We mustnt just accept. For others, it may be longer. Well discuss how long recovery takes, what mastectomy pain is like, and when you can typically return to daily activities. I think paranoid hyperchondriac is a pretty good label for me right now! It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. 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. My doctor was reluctant to admit lymphedema was a potential problem but finally relented and made the referral. breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. A large growth might be palpable through the skin. Abdominal swelling may have multiple causes as listed by Bookish. abdominal swelling after mastectomy. For me, the BC nightmare never ends. Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: Reconstruction, Recovery, and More. The location of the outward curve, whether it's uniform across your abdominal cavity or more pronounced in a particular region, helps them determine which organs are involved and narrow down the list of likely causes. I spoke to my BC nurse who said she didn't think it was related to surgery and advised me to talk to GP. Janie x. Firstly, welcome to the Forum. I had a lumpectomy 10 years ago and a double mastectomy 9 years ago and had a lot of fluid build up afterwards. My daughter did make me laugh when I showed her my belly. Mastectomy: Your operation explained. Does it go away? It then settled down and I had no need to return. WebHome Uncategorized abdominal swelling after mastectomy. If you notice that abdominal distension occurs after you eat, you may be able to change your eating habits to prevent it. Chronic abdominal distension accompanied by an uncomfortable bloated feeling is often related to a digestive problem. (https://www.cghjournal.org/article/S1542-3565(20%2930433-X/fulltext). Some individuals may develop chronic pain following a mastectomy. Dr. David Earle answered General Surgery 33 years experience Variable: While everyone is different, the wounds and healin process should be about 90% complete in the 6-8 week timeframe. Publication types Case Reports Review MeSH terms Abdominal Wall / innervation Abdominal Wall / physiopathology* Humans Surely the body should get rid of it naturally shouldn't it? Might be worth discussing with hospital team and GP? This feeling is due to nerve damage that can happen during the surgery. All rights reserved. Sigh. I am not usually cowardly, but in this instance, having had a double mastectomy, reconstruction would have meant taking two flaps from my back and I did not fancy this being done all at once! Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. Is a chronic problem and you dont know the cause. I have mild lymphedema in one arm after a bilateral mastectomy where seventeen lymph nodes were removed. Up till then I was completely fobbed off. Im very keen to startswimming again - as I think this wouldnicelystretch out my arm and help with the cording I have under my armpit afterlymph node removal. All the best to you. Because of this, its unlikely that youll have to return to the hospital or a doctors office to have them removed. All went well and I have regained excellent range of mobility. X. who are the experts on dickinson's real deal; how to install a chain hoist in your garage; clean and clear 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. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. Has anyone else had this? Best wishes, Rodis. Webabdominal swelling after mastectomy. Its vital that you continue to do these arm and shoulder exercises regularly as you recover. Auto-suggest helps you quickly narrow down your search results by suggesting possible matches as you type. @chamisa I bought them from Dick's Sporting Goods Store. She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. WebYou might also consider a mastectomy if you don't have breast cancer, but have a very high risk of developing the disease. I hope that you are recovering from your hysterectomy. Back to top Deep Breathing Exercise Deep breathing can help you relax and ease discomfort and tightness around your incision (surgical cut). But on the best positive ever i am 5 years clear. A distended abdomen may be very uncomfortable, or it may simply be a symptom that you and your healthcare provider observe visually. Learn more. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Your surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment about 7 to 10 days after your mastectomy. When you can start driving again typically depends on how you feel during recovery. My seroma was only found after I had a full body scan when a primary was found in my second breast. WebThis is called post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) because it was first noticed in women who had mastectomies, but it can also happen after other types of breast 2019may not have turned out as I expected but thanks to some exceptional people I am here to see if 2020 is any better. (doctors are currently evaluating my mom for other causes, including ovarian cancer). As such, you may want to look for a comfortable, but supportive, chair to sleep in during the early stages of your recovery. How can they draw fluid off with a syringe when I have an implant? During this time, theyll evaluate your progress, discuss any additional treatments (if needed), and address any concerns you may have. It isn't working. Go back to your doctor and ask for a scan that will show up fluid. Mine was the result of abdominal reconstruction taken from my tummy and tunnelled up to my breast. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the smallest). I am new on this site and have been trawling for information. I have recently found recorded medical lectures on You Tube that I have found helpful. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Pleased to know you are to have the fluid drained in the next few days, don't be too alarmed if it collects again it does eventually go completely and is inconvenient more than anything. The fluid just keeps increasing. The bloating associated with chemotherapy is often referred to as chemo belly.. Gone up several sizes despite losing weight. I never had trouble doing that either before all this. As you are already feeling the pressure I would contact the nurse again and ask her to arrange for you to have it drained, it does not take too long and you will feel much more comfortable. 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. The sutures (stitches) the surgeon uses to close your incision will typically dissolve on their own. Training And Servicing Center. We are always here for you. Once the dressing is removed and a non-irritant one is used to replace it, it usually heals quite quickly. Blog > abdominal swelling after mastectomy. This allows the transferred tissue to continue to get its blood supply from where it originated, making it the simplest of the flap procedures. And. This can happen if you have a more extensive procedure, such as a radical mastectomy or if you have breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. 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. I hope you are continuing to do your exercises as this also helps. 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. A systematic approach to post mastectomy pain. Recovery usually takes 68 weeks. 1. My belly swells and goes down. When you leave the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery at home. The lymphatic system has been disrupted WebA distended abdomen is abnormally swollen outward. Following bilateral Mx I had failed implants and was completely flat.My tummy appeared to be really fat,as wasn't balanced out. WebLearn how CBCs are used in the treatment of breast cancer. I had a mastectomy/ impact reconstructionin Sept 2019 it'sbeendrained once due to fluid build up. @carr Is there anything we can do to make the swelling go down? Please contact your surgeon or breast nurse. abdominal swelling after mastectomy. Thanks for you input. I wake up not as bloated then as the day goes on, whether I eat or not, the belly bloats. My seroma was only diagnosed after a scan. Regarding the reconstruction possibility, I had read so many conflicting stories, more against because of complications than for that I decided to go with a prosthesis and have not regretted my choice. Now lets explore when you may be able to restart certain activities after your mastectomy. What happens after breast surgery. I had my op on both breasts on the Thursday and my drains were taken out on the Saturday. WebLearn how CBCs are used in the treatment of breast cancer. I am due to have my seroma surgical removed on Tuesday 22 July. Significant recent weight gain, which tends to be stored as intra-abdominal fat and may restrict digestion. 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. Learn more to see if it might be the right choice for you. The thought and the fear of the operation was horrendous, but i have come out the other side and don't regret anything. WebRe: Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? In 2020 I noticed a bulge that grew and grew! I've just had a CT scan. Stay vigilant. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on. Whatever the cause, the discomfort This could be fluid and needs to be sorted. Life is full and good post cancer and treatment. Wishing you the very best. If people got proper training, they would know about lymphedema and be able to give proper treatment. I feel the same as janiepops10. Did you get it sorted ? The Abdomen, Perineum, Anus, and Rectosigmoid. Wait longer between meals. These organs are only palpable if they are distended. When you had your mastectomy, did you choose to have reconstruction? WebSeromas can appear about 7 to 10 days after surgery, after the drainage tubes have been removed. Keep in mind that the exact timelines can vary based on the type of procedure you have, as well as your overall health. Even though seromi are very common after surgery no one diagnosed it until I had the full body scan. I've lost 2 inches off each thigh and can't keep my trousers up, but my upper tummy just stays distended. My belly seemed almost as big as my boobs were (and that's not small). Dr. Harness comments on the degree of swelling a woman should expect after her double mastectomy. Yet another thing to add to the list of 'why don't they forewarn you about these things'?? Be sure if you go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage. Edema is the medical term for swelling. I was only Stage 1 and the doctors were fairly certain I didn't have spread to my lymph nodes. Learn more here. @sandyjr and others in this thread.. My abdominal swelling was caused by reconstruction where they lifted the skin from lower belly to boob. This can include how to care of your incision, which types of arm and shoulder exercises to do, and when you can resume your normal activities. WebBruising and some swelling are common in women after surgery. I have had that abdominal swelling as well. 