abdominal swelling after mastectomy

Anyone seeing me would assume that I am six months pregnant. Thanks for the info, but it's definitely not a regular "bloating" or digestion problem. Contact your doctor promptly if you have: Looking for help in planning your mastectomy recovery? I had a mastectomy one year ago and now i am noticing swelling and pain in my arm. Studies have shown that between 20% and 30% of women develop symptoms of PMPS after surgery. A mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this includes tissue in the arm pit. 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. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. Lung Cancer Surgery Recovery Time: How Long Does It Take? Its important to talk with your surgeon about which specific activities you can do when you get home. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. We avoid using tertiary references. However, its important to be aware of the signs of a potential complication so that you can seek help. I hope that your recuperation continues to progress. @kk57 See if you can get a referral to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage. @aiden727 I have no answer but mine was a seroma and had to be surgically remove as it was left so long. My belly swells and goes down. 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. 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. This feels different like an unusual fluid retention in the belly region. If the procedure involves the formation of the lower breast pocket, the swelling may not be limited to the breasts. When you leave the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery at home. I had my mastectomy last December - no recon - and since then, my stomach on mx side looks like I'm pregnant too. It was frustrating. Also, try walking to help. (2020). I hope that your recuperation continues to progress. Funny how simple but just needed to hear someone else say go get it checked!, Why would you not wont to go back to your doctor?It could be a seroma. I have recently found recorded medical lectures on You Tube that I have found helpful. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. Its okay to feel angry and upset at the world for a while. How are you doing? I am a very small frame and I am 74 all most 75 years of age. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe. My doctor says it is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly. As always, I stress that I am by no means an expert in this area. 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. Goodbye surgeon. Breast reconstruction with flap surgery is the most complex breast reconstructive option. But it does seem just that bit more than those would explain. Might be a bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist (and be safe)? Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. However, for some individuals, it may take months. does it eventually go down? Please allow me to post it for you. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. This is such a common problem after a mastectomy that I would think doctors would admit that it is a problem and address it. I have mild lymphedema in one arm after a bilateral mastectomy where seventeen lymph nodes were removed. Sooooo frustrating. 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. i have a huge swelling around my implant breast (mascetomy surgery) and i pulled myself at work. (2018). This is a good video, and maybe some of the breast surgeons discussed on this thread should watch it. 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. If the mastectomy also took lymph nodes out of the armpit, the arm will always have a tendency to swell. Are these options things you've already tried or are doing? Breast cancer survivor bilateral mastectomy sentinel node removed on cancerous side now have arm and trunk swelling on non affected side is this norm? I never had trouble doing that either before all this. Thanks again. I was in excellent physical shape when I underwent my hysterectomy (Not to brag, but I actually had a six-pack!). My breastcare nurse have also been a great source of help and support. Its not just discomfort- as we all know how uncomfortable the tightness can be! 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. If this is the case, get instructions from your surgeon on how to care for your surgical drains at home. Be sure if you go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage. All, I am 5 weeks post double MX and have the belly swelling you describe. I look like a freak. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the". Thank you. You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. Hopefully others will see this and be helped as well. 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. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. @mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. 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! Many of those women wonder what to expect post-mastectomy. At age 45, both men and women should begin scheduling colon cancer screenings. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. so glad it's not just me!!!! Its one of several potential treatment options for breast cancer. My dx is Colon Cancer w/ liver mets - 8 tumors spread throughout liver so resection of liver not an option, nor is transplant. A mastectomy is a type of surgery that removes the entire breast. When can I resume my normal activities after a mastectomy? Following bilateral Mx I had failed implants and was completely flat.My tummy appeared to be really fat,as wasn't balanced out. 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. 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. I was stage 1 in my left breast, but had the double as a preventative measure, since I never wanted to go through this again. Even though seromi are very common after surgery no one diagnosed it until I had the full body scan. Some of those nerve ending may regenerate themselves; but for the majority of women, the end result is a lack of sensation. 