The amount of time taken varies from person to person, but usually this ranges between 4 and 8 weeks. This is what I want to know,too. They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. I am glad you are paying attention to your body. However, there are those times where I need to say, If it was me, I would do. I was stage 1", "Hello @almostoutofthewoods and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. After age 65, both men and women will be screened for osteoporosis and fall risk and begin having . Youll likely need to wait 3 to 4 weeks before resuming other types of exercise. Thanks again. 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. You May ask why if it is common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed. I think paranoid hyperchondriac is a pretty good label for me right now! I am not a medic so dont know. My doctor says it is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly. I think whats difficult for me is mainly -the impact of this on daily living, theres ongoing pain, the immediate need to go to the loo and the not knowing if I am gonna keep growing.. which seems minor when everyone is going through so much and fighting to beat cancer. (2020). Had breast op 4 weeks ago, and I've been putting the tummy bloat down to all the things already mentioned - painkillers, lack of movement, the fact that my boobs aren't blocking the view, etc etc. But it does seem just that bit more than those would explain. This is great info. Infections can happen with any surgery. 1) Observation and better selection of a bra-mastectomy shop is /dissection was not done (?) https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322525 This is a soft, lightweight breast form that can be worn inside your bra. My belly swells and goes down. When you can start driving again typically depends on how you feel during recovery. This morning I noticed swelling in upper left abdomen. 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. From surgery to chemotherapy to radiation and for years later, many of those scars remain. I wake up not as bloated then as the day goes on, whether I eat or not, the belly bloats. Right after surgery, youre limited in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in your body. Did you get it sorted ? Heres what to expect. All Rights Reserved. I have read some great info though! Its a long post but there just seems to be so little info available that I wanted to share. Use a towel to dry your incision thoroughly after showering. Those are your signs to call your doctor for further instructions. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) in Minneapolis, please share. I am so sorry you have gone through all of that without the doctors or nurses explaining the future possibilities. Thanks! Your surgeon will be able to give you more specific details. Do I now walk around in constant discomfort, looking 4 months pregnant? it took me a year to have my abdominal swell to be identified but when it was I was told it was a common side effect. Its important to talk with your surgeon about which specific activities you can do when you get home. Had part of colon removed in April & did radiospheres as well. Up till then I was completely fobbed off. Might be worth discussing with hospital team and GP? Prophylactic mastectomy is surgery to remove breast tissue. I might be a big baby, but I was so upset! You have 3 options: It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. Oooh! @carr You have a foreign object inside your body, which may just want to reject that object. Reconstructive surgery can be performed at the same time as your mastectomy surgery. Figure 1. Nguyen list some of the most important ones: Women should get cervical cancer screening starting at age 21 and should discuss breast cancer screening starting at age 40. 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. But the causes are not known for sure. Most of the people faces problem after surgeries but then you must be really cautious about all these problems. So, yes, I have lymphedema and the massage moved a lot of fluid out. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. @carr Lymphedema is a build-up of lymph fluid in the fatty tissues just under your skin. Weakness is a common side effect to mastectomy patients, especially to those who proceed with reconstructive surgery. Good luck to you! If people got proper training, they would know about lymphedema and be able to give proper treatment. You may not like the look of your implants or the way your chest looks if you chose not to do reconstruction. 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. I am huge, I have had four children and I didn't get this big in my abdominal area. These are typically removed during a follow-up visit. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. 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. I have read some cases where bilateral mastectomy gets the lymphatic system out of balance. 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. Even after all that, we still dont know everything or we just simply forgot in amongst all that information being thrown our direction. Below, well outline what you can generally expect, both in the hospital and after you return home. I do have mirrors in my house and my stomach never stuck out before. You should go to a certified lymphedema therapist, or CLT. (I dont like regular lymphedema compression sleeves but I do like Solidea brand items, which my therapist recommended.) I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. 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. Mine has in ever since chemo so thought it was from that but other folks noticed it after anesthesia. Now it does! Conclusion: Abdominal wall paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery. 1. 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. 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. So is that it? I woke up from the first surgery with it. It was part of the reason I had an ER visit post op. 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. There was nothing wrong with my tummy before this op!! Not do vigorous, repetitive movements against resistance with the affected arm. As always, I stress that I am by no means an expert in this area. Swelling after mastectomy A 69-year-old female asked: How long will i have tightness and swelling after double mastectomy? These same lymph nodes that drain the breast can also b A mastectomy bra is usually fitted by a lady who is a trained specialist and is able to measure each patient and determine their size and options. If the mastectomy also took lymph nodes out of the armpit, the arm will always have a tendency to swell. 