abdominal swelling after mastectomy

Good luck. May I ask if you had reconstruction after your mx? So consensus seems to be to talk to either GP or BCN, it won't just settle on its own? Watch out for a fever, swelling, redness, and added pain. Most surgeons seem to feel that the area settles more quickly if it is left to absorb into the surrounding tissues naturally. 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. Good luck to you! Dr. William explains how it happens and the difference between swelling and seroma with an actual patient case. Re: Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. i have a huge swelling around my implant breast (mascetomy surgery) and i pulled myself at work. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the smallest). Keep in mind that the exact timelines can vary based on the type of procedure you have, as well as your overall health. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. They were wrong (and @trixie1313 ) I too have Kaiser and I wish my care had been as complete as yours.sigh. Below, well outline what you can generally expect, both in the hospital and after you return home. Use a thimble when sewing. I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. Lots of swelling but few if any, caused by pedicle tram recon. Interested in more discussions like this? It amy require treatment with Dr. Pamela Pappas and another doctor agree. Any ideas? Is there anything we can do to make the swelling go down? Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Then revision surgery on August 3rd. PS would physiotherapy help re strengthening other muscles, what to do/not to do etc? This feels", "@kk57 See if you can get a referral to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage.". I proactively insisted on a referral to a lymphedema therapist (who incidentally was awful I have since found a kind, caring, and helpful therapist. Studies have shown that between 20% and 30% of women develop symptoms of PMPS after surgery. FYI @almostoutofthewoods. If youre scheduled for a lung cancer surgery, you may have a lot of questions about the procedure and the recovery process. A low-grade fever that is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is normal the day after surgery. Yes, it could be a possible seroma or hematoma. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. Did any of you get a diagnosis? You also need to be comfortable wearing a seatbelt. Its likely that youll start out with gentle, low impact exercise and slowly increase in intensity. If you feel tightness across your incision or chest, start with smaller circles. Did you get it sorted ? Well discuss how long recovery takes, what mastectomy pain is like, and when you can typically return to daily activities. Theyre important to prevent stiffness and improve range of motion near where you had your mastectomy. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? Dressings. However, there are those times where I need to say, If it was me, I would do. Recovery After surgery, a tight bandage is usually applied to the treatment area. However, it is important to remember that it is generally not harmful. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Now it does! As it turned out there were no lymph nodes removed, just some fatty tissue. 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.. However, some breast cancer patients will be shocked to feel brief bouts of sharp pain in their breast months, even years later. 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. Another health carrier, Sutter, also offers classes and I found their lymphedema class was even more educational. Right after surgery, you're limited in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in your body. 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. After researching this phenomenon online, I think that it must be due to the antibiotic I will finish today. I wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect. About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated. Oooh! I hope that your recuperation continues to progress. Thank you for the information and I will be asking my doctor about it cuz I go on Monday and I will make sure that I talk to her and see what I need to do to alleviate this symptom that they didn't tell me I would have thank you again so much and I'll be praying that anybody that read this do same and be rid of it for once and for all. 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. These include redness, pain, heat, increased swelling, or fever. Breast reconstruction with flap surgery is the most complex breast reconstructive option. Thanks people, and I hope you're all doing ok. 2022 Breast Cancer Now. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe. dog_lover Member Posts: 8. breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. Abdominal swelling post-chemo clier Member Posts: 29 October 2009 edited March 2014 #1 So, I've just finished 6 months Folfox + Avastin, every other week. While everyone is different, the wounds and healin process should be about 90% complete in the 6-8 week timeframe. We mustnt just accept. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). The one constant in my treatment has been walking it is free and the very best exercise. Arm swelling most often is from lymphedema which can be evaluated and treated by a trained specialist. Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). My dx is Colon Cancer w/ liver mets - 8 tumors spread throughout liver so resection of liver not an option, nor is transplant. The problem is called standing cone with probably a seroma in it. I can tell this is very bothersome to you, as I can understand. How long will I be recovering from a mastectomy? Also given the line that "it just looks bigger because you have no breasts". Not do vigorous, repetitive movements against resistance with the affected arm. Compression garments such as a compression bra, shape wear or an abdominal binder can help reduce swelling. Follow your instincts and if your doctor isn't responsive enough, keep looking for one who will attend to your health needs. Thank you Carr for the valuable information. You may not like the look of your implants or the way your chest looks if you chose not to do reconstruction. 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. But if those emotions last longer than you would desire, seek some help from a professional. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. With any surgery there may be side effects that you were unaware of. Swelling can take 4-8 weeks to completely resolve. @trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that. My belly swells and goes down. However, for some individuals, it may take months. Brenin DR, et al. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. The dr said that it was lymphatic fluid gathering at the bottom of my breast due to the surgery. 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. When breast cancer is present, surgeons will take a few lymph nodes (if not more) to determine the stage and spread of cancer. Go back to your doctor and ask for a scan that will show up fluid. Good Luck everyone and a swift recovery. (doctors are currently evaluating my mom for other causes, including ovarian cancer). Interested in more discussions like this? Learn more. Its most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. Medical procedures always scare me now. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. 1. I had a mastectomy and few lymph nodes removal nearly 7 weeks ago and have exactly the same symptoms you have described. Eighteen ways to reduce bloating: 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 might be a big baby, but I was so upset! You should go to a certified lymphedema therapist, or CLT. Not standard mastectomy. Hello @almostoutofthewoods and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. It's like I'm 8 months pregnant! 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. All rights reserved. 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. Be sure if you go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage. I think it's a build up of fluid, like a lymphedema problem. As I'm 62, this would be impossible and I'm very definitely post menopausal. It takes several weeks to recover from a mastectomy. Also, some elastic type shorts that come up to belly button and that have a wide elastic band for waist. Six years later I have a perfectly flat stomach but can still feel a pull. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. I couldn't believe the bloat I had. I am glad to hear about the MLD and will ask my oncologist to refer me. 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. I really hope you find it! All Rights Reserved. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. I find that trawling the Internet expeciallythe US sites can throw up some useful information but you do need to read it with care. thanks for replying , it is a great idea and despite buying highly expensive support pants Ive found a swimming costume helps a lot - seems to even the load all out! It is common however to become easi. I have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment. My health carrier is Kaiser Permanente and prior to any surgeries, they have patients attend classes guided by physical therapists. I am also on the Wheat Belly diet, which is similar to Ketono wheat or grains, no sugar, good fats and vegetables, etc. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Its also common to feel a bit nauseous from the anesthesia. Same response as with the other reply here I saw. Its common to have pain or discomfort after a mastectomy. I just googled abdominal lymphedema after breast cancer and yes, I'm sure that is what I have, and many others also have. I am large busted and the gravity pulls it down. Figure 1. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. I've lost nearly a stone since the op, and have been going to the gym three times a week. Are these options things you've already tried or are doing? I'm 48 and apparently not peri-menopausal. The maximal effect i Dr. Susan Rhoads and another doctor agree. 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. The recovery from mastectomy is different for everyone. @almostoutofthewoods There are different lymphedema pads called "swell spots" that are quite helpful. Even after all that, we still dont know everything or we just simply forgot in amongst all that information being thrown our direction. could it be fluid? 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). But it doesnt worry me and although occasionally uncomfortable it doesnt hurt. When you return to work can also depend on the type of work you do. Had part of colon removed in April & did radiospheres as well. @kk57 See if you can get a referral to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. After time, you will gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise. No evidence of any liquid to drain out. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. Hi, I'm new here and have been too busy to consistantly lurk! It's most common after operations that remove tissue in the upper outside portion of the breast or the underarm area. 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. Can Breast Cancer Be Detected in a Complete Blood Count (CBC)? 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. Your surgeon can give you a more specific timeline for how long your recovery period may last. Many of those women wonder what to expect post-mastectomy. After you wake up from the anesthesia, you may notice that you have: Youll be given pain medication to help ease discomfort. Like a bowling ball. 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. They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. The amount of time taken varies from person to person, but usually this ranges between 4 and 8 weeks. I've tried every logical thing I can think of and nothing helps. Have a lovely Sunday and again thanks for your reply. I am so sorry you have gone through all of that without the doctors or nurses explaining the future possibilities. Also, some elastic type shorts that come up to belly button and that have a wide elastic band for waist. Its a long post but there just seems to be so little info available that I wanted to share. abdominal swelling.I hadn't even heard or considered thatthanks for the info. So, for now, Im sticking with my detox tea, exercise and yoga to try to get my body back in 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. The swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along. After the surgery, gravity may cause the fluids . Its okay to feel angry and upset at the world for a while. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. I 'thought' I was doing it right but I let one cut go and ended up in very bad shape with cellulitis. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. At age 65, I am 11 days post op after a simple left breast mastectomy. does it eventually go down? In addition to general pain or discomfort, its possible to feel: Chronic pain after a mastectomy may be more common in people who: There are many potential treatments for chronic pain after mastectomy. Every time he had breast augmentation, it can cause some surrounding swelling to the upper abdominal wall for a week or 2 after surgery. They are not keen to remove the fluid unless it is essential, as it tends to build up again quite quickly. There's evanmarcus again appearing on the forum with slightly odd remarks.. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. Youll likely need to wait 3 to 4 weeks before resuming other types of exercise. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. My seroma appeared within 6 weeks of the original operation. We avoid using tertiary references. 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. YES, we discussed loss of feeling and sensation in my breasts and armpits. October 2003 #5. Hi Delight, welcome. Give yourself patience and space to recover. Great news but now2 months out I still cant wear my clothes. However, its important to be aware of the signs of a potential complication so that you can seek help. I will call tomorrow! My mom is experiencing the same thing - visible abdominal distension, that has persisted almost 5 weeks after her surgery. This is typically 3 days or less. 