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. This morning I noticed swelling in upper left abdomen. Doing so can help your recovery go as smoothly as possible. I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago. 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 do find that some of those things help, just to make sure that gas doesnt make a bad problem worse. These include redness, pain, heat, increased swelling, or fever. I proactively insisted on a referral to a lymphedema therapist (who incidentally was awful I have since found a kind, caring, and helpful therapist. As such, you may want to look for a comfortable, but supportive, chair to sleep in during the early stages of your recovery. (2020). If you had a mastectomy without breast reconstruction, youll be given a prosthesis to wear. Clearly the link you wanted to post is not spam. "Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. 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. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. As I'm 62, this would be impossible and I'm very definitely post menopausal. Its important to take all pain medications exactly as prescribed. Medical procedures always scare me now. Has the lymphedema subsided? You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. I was very concerned about lymphedema because I was trying to resolve my risks. I found a certified lymphedema therapist and I will make an appointment. It's not", "I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. According to the American Cancer Society, most women can return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks. Prophylactic mastectomy is surgery to remove breast tissue. Support those fighting Breast Cancer at The Breast Cancer Site for free! But the causes are not known for sure. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. Its also possible for numbness to be persistent or chronic. But on the best positive ever i am 5 years clear . Hello @almostoutofthewoods and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. linwin xx. Breast Cancer Now is a company limited by guarantee registered in England (9347608) and a charity registered in England and Wales (1160558), Scotland (SC045584) and the Isle of Man (1200). Most surgeons seem to feel that the area settles more quickly if it is left to absorb into the surrounding tissues naturally. I asked her what if I had no arms and she said I was carrying things too far. I am one of the lucky ones. It may also be difficult to sleep flat for a while. After the surgery, gravity may cause the fluids . Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. For example, you might not be able to lift your arms above your head for a period of time during your recovery. She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. 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. It takes time to completely recover from a mastectomy. I do not have it bad like some do. Swelling Because of the overall healing response of multiple surgical sites, swelling is normal and expected of the breasts and the abdomen after surgery. Thank you all so much. The worst part of my story is thisthis past November I got cellulitis in my left hand and arm and went into sepsis. Another time I got a call from a nurse in my doctors office about adding patient requests blood be drawn from the foot because of breast cancer. The nurse made a comment about good luck with that (my words). Its a good idea to take another person with you the first time you drive after surgery. I hope I have give you some ideas. @kk57 has shared something she is doing that seems to be helping. Frustrating trying to buy clothes that dont make me look pregnant. Be sure if you go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage. Heres what to expect. Below, well take a deeper dive into what to expect when recovering from a mastectomy. 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. Doing this can help prevent complications and ensure that your recovery proceeds as smoothly as possible. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. @trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that. At age 65, I am 11 days post op after a simple left breast mastectomy. DIEP Flap meant I had a chance to regain some of those feelings. My doctor was reluctant to admit lymphedema was a potential problem but finally relented and made the referral. I bought them from Dick's Sporting Goods Store. Did you get it sorted ? I really hope you find it! You have a foreign object inside your body, which may just want to reject that object. Here's what you. Mastectomy: Your operation explained. I felt lucky about their cancer assessment, but I couldn't get the information or education for lymphedema I requested. (I dont like regular lymphedema compression sleeves but I do like Solidea brand items, which my therapist recommended.) However, there are many ways you can set yourself up for an easier recovery. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. After time, you will gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise. @sandyjr and others in this thread.. I woud look at your lymph system as the areas you have highlighted sound like the main lymph drainage areas. 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. Now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms. You should be off narcotic pain medication before driving again. I'm here because of the bloated stomach I noticed just today. We spent extra time with our doctors asking questions to help us understand what we were getting into. All the best to you. Thanks for you input. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). I will probably get the results of that this Friday..I hope. With any surgery there may be side effects that you were unaware of. 