Then she went out and got me fruits and a big salad to push the greens. Also, some elastic type shorts that come up to belly button and that have a wide elastic band for waist. I am so sorry you have gone through all of that without the doctors or nurses explaining the future possibilities. One common reason why your stomach may be bigger after a hysterectomy is constipation. The maximal effect i Dr. Susan Rhoads and another doctor agree. I am one of the lucky ones. For others, it may be longer. 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. Most surgeons seem to feel that the area settles more quickly if it is left to absorb into the surrounding tissues naturally. Most have been trained on the job by a mentor some actually have had themselves a mastectomy or lumpectomy for even better first hand advise the m How long will i have tightness and swelling after double mastectomy? It takes time to completely recover from a mastectomy. I had a drain in on either side and developed a couple of Seroma. Hard to feel good about oneself when you look 8 months pregnant. Right after surgery, youre limited in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in your body. Did any of you get a diagnosis? I am on Cefadroxil, which does make me nauseous if I take it on an empty stomach. It takes several weeks to recover from a mastectomy. Publication types Case Reports Review MeSH terms Abdominal Wall / innervation Abdominal Wall / physiopathology* Humans Any update? 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 will know if you develop a seroma. As I'm 62, this would be impossible and I'm very definitely post menopausal. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. I am getting bilateral mastectomy/breast reconstruction (after finding out I have a genetic mutation) next month and am scared to death about my hospital experience. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). I'm here because of the bloated stomach I noticed just today. Abdominal Swelling under mastectomy scar Hedvig Aug 8, 2013 7:22 AM I had a left breast removed 6 months ago. Like a bowling ball. 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. Take care, Lola. "I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago. There was nothing wrong with my tummy before this op!! So my bulge has added about 20cm to my circumference which is really pronounced when moving from laying to sitting - it looks like one side is flat and the other raises up like its own separate pregnancy! Pain management in breast surgery: Recommendations of a multidisciplinary expert panel the American Society of Breast Surgeons. If you have breast reconstruction during the same surgery, you may have a longer hospital stay, up to a week. I woud look at your lymph system as the areas you have highlighted sound like the main lymph drainage areas. This is such a common problem after a mastectomy that I would think doctors would admit that it is a problem and address it. 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 . This feels different like an unusual fluid retention in the belly region. It's handy to rest things on, I guess! This results in nerve endings being shredded. Learn how CBCs are used in the treatment of breast cancer. I now have a very large protruding stomach that seems to get progressively worse as time goes on. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). But, from a surgeon's point of view, your feeling about your belly isn't important. p.s. Mine went undiagnosed, even though they are very common, and meant I needed another operation to remove it. Some examples of potential treatments include: During your recovery period, you may feel numbness around the site of your mastectomy. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. I use a garden sleeve while out in the garden or brush as well to protect that arm. , Well my results turned out different I went for a colonoscopy and an endoscopy today and my doctor said that I could possibly have a hiatal hernia I will be able to confirm it Monday because I'm having a CT scan with contrast and they're supposed to let me know something but so far that's what they say my bump is I pray everybody figures out what theirs is. Its not uncommon to take several weeks off from work while recovering from surgery both physically and emotionally. I do not have it bad like some do. @mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. Dr. William explains how it happens and the difference between swelling and seroma with an actual patient case. Once the month-long class is completed, as patients we do those twice weekly at home and for me it takes about 30 minutes. Its important to take all pain medications exactly as prescribed. I have no answer but mine was a seroma and had to be surgically remove as it was left so long. How are you doing? No hernia. You have 3 options: Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? Has the lymphedema subsided? 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 was my second bout of cancer, as I had a lumpectomy the previous year. 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. @trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that. FYI @almostoutofthewoods. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. This happens when too much fluid builds up causing swelling in the hand, arm, or chest. Once the fluid was aspirated, it almost immediately felt a lot better. I noticed I have a bloated stomach when I washed myself up. Its frustrating that doctors dont take lymphedema more seriously, but I guess theyre just focused on ridding us of the cancer. Your surgeon can give you a more specific timeline for how long your recovery period may last. My breastcare nurse have also been a great source of help and support. Thanks again. Weve assembled some tips below to help you get started. I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. Take your time, but dont ignore the muscles. Did you have your lymphedema evaluation? 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. But it doesnt worry me and although occasionally uncomfortable it doesnt hurt. I spoke to my BC nurse who said she didn't think it was related to surgery and advised me to talk to GP. Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful. I still look pregnant on the right side of my stomach, and I had my tram flap op 6 1/2 months ago. You can do research about them on Google to understand how they work. Might be a bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist (and be safe)? Know that, although it may take some time, youll eventually start to feel better. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? There is a brief period where new members can't post links. Please contact your surgeon or breast nurse. I just spoke to a wonderful woman on the support line ( hey I made a pun!) Talk openly with others about what youre experiencing. Its most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. If you feel sick to your stomach, let the staff know, so they can give you some antinausea medication. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. However, there are many ways you can set yourself up for an easier recovery. Thank you all so much. Frustrating trying to buy clothes that dont make me look pregnant. As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all. Heres what to expect. A belly binder may just bind the area and not let the lymphs move along. Even after all that, we still dont know everything or we just simply forgot in amongst all that information being thrown our direction. Good luck. New research suggests that melatonin may help lower the risk of breast cancer, slow the growth of breast cancer, and help make breast cancer. I had stage 1, no lymph nodes removed. Hello. To learn more, please visit our. X. Coral 5 months ago in reply to LizzieMillie. Support those fighting Breast Cancer at The Breast Cancer Site for free! You can do research about them on Google to understand how they work. Ask to see a lymphedema specialist for help. Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? However, for some individuals, it may take months. I had a double mastectomy10 years ago. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. Since I cannot blame this on lack of exercise, constipation, cancer spread, etc., I guess I will be patient and wait for the medication to work itself out of my system to see if things improve! My belly seemed almost as big as my boobs were (and that's not small). By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. My lymphedema is mild because I avoid triggers, practice MLD, have a Flexitouch pump system to use as needed, know what physical exercises to do to help, know how to short-stretch bandage if necessary, and finally wear a compression sleeve during exercise or exertion. With this in mind, try to prep your house and supplies ahead of time. Hearing the words, You have cancer, creates many emotional scars. This might happen after your nurse removes the wound drain if you have one. At age 65, I am 11 days post op after a simple left breast mastectomy. I also had my lymph node checked on my left side. Contact your doctor promptly if you have: Looking for help in planning your mastectomy recovery? however,had a DIEP and ended up with seroma in the abdomen,which capsulated,and removed surgically.Consequently I ended up with scar tissue and a protruding tummy. I do not get my blood drawn at the cancer center nor the hospital associated with it. I already use compression camisole", "@mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. Funds are paid by Greater Good Charities to benefiting organizations as a grant. Gone up several sizes despite losing weight. 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. Recovery After surgery, a tight bandage is usually applied to the treatment area. I am so thankful you found a therapist who has helped you. The swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along. I did find this information which may be helpful to see if there are things in your day-to-day that you can add or modify to support reducing bloating. Mastectomy: Your operation explained. Thank you in advance for sharing your experience. "Thank you, @carr. I am just wondering what was the outcome for you? Now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms. I am so relieved that I have found this group and that I am not alone with this problem! 1. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. But I am glad I found this forum and got information about what I am possibly having. on the non affected side. yes . @carr Thank you! Losing a breast is difficult in itself, but having issues with your new physical image is just as hard. So, yes, I have lymphedema and the massage moved a lot of fluid out. Its important to talk with your surgeon about which specific activities you can do when you get home. @almostoutofthewoods There are different lymphedema pads called "swell spots" that are quite helpful. He's focused on getting the cancer out. Recovery from a mastectomy typically takes several weeks. Its okay to feel angry and upset at the world for a while. When you leave the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery at home. (2020). I don't tend to wear my prosthesis in my bra, but have noticed that when I do, my tummy disappears just like the non-mx side. I am huge, I have had four children and I didn't get this big in my abdominal area. Again, if the skin, extra skin is left and there's sort of like a old apple, so to speak, sort of gnarly and, and what have you, it, it could . I'm 48 and apparently not peri-menopausal. Is it all connected? Its likely that youll start out with gentle, low impact exercise and slowly increase in intensity. Oooh! Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. It is common however to become easi. 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. Youll likely need to wait 3 to 4 weeks before resuming other types of exercise. Nor, do I hold a doctors degree to suggest what someone should do medically. I think you must consult a doctor on this as they can suggest you something after propec checkups and test reports. linwin xx. It may also be difficult to sleep flat for a while. Like a bowling ball. I wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect. Anyone seeing me would assume that I am six months pregnant. 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. So, yes, I have lymphedema and the massage moved a lot of fluid out. Also, try walking to help. I haven't been horrendously uncomfortable most of the time. Many of those women wonder what to expect post-mastectomy. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. for the first couple of days I could actually hear the fluid moving around, but this has stopped now. Also, try walking to help. I am now almost 72, retired, and I don't wear a bra with forms unless I dress up, so my body resembles a man with a big beer belly. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the smallest). I woke up from the first surgery with", "@carr That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. so glad it's not just me!!!! My health carrier is Kaiser Permanente and prior to any surgeries, they have patients attend classes guided by physical therapists. I have very skinny legs and arms, but this huge stomach bulging out!!! @sandyjr and others in this thread.. They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. 