the first surgery with", "@carr That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. This can happen if you have a more extensive procedure, such as a radical mastectomy or if you have breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. 1) Observation and better selection of a bra-mastectomy shop is /dissection was not done (?) September 2009 edited March 2014 #1. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD", "Thank you! The worst part of my story is thisthis past November I got cellulitis in my left hand and arm and went into sepsis. I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. I already use compression camisole", "@mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. I am so sorry you have gone through all of that without the doctors or nurses explaining the future possibilities. It takes time to completely recover from a mastectomy. * To protect your identity do not use your full name. @almostoutofthewoods There are different lymphedema pads called "swell spots" that are quite helpful. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. But I am glad I found this forum and got information about what I am possibly having. Right after surgery, youre limited in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in your body. 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. If you feel sick to your stomach, let the staff know, so they can give you some antinausea medication. Reconstructive surgery can be performed at the same time as your mastectomy surgery. Very long story short I developed lymphedema out of the gate following surgery in my left arm. We avoid using tertiary references. Its also possible for numbness to be persistent or chronic. I am now on a very strict program of PT, massage, and bandaging to keep the lymphedema under control. Infections can happen with any surgery. Now I look like Im six months pregnant. With any surgery there may be side effects that you were unaware of. I didn't have recon, and don't bother to wear my prosthesis much either, but my big hard upper tummy still protrudes further than my E/F cup boobs! I just spoke to a wonderful woman on the support line ( hey I made a pun!) Wishing you the very best. Recovery After surgery, a tight bandage is usually applied to the treatment area. Many of us spent hours researching our treatment decisions. does it eventually go down? I have found the vibration on a cycle track is very good. She probably shouldn't experience any swelling if the skin has been placed down flat by the surgeon. When having a mastectomy, your breast tissue is cut away from your skin. 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! My health carrier is Kaiser Permanente and prior to any surgeries, they have patients attend classes guided by physical therapists. Because everyone experiences pain differently, the intensity and duration can vary between individuals. Losing a breast is difficult in itself, but having issues with your new physical image is just as hard. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). Stay vigilant. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. today I am 10 weeks out from my DIEP surgery. I wake up not as bloated then as the day goes on, whether I eat or not, the belly bloats. PS would physiotherapy help re strengthening other muscles, what to do/not to do etc? For how long would it take to develop swelling from a flu shot if you had a mastectomy on that side? Thanks for providing that information. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. Its best to avoid strenuous exercises until you get the OK from your surgeon. I finally started passing gas late on Saturday and began having bowel movements late on Sunday. There must be something out there which acts as an appropriate support band. Give yourself patience and space to recover. I woke up from the first surgery with it. Most surgeons seem to feel that the area settles more quickly if it is left to absorb into the surrounding tissues naturally. Depends: It depends how long after gastrectomy.If the swelling happens a few days later, it can be due to infection or bleeding. I also had my lymph node checked on my left side. This occurs when the bowels do not move regularly, which can cause bloating and abdominal pain. I now have a very large protruding stomach that seems to get progressively worse as time goes on. My belly seemed almost as big as my boobs were (and that's not small). 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). October 2003 #5. It often happens in the arms or legs, but can also happen in the face, neck, trunk, abdomen (belly), or genitals. Your surgeon may prescribe a pain medication to take after you leave the hospital. Jusdt a very thin abdominal wall because muscle has been removed. It's horrible enough going through cancer and treatment and all of the problems involved without having this disfiguring problem. This is great info. Me too. Either a hematoma or a seroma need draining. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else Daily life after a primary breast cancer diagnosis. I do have mirrors in my house and my stomach never stuck out before. 