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. Sometimes the fluid can build up again after being drained. @trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that. You have 3 options: So is that it? You have had a post op ct so if it was a seroma they should have been able to see the fluid. But on the best positive ever i am 5 years clear . Complete your request online or contact us by phone. Mine was the result of abdominal reconstruction taken from my tummy and tunnelled up to my breast. I just googled abdominal lymphedema and yes, it is a thing, and yes, that is what I have and I'm sure many others with "Buddha belly" have. 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. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. Good luck and persevere it is your body and you that needs to live with it. For example, you might not be able to lift your arms above your head for a period of time during your recovery. Be careful not to touch or remove the steri-strips or sutures. If the procedure involves the formation of the lower breast pocket, the swelling may not be limited to the breasts. All the best to you. This is great info. Ive created list of my top eight post-mastectomy issues to relay over to those who ask. I guard my hands and arms like you wouldnt believe. Repeat this movement 5 times. which swelled occasionally but disapated in a day or 2. now i have had pouch swelling fo? You have a foreign object inside your body, which may just want to reject that object. Because of this, its unlikely that youll have to return to the hospital or a doctors office to have them removed. (2020). During this time, theyll evaluate your progress, discuss any additional treatments (if needed), and address any concerns you may have. How long was your tummy swollen for? Chronic pain after mastectomy happens due to nerve damage. Keep at your PT and massage and other care. It's NOT a good look! Ido have swelling around my side and back, and under my arm, and a feeling on the upperunderside of my arm of a rubbing sensation, as if it's badly grazed.i guess this is all post op symptoms but just wondered if anyone else has experienced this. As a matter of fact, I have found two phlebotomists that will honor this. Now I look like Im six months pregnant. These are typically removed during a follow-up visit. All rights reserved. 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! My doctor says it is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly. When you can start driving again typically depends on how you feel during recovery. If youre unsure if its safe for you to drive, ask your surgeon for their advice. Youll have difficulty finding clothes, especially if you only have one breast. @chamisa See my post below. Once the month-long class is completed, as patients we do those twice weekly at home and for me it takes about 30 minutes. New techniques attempt to reduce the amount of dead space created to help prevent seromas from forming. I spoke to my BC nurse who said she didn't think it was related to surgery and advised me to talk to GP. 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! Lymphedema I also had my lymph node checked on my left side. I am also really having a hard time losing 15 pounds which I need to do. I have no answer but mine was a seroma and had to be surgically remove as it was left so long. How are you feeling after your mastectomy? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. Registered Office: Fifth Floor, Ibex House, 4247 Minories, London EC3N 1DY. The CT scan revealed nothing untoward, except that my abdominal wall is minus muscle that was used for boob reconstruction. Its frustrating that doctors dont take lymphedema more seriously, but I guess theyre just focused on ridding us of the cancer. I did not know about this. 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. This is great info. Weve assembled some tips below to help you get started. It stimulates the main lymph drainage areas, in you tummy, back and groin. But it does seem just that bit more than those would explain. I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. Please allow me to post it for you. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. I found a certified lymphedema therapist and I will make an appointment. 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. I do have mirrors in my house and my stomach never stuck out before. "Thank you, @carr. Publication types Case Reports Review MeSH terms Abdominal Wall / innervation Abdominal Wall / physiopathology* Humans Backward shoulder rolls. What Causes Stomach Bloating After Breast Augmentation Surgery? Any ideas why the arm swell, or become edematous, after a radial mastectomy? As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all. 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! p.s. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. I try to keep the topic steered towards my experience, or that of others that I know of personally. I am huge, I have had four children and I didn't get this big in my abdominal area. Then revision surgery on August 3rd. Yet another thing to add to the list of 'why don't they forewarn you about these things'?? Dr. Harness comments on the degree of swelling a woman should expect after her double mastectomy. Like Helpful Hug 2 Reactions REPLY I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. I hope I have give you some ideas. When you leave the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery at home. I wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect. She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. Heres what to expect. The doctors kept telling me I wouldn't get lymphdema with just one node removed. 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. 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. yes . Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful. Stomach bloating is generally related to several different factors. 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. I'm in crazy California (northern) and have Kaiser Permanente. Some of those nerve ending may regenerate themselves; but for the majority of women, the end result is a lack of sensation. (2020). I just spoke to a wonderful woman on the support line ( hey I made a pun!) Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. So, yes, I have lymphedema and the massage moved a lot of fluid out. Hi, I'm new here and have been too busy to consistantly lurk! Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Did they do anything to reduce the seroma? Checklist for recovery after mastectomy. Do I now walk around in constant discomfort, looking 4 months pregnant? A mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this includes tissue in the arm pit. You have had a double mx but don't say you have been reconstructed, so no tummy interference. Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. Might be a bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist (and be safe)? 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. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. , 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.

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