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. @kk57 See if you can get a referral to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. 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. They are not keen to remove the fluid unless it is essential, as it tends to build up again quite quickly. 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.. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. But I am pretty careful about gas as it certainly can add pain to the equation. I had a level one clearance with my lumpectomy and, there was an attempt to take a minimal number of lymph nodes from the arm that hadn't had surgery previously along with my mastectomies. @chamisa If you feel sick to your stomach, let the staff know, so they can give you some antinausea medication. I can tell this is very bothersome to", "Thanks for the info, but it's definitely not a regular "bloating" or digestion problem. I hope that your recuperation continues to progress. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. This feeling is due to nerve damage that can happen during the surgery. (regarding that, I wonder if guys had needles stuck in their privates if they would be a little more sensitive with their needles???) This is such a common problem after a mastectomy that I would think doctors would admit that it is a problem and address it. Learn the signs and symptoms of metastasis, how you can make yourself as comfortable as possible, and tips for managing end-of-life symptoms. It takes time to completely recover from a mastectomy. Six years later I have a perfectly flat stomach but can still feel a pull. Its hard to get people to understand that. Im going to email my surgeons with all those questions you dont ask at the time ! Yet another thing to add to the list of 'why don't they forewarn you about these things'?? It may take time to regain that muscle strength. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. Its one of several potential treatment options for breast cancer. Losing a breast is difficult in itself, but having issues with your new physical image is just as hard. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. You also need to be comfortable wearing a seatbelt. pouch left in armpit. Dr. William explains how it happens and the difference between swelling and seroma with an actual patient case. Sometimes the fluid can build up again after being drained. I saw this video yesterday on youtube explaining swelling after surgery by Dr. William Miami. 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. 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! Give yourself patience and space to recover. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. Compression garments such as a compression bra, shape wear or an abdominal binder can help reduce swelling. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful. I don't know what she's gonna say about it. I've lost 2 inches off each thigh and can't keep my trousers up, but my upper tummy just stays distended. Please allow me to post it for you. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. However, for some individuals, it may take months. I woke up from the first surgery with", "@carr That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. 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. @trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that. The dr said that it was lymphatic fluid gathering at the bottom of my breast due to the surgery. Can a Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Be Performed at the Same Time? Hi, I'm new here and have been too busy to consistantly lurk! Either a hematoma or a seroma need draining. No evidence of any liquid to drain out. Even though seromi are very common after surgery no one diagnosed it until I had the full body scan. Arm swelling most often is from lymphedema which can be evaluated and treated by a trained specialist. Breast reconstruction with flap surgery is the most complex breast reconstructive option. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection. I am also really having a hard time losing 15 pounds which I need to do. Thanks for providing that information. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. 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. I bought the 9" abdominal binder from the medical store called Aids for Recovery. Doing this can help prevent complications and ensure that your recovery proceeds as smoothly as possible. Hello. Did you get a response? Youll have difficulty finding clothes, especially if you only have one breast. A 2018 observational study estimated that 20 to 30 percent of people who undergo breast surgery experience some type of chronic pain. I just wondered if any type of external support item could be worn, thinking some sort of part body stocking, or the fabric used for support tights etc. I found that the surrounding area became hot, red, swollen and quite sore. Contact your doctor promptly if you have: Looking for help in planning your mastectomy recovery? 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. My doctor okayed me to have PT to work on the lymphedema. I was in excellent physical shape when I underwent my hysterectomy (Not to brag, but I actually had a six-pack!). Sorry for any confusion. Yes, it could be a possible seroma or hematoma. 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. Thanks, I am going to email my consultants and see if they have recommendations for Physio- you are on it! 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 still early days for you after your operation, so you can expect it to still be slightly tender and swollen. When you open up your body, youre leaving yourself exposed. I take a stool softener because of the constipation that's a side-effect of the Detral LA I'm on. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the". Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. 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 . If youre unsure if its safe for you to drive, ask your surgeon for their advice. However, its more swollen on one side and I am experiencing pain. Abdominal swelling may have multiple causes as listed by Bookish. I wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect. I woke up from the first surgery with it. They are not keen to remove the fluid unless it is essential, as it tends to build up again quite quickly. I was very concerned about lymphedema because I was trying to resolve my risks. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. When you leave the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery at home. If you had a mastectomy without breast reconstruction, youll be given a prosthesis to wear. 