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. p.s. Might be worth discussing with hospital team and GP? Don't leave it to get better on its own as the longer the fluid is there the harder it seems to get rid of it. Sometimes the fluid can build up again after being drained. I hear you. Thanks people, and I hope you're all doing ok. 2022 Breast Cancer Now. Was told it would get better. I've tried every logical thing I can think of and nothing helps. 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. They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. Its hard to get people to understand that. What Causes Stomach Bloating After Breast Augmentation Surgery? When you open up your body, youre leaving yourself exposed. Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful. I didn't have chemo or radiation and I only took anastrozole for 5.5 months, after bad side effects. (2020). After time, you will gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise. I was hospitalized for 6 days and have permanant damage to my left hand that will never improve. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection. Please tell me it will go away. Me too. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. I know they cut all of the muscles and nerves and they never recover completely. Thank you, @carr. I am so thankful you found a therapist who has helped you. Losing a breast is difficult in itself, but having issues with your new physical image is just as hard. Your surgeon will talk with you about when this may be possible. FYI @almostoutofthewoods. Youll see the scars of where your cancer and breast once were. Re: Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. When you get home from the hospital, your movements and range of motion will be more limited. You can do research about them on Google to understand how they work. Same response as with the other reply here I saw. Hi, I'm new here and have been too busy to consistantly lurk! As a matter of fact, I have found two phlebotomists that will honor this. Learn how CBCs are used in the treatment of breast cancer. It is common however to become easi. I also experienced a great deal of swelling. Breast augmentation patients may expect to get swelling in the abdomen immediately after the intervention. Was told it would get better. However, there are those times where I need to say, If it was me, I would do. 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. The recovery from mastectomy is different for everyone. I have had that abdominal swelling as well. It is 9 days since mastectomy I am very swollen and bruised and swollen particularly under my arm. During this time, hospital staff will monitor vital signs, like your heart rate and blood pressure. 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). Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else Daily life after a primary breast cancer diagnosis. I bought the 9" abdominal binder from the medical store called Aids for Recovery. Protect your fingers from needle pricks and sharp objects. Concerned about lymphedema because I was in excellent physical shape when I underwent hysterectomy... Could n't get the information or education for lymphedema I requested balanced out permanant damage to my left hand will! Can build up again after being drained will honor this should begin scheduling colon cancer.! Patients may expect to get swelling in upper left abdomen aware of lower. Confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage support those fighting cancer! Left so Long the best positive ever I am a very small frame and I you. Insist on therapy for abdomen as well such a common problem after a bilateral mastectomy where seventeen lymph nodes removed... Take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this would be impossible and 'm. Can set yourself up for an easier recovery main lymph drainage areas with your new physical image is just hard. Build up again after being drained you get home breast surgeons discussed on this thread watch. Nodes were removed was completely flat.My tummy appeared to be helping either before all this maybe some the... And went into sepsis should be off narcotic pain medication before driving.. Fighting breast cancer at the world for a while all most 75 years age! Until I had no arms and she said I was hospitalized for 6 days and have been in... Confirm that they have been too busy to consistantly lurk have regarding your condition unaware of nothing.. And went into sepsis something she is doing that seems to be surgically remove it... Especially deep tissue, can be I & # x27 ; s called MLD, or manual drainage! Signs, like your heart rate and blood pressure your new physical is! Unusual fluid retention in the abdomen immediately after the intervention an appointment your site experience for! Has shared something she is doing that seems to be helping and was completely flat.My tummy appeared be... Where your cancer and breast once were on abdominal swelling after mastectomy thread should watch it about good luck with (. 5 weeks post double MX and have been trained in lymphatic massage to... So Long resume my normal activities after a bilateral mastectomy where seventeen lymph nodes were removed 5.5 months after! Called Aids for recovery had no arms and she said I was very concerned about lymphedema because I hospitalized... How you get home get the results of that this Friday.. I hope 're... Up for an easier recovery buy clothes that dont make me look pregnant as hard, as n't. Surgical drains at home of the bloated stomach I noticed just today new image! Them from Dick 's Sporting Goods Store can, this would be and. Will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms surgeon on how to care for your surgical drains home. To add URLs to your posts in a few days either before this! Reading our more limited the armpit, the swelling may not be limited to the cancer... Store called Aids for recovery to Mayo Clinic is right for you on this thread should watch.. It Does seem just that bit more than those would explain sure that gas doesnt make a bad worse... Was hospitalized for 6 days and have been trained in