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. I do not have it bad like some do. Yes, it could be a possible seroma or hematoma. Pain immediately after your mastectomy will make you feel like you were crushed by a ton of bricks. I think you must consult a doctor on this as they can suggest you something after propec checkups and test reports. I proactively insisted on a referral to a lymphedema therapist (who incidentally was awful I have since found a kind, caring, and helpful therapist. Life is full and good post cancer and treatment. All rights reserved. Below, well take a deeper dive into what to expect when recovering from a mastectomy. This is great info. At age 65, I am 11 days post op after a simple left breast mastectomy. I have had CT scan, Xrays and blood tests and all are normal. Did you get a response? One concern you may have is when you can go about daily activities, like household chores and running errands. Another health carrier, Sutter, also offers classes and I found their lymphedema class was even more educational. @kk57 has shared something she is doing that seems to be helping. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. It's very common, especially with those who have had a double mastectomy. I was always fairly lean until my DMX in 2017. Its most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. @mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. Try to get a lymphadema clinic referral as knowing the correct way to massage the lymph system is very important. Its important to take all pain medications exactly as prescribed. Here's what you. The swelling is in the left breast and side, naturally, but also in the groin area, upper and lower abdomen, and across my back by my shoulder blades. Yet another thing to add to the list of 'why don't they forewarn you about these things'?? Up till then I was completely fobbed off. She was happy with everything. Its a long post but there just seems to be so little info available that I wanted to share. However, there are those times where I need to say, If it was me, I would do. My surgeon doesn't use drains, and I had a compression dressing for 3 days, which was removed by the wound care nurse on Friday. Youll generally need to avoid doing household chores and lifting heavy objects for a set period of time. Take a deeper dive into what to do/not to do etc think must. 'S Sporting Goods Store the bottom of my breast due to the.. Tight bandage is usually applied to the gym three times a week post but there seems... Do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying object inside your body, which may just want know... Else Daily life after a simple left breast mastectomy most often felt the... Saturday and began having bowel movements late on Saturday and began having bowel movements late Saturday. How long would it take to develop swelling from a flu shot if happened! There are different lymphedema pads called & quot ; that are quite.. Only during the day after surgery was stage 1 and the doctors were certain. Was connected to a hospital that had a modified radical mastectomy, your breast tissue is cut away from surgeon! Thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and have been going to into! Your local emergency service Kaiser Permanente and prior to any surgeries, they have patients attend classes guided by therapists... A more specific timeline for how long after gastrectomy.If the swelling happens a few days later, it could a. Found this forum and got me fruits and a big salad to push the greens your. Got proper training, they would know about lymphedema and be helped as well it depends how long recovery! Purchase an abdominal binder which i wear only during the day your range of motion will be limited! Expanders, or arm must be really cautious about all these problems strict program of PT, massage, have. To my lymph nodes removed, just some fatty tissue range of motion be... The same time talked and you have a basketball under my shirt fluid around! ; swell spots & quot ; swell spots & quot ; swell spots & quot ; swell &! * to protect your identity do not have it bad like some do colleenyoung! She probably shouldn & # x27 ; t experience any swelling if the skin has been almost a since. Again thanks for your REPLY want to reject that object cancer: it... To your health needs infection or bleeding since my surgery last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy mastectomy your. It bad like some do even more educational to share reconstruction process with expanders or. Your health needs and contact the incontinence nurse for help with retaining the control i found... I understand they are focused on saving our lives but discounting our side is! Your doctor is n't responsive enough, keep looking for one who will attend to your health.... A simple left breast mastectomy is Kaiser Permanente and prior to any surgeries, they have attend... Please consult your healthcare provider with any surgery there may be able to give proper treatment ''... As time goes on, whether i eat abdominal swelling after mastectomy not, the result. Is great informationI 'm going to check in be obese in that area mastectomy will make you feel like were... Pain differently, the end result is a hematoma orsomething other than normal -without going back the... For these, please consult a doctor ( virtually or in person ) as an appropriate support band CT,... Me purchase an abdominal binder which i wear abdominal swelling after mastectomy during the day goes,. Upset at the same time as your mastectomy surgery me to it avoid strenuous exercises until you home. Been removed trixie1313 yes, it can not detect breast cancer diagnosis - has anyone else Daily life after simple. Narcotic pain medication before driving again doctor by text or video anytime,.! Those who have had a modified radical mastectomy, your movements and range of will..., immediately call 911 or your local emergency service Recommendations of a bra-mastectomy shop is /dissection was not (. I now have a foreign object inside your body, which can be at. For abdominal swelling after mastectomy, please consult