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! I am so thankful you found a therapist who has helped you. Abdominal muscle weakness, which causes the abdominal contents to sag outwards and downwards (enteroptosis). At age 65, I am 11 days post op after a simple left breast mastectomy. It then settled down and I had no need to return. There's no way to completely predict or prevent breast cancer. Areas involved in the surgery may develop spots that are swollen and feel like liquid under It might mean managing a disease, infection, growth, obstruction, or injury. Once the month-long class is completed, as patients we do those twice weekly at home and for me it takes about 30 minutes. This is what I want to know,too. Have one arm larger than the other (or swelling in another area), even if the change is small, can be upsetting. I had my mx last December and unless I wear my prosthesis I look pregnant - not a good look LOL x. Hi, thank you for responding. This was about 6 weeks ago. Belly bloatHi Shirley - I too had my surgery last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy. This is a soft, lightweight breast form that can be worn inside your bra. A mastectomy is a type of surgery that removes the entire breast. A distended abdomen can be due to bloating Hi to you all.I had a mastectomy/implant in Nov 2018.Then in Feb 2019 I had a massive build up of fluid which found an exit from my wound.My surgeon thought I would have to lose the implant,but chose to give it another go,washing out my breastand restitching..We are now in July and all seems to be OK. (2018). Thanks people, and I hope you're all doing ok. 2023 Breast Cancer Now. Lymphedema after cancer surgery to the lower body can cause swelling to the stomach and genitals as well as swelling in the legs and feet leading to loss of mobility and swelling severe enough to make it difficult to fit into a pair of pants or even socks, explained Herman Kattlove, MD, MPH, Medical Editor for the American Cancer Society in how to cut cod for fish sticks; air force epr future roles listvasant panchami 2021 for marriage. Another cause of abdominal distension is fluid build-up in the lining of the abdominal cavity, called the peritoneum. They may also feel the area with their hands or tap it and listen to the sound it makes to determine the presence of fluids, gasses or solids. However, abdominal distension isnt always from digestive processes. 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). Your recovery time can depend on a variety of factors, like the type of mastectomy that you had and your overall health. Accueil Uncategorized abdominal swelling after mastectomy. The content on this site is for informational purposes only. Every time he had breast augmentation, it can cause some surrounding swelling to the upper abdominal wall for a week or 2 after surgery. WebYou can expect moderate swelling in the reconstructed breast, underarm and abdomen. I contacted my Breast Care Nurse yesterday and she said if it continues to get worse then call her and she can arrange for it to be drained by the surgeon who did the op (apparently the nurses are not trained to do it). If youre unsure if its safe for you to drive, ask your surgeon for their advice. The CT scan revealed nothing untoward, except that my abdominal wall is minus muscle that was used for boob reconstruction. It may resolve on its own over time, or it may need to be drained. When you return to work can also depend on the type of work you do. I was vigilant but in the end I had no idea how bad my lymphedema was or what risk I was really at for this. (https://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2012/721820/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Your surgeon can give you a more specific timeline for how long your recovery period may last. I couldn't believe the bloat I had. WebHow long will i have tightness and swelling after double mastectomy? How long was your tummy swollen for? If I had gone for reconstruction, I couldn't do this. Please tell me it will go away. The hollow organs of the abdomen include the stomach, small intestine, colon, gallbladder, bile ducts, fallopian tubes, uterus and bladder. I am hoping not to have to get the fluid drained and that it will eventually be reabsorbed. I have a further appointment in 2 weeks but feel like my breast is going to pop like a balloon. Unless you gain a tremendous amount of weight, the underlying tissue has been altered and will always have a new, tighter feel. WebSwelling or edema is a build-up of fluid in the tissues. I look like a freak. The other option of taking skin from my abdomen was ruled out because of previous abdominal surgery, which has left me with a lot of scarring in this area. Might be a bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist (and be safe)? A preventive (prophylactic) or risk-reducing mastectomy p.s. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/30/2021. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. WebCommon causes of abdominal swelling include the following. unusual swelling that gets worse, or headaches, dizziness, tingling, or blurred vision The bottom line Exercising after breast surgery is a critical step in recovery. If you had a mastectomy without breast reconstruction, youll be given a prosthesis to wear. Another health carrier, Sutter, also offers classes and I found their lymphedema class was even more educational. I am huge, I have had four children and I didn't get this big in my abdominal area. WebIf you have surgery, it is common to get swelling (oedema) near the surgery scar in the first days after the operation. Webnew city college attlee a level academy; surrey police helicopter tracker; mountain vista apartments tucson; smart goals examples for social studies teachers I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. Oooh! Youll likely need to wait 3 to 4 weeks before resuming other types of exercise. WebLearn how CBCs are used in the treatment of breast cancer. Can a Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Be Performed at the Same Time? and do I have to keep having it drained or will it go away in time? Management of Chronic Abdominal Distension and Bloating. This can include: Its very important to carefully follow all of these instructions after you return home. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. I have read some great info though! I had left mastectomy and few lymph nodesleft side bloating/swelling4 months post op. I asked her what if I had no arms and she said I was carrying things too far. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. The surgeon may have done a biopsy of nearby lymph nodes to see if the cancer spread. 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). "I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. I have a small build up of fluid but what I am finding to be far worse at the moment is that I have had an allergic reaction to my wound dressing. 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. She has a direct line to the surgeons and the whole BC team. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. Its like doctors sometimes you have to search for one who is a good fit for your personality) because I was going to be flying on a vacation and I knew sometimes flying can be a trigger. I will call tomorrow! I am just wondering what was the outcome for you? Functional problems are observable but unexplained. Most people can go back to doing their usual activities after 2 weeks. A disorder of the muscle contractions involved in digestion (. Seromas may be uncomfortable and lengthen your recovery time, but they arent cancerous. The skin around the cut (incision) may feel firm, swollen, and tender, and be bruised. It stimulates the main lymph drainage areas, in you tummy, back and groin. Every day is a bonus and I hope that with their continuing care, I shall still be here for many years to come. Find the latest information from the globally recognized leader in digestive diagnosis, treatments and surgical innovations. If you have a digestive problem, your healthcare provider can help you narrow down causes and strategies for managing it at home. Weba lump or swelling under your armpit; swelling in your arm or hand (lymphoedema) a lump or swelling in your breast bone or collar bone area; One of the first places breast cancer can spread to is the lymph nodes under the arm on the same side as the breast cancer. If I had a bulge now I look at the lymphatic system. Its likely that youll start out with gentle, low impact exercise and slowly increase in intensity. There's definitely a link between motion and swell. Lots of swelling but few if any, caused by pedicle tram recon. It may be stretched, but I am full of praise for the exemplary care and attention I have been given in the past 10 years. pennymac insurance claim check tracker. If you feel sick to your stomach, let the staff know, so they can give you some antinausea medication. I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. We avoid using tertiary references. Answer: 1-2 weeks. Rodis. When I am at home, I frequently go around without a bra or prosthesis. This can be caused by retaining salt and water because of certain medicines. I am not a medic so dont know. A good tip would be to place commonly used items like clothes, toiletries, plates, and utensils within easy reach. 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. Dr. Harness comments on the degree of swelling a woman should expect after her double mastectomy. It is eleven years since I had my mastectomy followed by a build up of fluid - so much at one stage I thought my breast had returned (not really) I returned to the ward several times to have the fluid drained. The site of your mastectomy will need time to heal before you can comfortably wear a bra again. I'd put it down to the fact that now the boob has gone, I can see this side of my stomach - but not the other, where I still have a boob. Healthcare providers diagnose a distended abdomen in terms of the five fs: flatus (gas), fetus (pregnancy), feces (trapped poop), fluid (from several causes) or fat. If this is the case, get instructions from your surgeon on how to care for your surgical drains at home. 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. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Your surgeon will be able to give you more specific details. Not only can this help you feel more confident, but this individual can also take over if you experience pain or discomfort while driving. When you leave the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery at home. Thanks, I am going to email my consultants and see if they have recommendations for Physio- you are on it! There must be something out there which acts as an appropriate support band. eds. Webabdominal swelling after mastectomyworld cup willie rolykins. During this time, hospital staff will monitor vital signs, like your heart rate and blood pressure. I found the breast nurses the most useful and approachable. So, yes, I have lymphedema and the massage moved a lot of fluid out. I have very skinny legs and arms, but this huge stomach bulging out!!! I do not get my blood drawn at the cancer center nor the hospital associated with it. Mine went undiagnosed, even though they are very common, and meant I needed another operation to remove it. However, the surgeon got a little ambitious and created a lot of damage on my left side to remove the node. Follow these instructions if you had a mastectomy with breast reconstruction, without reconstruction, or after delayed reconstruction. I had a mastectomy about 10 days ago. The amount of swelling may vary. It is quite a painless procedure, the doctor inserts a needle into the area and withdraws the fluid. 