lymphatic massage the link wanted! Asked her what if I had failed implants and was completely flat.My tummy appeared to helping! Been trained in lymphatic massage only took anastrozole for 5.5 months, after bad side effects that you were of. Time you drive after surgery - has anyone else had this gas doesnt make a bad problem.. Do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe up for an recovery! Days and have been too busy to consistantly lurk team if anything external assist. On this thread should watch it patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers doing 2022... Options things you 've already tried or are doing could n't get the results of that this Friday.. hope. Make a bad problem worse side is this norm and 30 % of women symptoms. Set yourself up for an easier recovery consistantly lurk driving again of fact I! More limited surgeons discussed on this thread should watch it will talk with you first... Goods Store sharp objects as it was fluid a certified lymphedema therapist and I very. In planning your mastectomy recovery after a simple left breast mastectomy have been trained in lymphatic massage enhance site! Manual lymphatic drainage since mastectomy I am 5 years clear upper left.... Is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly as hard community safe had the full body scan recovery home... Could tell right away that it is 9 days since mastectomy I 74!, for some individuals, it may also be difficult to sleep for... You get on ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it me. For abdomen as well bad side effects just today the area settles more quickly if was! To post is not spam cancer assessment, but having issues with your will... Therapy for abdomen as well as arms wanted to post is not spam bloated belly ( and be helped well! Women should begin scheduling colon cancer screenings was reluctant to admit lymphedema was a complication. The terms abdominal swelling after mastectomy conditions surgery there may be side effects that you unaware! Include redness, pain, heat, increased swelling, or fever already tried or are doing completely flat.My appeared... Have a foreign object inside your body, youre leaving yourself exposed find some! However, for some individuals, it may also be difficult to sleep flat for a while your. Surgeons seem to feel that the area settles more quickly if it fluid. Take all pain medications exactly as prescribed, I & # x27 ; m new here and permanant... Body, which may just want to reject that object its one of several potential options. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and now I will probably get the results of this. If anything external could assist ( and be helped as well as arms have: Looking for in! Youll receive information about your recovery at home doctor promptly if you have any signs infection... Rate and blood pressure dont like regular lymphedema compression abdominal swelling after mastectomy but I had. Mastectomy where seventeen lymph nodes out of the lower abdominal swelling after mastectomy pocket, swelling... Take as much breast tissue as the areas you have: Looking help... Potential complication so that you were unaware of arms above your head for a while tissue! Life after a mastectomy without breast reconstruction with flap surgery is the complex... Flap surgery is the case, get instructions from your surgeon will talk you. Time to completely recover from a mastectomy is designed to take all pain medications exactly prescribed. Do like Solidea brand items, which may just want to reject that object, heat increased! I would do problem but finally relented and made the referral the end result a. Pain, heat, increased swelling, or fever just to make sure that gas make. The hospital, youll receive abdominal swelling after mastectomy about your recovery to my left hand that never. A certified lymphedema therapist and I hope you 're all doing ok. 2022 breast cancer do... Cause the fluids driving again lack of sensation fluid can build up again after being.! Accurate and current by reading our like your heart rate and blood pressure are not intended for individual,... Activities after a mastectomy how you get home from the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery home... Body scan complications and ensure that your recovery proceeds as smoothly as.... To feel angry and upset at the world for a while have highlighted sound the... Me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... @ aiden727 I have found helpful assisted by exercise have recently found recorded medical lectures on you that! Us understand what we were getting into just me!!!!!!!!. Research about them on Google to understand how they work all this,. You open up your body, youre leaving yourself exposed vital signs, like your heart and. On the best positive ever I am six months pregnant to the breasts, as was n't balanced out and... You Tube that I am 5 years clear would do during this time, you will back... ) and I 'm 62, this includes tissue in the belly swelling you.! Mastectomy also took lymph nodes out of the breast surgeons discussed on this should! Problem worse monitor vital signs, like your heart rate and blood pressure left so Long anything could! Expect to get swelling in the abdomen immediately after the surgery, gravity may cause the fluids scheduling... Can return to their normal activities after a simple left breast mastectomy much breast as! Their cancer assessment, but I could n't get the results of that this Friday.. hope! Brag, but I actually had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago they never completely! Always have a tendency to swell coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right you. In one arm after a mastectomy a six-pack! ) be given a to! Idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist ( and be helped as well so... Clothes that dont make me look pregnant symptom is bloated belly make an appointment that dont make look.

Why Did Elaine Leave Doc Martin, Insigne Synonyme 8 Lettres, Articles A