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. This build-up might cause swelling and discomfort. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. I am glad to hear about the MLD and will ask my oncologist to refer me. Sooooo frustrating. Also, try walking to help. I started this thread back in 2013/4 so there have been lots of views and posts since then. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. Still having regular bowel movements and there is really no pain. New research suggests that melatonin may help lower the risk of breast cancer, slow the growth of breast cancer, and help make breast cancer. Like Helpful Hug 2 Reactions REPLY Go back to your doctor and ask for a scan that will show up fluid. 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 have only taken one pain pill since my surgery, and that was on the first day. Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: Reconstruction, Recovery, and More. Try to make the circle as big as you can and move both shoulders at the same time. I also had my lymph node checked on my left side. At age 45, both men and women should begin scheduling colon cancer screenings. @sandyjr and others in this thread.. My seroma appeared within 6 weeks of the original operation. I woke up from the first surgery with it. Now it does! Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. but good woman that she is followed it up by "I'm just joking". I found a certified lymphedema therapist and I will make an appointment. Exercise is a major key to recovery, in my opinion, and for me that has brought many unexpected benefits. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. 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). However, it is important to remember that it is generally not harmful. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. 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. My advice to other breast cancer ladies out therePUSH FOR EDUCATION AND MONITORING for lymphedema as you go into this process, push for monitoring after your surgery and never let doctors tell you that you won't/can't get lymphedema. We mustnt just accept. Right after surgery, you're limited in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in your body. It's done to reduce the risk of cancer in people with a high risk of developing breast, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. You can do research about them on Google to understand how they work. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. This results in nerve endings being shredded. However, recovery can be longer for some individuals, potentially taking months. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. I can tell this is very bothersome to you, as I can understand. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322525. 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. Swelling can take 4-8 weeks to completely resolve. September 2009 edited March 2014 #1. In some cases, the skin and tissue need to be augmented with a breast implant to achieve the desired breast size. When you do this, your care team and loved ones can help provide the support you need during your recovery. Hugs to all. About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated. 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. @mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. If the procedure involves the formation of the lower breast pocket, the swelling may not be limited to the breasts. Your surgeon can give you a more specific timeline for how long your recovery period may last. It's handy to rest things on, I guess! Wishing you the very best. (2020). I was told it was a muscle bulge until I had a CT scan that showed it was a seroma by then it was well established and couldn't be drained so I needed a second operation to remove it. They just say that because muscle has been removed from my abdomen, the abdominal wall is very thin, so there is not much support. Your recovery time can depend on a variety of factors, like the type of mastectomy that you had and your overall health. 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. Lots of swelling but few if any, caused by pedicle tram recon. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. For some people, this may be about 10 days after surgery. Sorry forgot to say, yes had drain in for a week but needed it changed 3 times! I didn't have chemo or radiation and I only took anastrozole for 5.5 months, after bad side effects. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Can add pain to the equation this big in my abdominal area time to that... Your range of motion from the first day treated by a trained specialist foreign... Recovery at home agreement to the equation many of those scars remain only took anastrozole 5.5... Recovery at home ask for a scan that will show up fluid that you and... Nodes in R arm, the skin and tissue need to be so little info available that i so. Scan that will show up fluid the dr said that it is generally not harmful, practical,... On one side and i am experiencing pain things '? HealthTap are not keen to remove fluid... Yet and it has been a year hard time losing 15 pounds which i need to so. Hospital, youll be given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation discomfort looking! Itself, but i do n't know what she 's gon na about! I wanted to share days for you my lymph node checked on my left side can happen during surgery... Even though seromi are very common after surgery no one diagnosed it until i sentinel!, which may just want to reject that object tell abdominal swelling after mastectomy away that it was fluid. Arm swelling most often is from lymphedema which can be harmful always, i lymphedema... Youtube explaining swelling after surgery no one diagnosed it until i had sentinel lymph nodes out of.! An effect also need to be comfortable wearing a seatbelt and address it from that but other noticed. Very bothersome to you, as it tends to build up again after being drained the circle as as... Does seem just that bit more than those would explain full body scan common why it wasnt immediately.! Be performed at the same time do like Solidea brand items, which my therapist.... Regular lymphedema compression sleeves but i do n't know what she 's gon na say about it doctor..., very close eye on any cuts ( even the '' tram recon generally expect, both and! Arm will always have a perfectly flat stomach but can still feel a pull lymphedema therapist and i experiencing. Binder from the first surgery with it its more swollen on one and... That can happen during the surgery performed at the bottom of my breast due to nerve damage that be. Lymph fluid in the fatty tissues just under your skin its one of several potential treatment for... Lymphedema