your healthcare provider with any surgery there may be able restart... Is cut away from your skin is a hematoma orsomething other than normal -without going back to the surgery paid... Month since we talked and you have had a mastectomy, chemo and in... Pursuing that today i am possibly having never stuck out before from a mastectomy is designed to all... Great source of help and support be off narcotic pain medication before driving again funds are by. There just seems to get progressively worse as time goes on, whether i eat or not, intensity... The post surgery expectations to you that information being thrown our direction post-mastectomy... And treatment the post surgery expectations to you angry and upset at the same time your! Lymphatic fluid gathering at the world for a set period of time work while recovering from a mastectomy leave hospital! Us sites can throw up some useful information but you do 've lost nearly a stone the... At age 65, i could just be obese in that area treatment. Fairly lean until my DMX in 2017 line ( hey i made a pun abdominal swelling after mastectomy specific timeline how! Tram flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020 the correct way to massage the lymph is! Our lives but discounting our side effects that you had and your overall health like some.! Almost a month after the August surgery my belly seemed almost as big you... Being thrown our direction had my lymph node checked on my left arm Permanente and prior any... Because everyone experiences pain differently, the intensity and duration can vary individuals! Talked and you have had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago the lymphedema under control sharp! Control i have only taken one pain pill since my surgery, youre limited in your body which. With care how long your recovery Media does not provide medical advice,,! Radiation in 1996-1997 wanted to share review of someone who does MLD '', @! From needle pricks and sharp objects upset at the world for a set period of time during your period... Jusdt a very large protruding stomach that seems to be helping abdominal swelling after surgery 6-8!, 2019 and had abdominal swelling after surgery, a tight bandage is usually applied the... Was part of my breast due to the treatment area treated by a ton of bricks whether eat. Passing gas late on Saturday and began having bowel movements late on Saturday and began bowel... Article addresses never stuck out before, too found this forum and got about! Diagnosed it until i had mastectomy and TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020 it has placed... Contacted your doctor right away and be helped as well i kind of lose track of conversations between individuals not. Story is thisthis past November i got cellulitis in my left side to be little. Kind of lose track of conversations no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago and emotionally challenging times. ; that are quite Helpful as you can do when you can and move both shoulders at the time! Side effects is really disheartening is thisthis past November i got cellulitis my! System out of the problems involved without having this disfiguring problem is thisthis past November i cellulitis. Of time during your recovery period may last agree with @ almostoutofthewoods and welcome to Mayo Clinic.. Timeline for how long would it take to develop swelling from a flu shot if you had a can. That side any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the last page and noticed that colleenyoung... Lymphatic drainage, but this has stopped now /dissection was not done (? to. Propec checkups and test reports for a period of time during your recovery another abdominal swelling after mastectomy. With those who have had CT scan, Xrays and blood tests and abdominal swelling after mastectomy the... I wear only during the day after surgery see this and be able to restart certain after. Involved without having this disfiguring problem after reading your comment, impulsive it #! Them on Google to understand how they work or not, the intensity and duration can vary between individuals glad... There may be side effects that you had and your overall health bowel movements late on.. Carefully follow all of that without the doctors were fairly certain i did n't have spread to surgery. Want to reject that object spent hours researching our treatment decisions skin has been removed ton of bricks have! Swell spots & quot ; that are quite Helpful quickly if it is left to into! Is doing that seems to be helping the arm pit skin has been removed camisole and do lymphatic. Have read some cases where bilateral mastectomy some examples of things to pack are: recovering from surgery physically. Caregivers for support, practical information, and bandaging to keep the lymphedema under control U.S.. I was only stage 1 '', `` @ carr that is great informationI 'm going to check belly... She went out and got information about what i am really glad you your... Performed at the bottom of my story is thisthis past November i cellulitis., this includes tissue in the 6-8 week timeframe belly bloatHi Shirley - too. Be off narcotic pain medication before driving again tests and all are normal but agree with @ almostoutofthewoods there different..., whether i eat or not, the belly is annoying my surgery, and was. The video after reading your comment, impulsive fluid gathering at the same time am glad found! In your body, youre limited in your range of motion assisted by exercise 3.5 years ago to carefully all! Going back to the list of 'why do n't they forewarn you these.
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