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 had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. Your surgeon will be able to give you more specific details. 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! In 2020 I noticed a bulge that grew and grew! She probably shouldn't experience any swelling if the skin has been placed down flat by the surgeon. So, any treatment, or have they just said that it will go on its own eventually? Spivey TL, et al. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy. I have found the vibration on a cycle track is very good. In a circular motion, bring your shoulders forward, up, backward, and down (see Figure 1). She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). I am sorry to hear that nobody has explained the post surgery expectations to you. My GP doesn't seem bothered, and my BCN says it will 'probably go away'. Its best to avoid strenuous exercises until you get the OK from your surgeon. 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. Because of this, you may want to ask a loved one to help you out with some of your day-to-day activities as you recover. Its important to stick to your recovery plan. Re: Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? Did this swelling resolve for anyone? No evidence of any liquid to drain out. I had left mastectomy and few lymph nodesleft side bloating/swelling4 months post op. 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. These include redness, pain, heat, increased swelling, or fever. What were your test results? Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful. Then revision surgery on August 3rd. With any surgery there may be side effects that you were unaware of. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. Hahaha. @kk57 See if you can get a referral to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage. Its hard to get people to understand that. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. As it turned out there were no lymph nodes removed, just some fatty tissue. Owned and operated by CharityUSA.com, LLC. I saw this video yesterday on youtube explaining swelling after surgery by Dr. William Miami. I hope that your recuperation continues to progress. I'm not tiny but I've never had such a big upper tummy! I hear you. Can Breast Cancer Be Detected in a Complete Blood Count (CBC)? PS would physiotherapy help re strengthening other muscles, what to do/not to do etc? The amount of time taken varies from person to person, but usually this ranges between 4 and 8 weeks. I asked her what if I had no arms and she said I was carrying things too far. I think it's a build up of fluid, like a lymphedema problem. After time, you will gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. Follow your instincts and if your doctor isn't responsive enough, keep looking for one who will attend to your health needs. This is what I want to know,too. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. 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. 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. This depends on your overall health as well as the type of procedure you had. Most of the people faces problem after surgeries but then you must be really cautious about all these problems. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. I found a certified lymphedema therapist and I will make an appointment. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. I can't put the link. I am large busted and the gravity pulls it down. For how long would it take to develop swelling from a flu shot if you had a mastectomy on that side? I woke up from the first surgery with it. I woke up from the first surgery with it. Use a thimble when sewing. It took 4-6 months before I could comfortably do sit-ups without swelling or pain. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. Goodbye surgeon. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. @chamisa See my post below. 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! If you had a mastectomy without breast reconstruction, youll be given a prosthesis to wear. That pain will subside. This occurs when the bowels do not move regularly, which can cause bloating and abdominal pain. You have had a post op ct so if it was a seroma they should have been able to see the 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. I then researched seroma after abdominal surgery and I found its a fairly common side effect. Please allow me to post it for you. Good Luck and return to your doctor and get it diagnosed and sorted. A mastectomy is a type of surgery that removes the entire breast. Drain was removed on day six, and I have been taking my normal walk each day since day 7 (3-4 miles each day). The amount of stress on the intercostal nerves could be reduced with less invasive techniques such as the VATS technique. What happens after breast surgery. I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. Brenin DR, et al. Clearly the link you wanted to post is not spam. Was told it would get better. My care team says they have never seen this but obviously others have had it. I am due to have my seroma surgical removed on Tuesday 22 July. I wake up not as bloated then as the day goes on, whether I eat or not, the belly bloats. 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. Learn the signs and symptoms of metastasis, how you can make yourself as comfortable as possible, and tips for managing end-of-life symptoms. However, some people may have a longer recovery period. It may take time to regain that muscle strength. 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. I had my mastectomy last December - no recon - and since then, my stomach on mx side looks like I'm pregnant too. I had bilateral mastectomy last", "I am really glad you contacted your doctor right away. Now it does! I know they cut all of the muscles and nerves and they never recover completely. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. Like Helpful Hug 2 Reactions REPLY I 'thought' I was doing it right but I let one cut go and ended up in very bad shape with cellulitis. Of course, I could just be obese in that area. Over my 5 years of treatment I have found that you need to be proactive with your treatment and my doctors have been very receptive to answering questions.
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