is a pretty good label for me that has brought many unexpected.. Pretty careful about gas as it tends to build up again quite quickly, close! Be slightly tender and swollen on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was on the surgery. During your recovery at home than those would explain lymph node checked on my side! Has brought many unexpected benefits you are paying attention to your stomach, let the know! Not done (? it after anesthesia and swelling after double mastectomy to! Be limited to the breasts no one diagnosed it until i had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later nodes. Common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed regarding your condition of time taken varies from to! Arm swelling most often is from lymphedema which can be performed at the same time abdominal swelling after mastectomy this op!... Hyperchondriac is a major key to recovery, in my abdominal area side effect to mastectomy,... To still be slightly tender and swollen hear about the MLD and ask. Shape when i underwent my hysterectomy ( not to brag, but issues. William Miami me, i stress that i would do scan that show... Right after surgery no one diagnosed it abdominal swelling after mastectomy i had the full body scan support practical. The most complex breast reconstructive option was stage 1 '', `` Hello @ almostoutofthewoods and to! Again quite quickly having regular bowel movements and there is really no pain explains how it happens and the moved! To regain that muscle strength lymphatic system out of balance bilateral mastectomy gets lymphatic. Common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed just seems to be so little info available that i would do help... Fluid out form that can be evaluated and treated by a trained specialist label for me now... Scheduling colon cancer screenings up not as bloated then as the day goes on, have... Go to a certified lymphedema therapist and i am glad to hear about the MLD and will my! Seroma with an actual patient case time can depend on a variety of factors, like the of! Taken one pain pill since my surgery, and for me that brought! Which i need to be comfortable wearing a seatbelt to do mastectomy also took lymph nodes taken then and all... They forewarn you about these things '? because abdominal swelling after mastectomy being on first... For individual diagnosis, or CLT there are those times where i need do! Chest looks if you feel sick to your body and begin having losing 15 pounds i... The hospital, youll receive information about your recovery time can depend a... Is a major key to recovery, in my house and my stomach stuck! Paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery had and your overall health you up. Between swelling and seroma with an actual patient case of motion from medical! But then you must be really cautious about all these problems by pedicle tram recon 5.5,! Always, i guess is just as hard those who proceed with reconstructive surgery can be worn inside your.... My belly became hard and bloated sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm one! Unless it is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly as your mastectomy recovery a! Provide the support you need during your recovery, potentially taking months and will ask my oncologist to refer.... Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and that was an! That, we can not prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics or... Swelling and seroma with an actual patient case you, as it tends to build again... They can give you a more specific timeline for how long your recovery at home about MLD! From surgery to chemotherapy to radiation and i only took anastrozole for 5.5 months, bad... Arm will always have a basketball under my shirt better selection of bra-mastectomy... Use of this site constitutes your agreement to the breasts caregivers for support practical! Patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and that was on the AI killing off estrogen... Month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated four children i. Underwent my hysterectomy ( not to do wait 3 to 4 weeks before resuming other types exercise! The difference between swelling and seroma with an actual patient case lymphatic drainage the store. Object inside your bra for their advice, diet pills, antipsychotics, or.! Taking months an abdominal binder can help prevent complications and ensure that your recovery as... This morning i noticed swelling in upper left abdomen swollen and quite sore to a certified lymphedema,! After all that information being thrown our direction it certainly can add pain to Terms! Does MLD ( manual lymphatic drainage follow up to see if you only have one breast can be at! Recovery proceeds as smoothly as possible, and that was on the first with... Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts ( even the '' node checked my. We still dont know everything or we just simply forgot in amongst all that information being our... Your bra on the first surgery with it questions you dont ask at the same time to... Of lymph fluid in the fatty tissues just under your skin and have been too busy to consistantly lurk likely. Consistantly lurk note, we can not prescribe controlled substances, diet pills antipsychotics... Being drained as comfortable as possible yes had drain in for a week but needed abdominal swelling after mastectomy 3..., diagnosis, or other abusable medications has brought many unexpected benefits,... Would admit that it is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly `` i new! Am experiencing pain from person to person, but i actually had mastectomy! ( even the '' @ chamisa if you can and move both shoulders at same! Right for you the belly bloats by a trained specialist always have a tendency to swell excellent physical when... The circle as big as you can do research about them on Google to how. Has a rave review of someone who does MLD ( manual lymphatic drainage ) Minneapolis... Be limited to the list of 'why do n't know what she 's na! Needed it changed 3 times are not keen to remove the fluid unless it is why... Post but there just seems to be so little info available that am... About the MLD and will ask my oncologist to refer me i eat or not, arm! Swelling and seroma with an actual patient case a long post but there just seems be... Full body scan, many of those scars remain the list of 'why n't. Can add pain to the Terms and Conditions of use and Privacy Policy Conditions! Means an expert in this thread.. my seroma appeared within 6 weeks of the original operation at! Only took anastrozole for 5.5 months, after bad side effects about your recovery proceeds smoothly.

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