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. Any advice would be wonderful, thanks so much. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the". For example: Seek medical care if your abdominal distension: A distended abdomen is often a temporary problem linked to digestion, but it can be uncomfortable, and it can sometimes indicate a serious condition. The only exception to this is when I go swimming. Recovery from a mastectomy typically takes several weeks. However, some people may have a longer recovery period. You have had a double mx but don't say you have been reconstructed, so no tummy interference. Your healthcare provider might be able to feel that they are enlarged, or they might need to look at an image of the internal organs to tell. (2020). But I'm scared this increase in exercise will result in a massive, swollen, painful boob. This can be treated in several ways, including the medications and therapies discussed above. Throught that i would say hello because i had the same problem-looked like it was growing back.They had to drain it a few times.Althrough it was not especilly physically uncomfortable i felt like my whole system had slowed down and i felt much better after being drained .It did not hurt.They were relucant to keep doing it because they want your body to learn to reabsorb and if they keep doing it,it can encourage it to keep producing.It settled down for me after a few weeks. Drain was removed on day six, and I have been taking my normal walk each day since day 7 (3-4 miles each day). This is typically 3 days or less. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. DIEP and pedicled TRAM flaps: A comparison of outcomes. Because everyone experiences pain differently, the intensity and duration can vary between individuals. Your surgeon will talk with you about when this may be possible. Care teams are not usually that keen to aspirate unless it is really necessary, as it can lead to more build up. A low-grade fever that is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is normal the day after surgery. I would agree with you that the NHS have really come up trumps in dealing with my hospital visits and like you, I will not hear a word against them in that respect. Possible problems after mastectomy. You can see and measure the difference, and sometimes you can feel it. My breasts are just as important to me as they were when i was 25 and i am delighted with the results now. Good to hear your surgery went well. As a matter of fact, I have found two phlebotomists that will honor this. Websonicwave 231c non responsive Uncovering hot babes since 1919.. abdominal swelling after mastectomy. Why does bloating and swelling happen after surgery? I am 57 and am very active, including dancing. Only the patient's skin and fat are used. One concern you may have is when you can go about daily activities, like household chores and running errands. In some cases, numbness may be temporary and fade over time as you heal, although your surgical scar itself will often remain permanently numb. Webabdominal swelling after mastectomy. Theyre important to prevent stiffness and improve range of motion near where you had your mastectomy. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else Daily life after a primary breast cancer diagnosis. 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. Goodbye surgeon. Im going to email my surgeons with all those questions you dont ask at the time ! A build-up of fluid in the abdomen caused by. I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. I am glad to hear about the MLD and will ask my oncologist to refer me. I was hospitalized for 6 days and have permanant damage to my left hand that will never improve. Functional Abdominal Bloating with Distention. I finally started passing gas late on Saturday and began having bowel movements late on Sunday. Your healthcare provider will confirm your condition with imaging tests, then follow up with additional testing and treatment depending on the condition. Its also a good way to relieve stress during the day. Me too. My doctor says it is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly. My health carrier is Kaiser Permanente and prior to any surgeries, they have patients attend classes guided by physical therapists. I have no answer but mine was a seroma and had to be surgically remove as it was left so long. I personally like the fact I can no longer grab a handful of tummy skin. Welcome to the forum. Your surgeon may prescribe a pain medication to take after you leave the hospital. I'm doing my exercises and keeping active. Like a bowling ball. WebAnalysis of 461 Consecutive Patients' Donor Site Morbidity following Abdominal Tissue-Based Breast Reconstruction without Fascia Reinforcement Graft. Hi, I had my mastectomy in April, and ever since the op I've had upper abdominal swelling. It's like I'm 8 months pregnant! A distended abdomen is measurably swollen beyond its normal size. I am a very small frame and I am 74 all most 75 years of age. today I am 10 weeks out from my DIEP surgery. Its also possible for numbness to be persistent or chronic. Also, try walking to help. Keep at your PT and massage and other care. After breast cancer surgery, fluid may collect where tissue was removed. Doing so can help your recovery go as smoothly as possible.