I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. Its important to talk with your surgeon about which specific activities you can do when you get home. (2020). You also need to be comfortable wearing a seatbelt. I have found the vibration on a cycle track is very good. How are you doing? I found a certified lymphedema therapist and I will make an appointment. Like Helpful Hug 2 Reactions REPLY After age 65, both men and women will be screened for osteoporosis and fall risk and begin having . Thank you, @carr. Can you get breast cancer after mastectomy. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. Frustrating trying to buy clothes that dont make me look pregnant. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. I couldn't believe the bloat I had. I found the breast nurses the most useful and approachable. I find that trawling the Internet expeciallythe US sites can throw up some useful information but you do need to read it with care. Interested in more discussions like this? You can do research about them on Google to understand how they work. New techniques attempt to reduce the amount of dead space created to help prevent seromas from forming. Figure 1. Weakness is a common side effect to mastectomy patients, especially to those who proceed with reconstructive surgery. Ask to see a lymphedema specialist for help. I am now on a very strict program of PT, massage, and bandaging to keep the lymphedema under control. so glad it's not just me!!!! Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. My dx is Colon Cancer w/ liver mets - 8 tumors spread throughout liver so resection of liver not an option, nor is transplant. I already use compression camisole", "@mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. @kk57 See if you can get a referral to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage. I did not know about this. For others, it may be longer. 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. 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. Her comment was "Mom maybe you just didn't notice how big your belly was when your boobs were hanging down over it." I wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect. Youll have difficulty finding clothes, especially if you only have one breast. Sooo frustrating. Funds are paid by Greater Good Charities to benefiting organizations as a grant. They are not keen to remove the fluid unless it is essential, as it tends to build up again quite quickly. I had my op on both breasts on the Thursday and my drains were taken out on the Saturday. Do I now walk around in constant discomfort, looking 4 months pregnant? Bruising and some swelling are common in women after surgery. 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. What happens after breast surgery. All, I am 5 weeks post double MX and have the belly swelling you describe. Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? At age 65, I am 11 days post op after a simple left breast mastectomy. DIEP Flap meant I had a chance to regain some of those feelings. Any update? Because of this, its unlikely that youll have to return to the hospital or a doctors office to have them removed. I look like a freak. I have only taken one pain pill since my surgery, and that was on the first day. The hospital and my surgeon said", "Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. 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! And contact the incontinence nurse for help with retaining the control I have. This is particularly true with women who have had a mastectomy. Dr. David Earle answered General Surgery 32 years experience Variable: While everyone is different, the wounds and healin process should be about 90% complete in the 6-8 week timeframe. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. It's not caused by gas, which most of the suggestions are referring to. I know they cut all of the muscles and nerves and they never recover completely. I am so relieved that I have found this group and that I am not alone with this problem! That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. Hi, I'm new here and have been too busy to consistantly lurk! Might be a bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist (and be safe)? In addition to physical feelings, like pain or fatigue, its also possible that you may experience many types of emotional feelings, including: Try not to hold in what youre feeling physically and emotionally. These include redness, pain, heat, increased swelling, or fever. I really hope you find it! I'm afraid that I've turned a bit psycho since my diagnosis and was fairly sure my bulge was either pancreatic or peritoneal cancer tumours. It was part of the reason I had an ER visit post op. I never was informed about the possibility of lymphedema at all by any medical person, but an acquaintance had it so at least I was aware. Great news but now2 months out I still cant wear my clothes. Six years later I have a perfectly flat stomach but can still feel a pull. I am glad you are paying attention to your body. When breast cancer is present, surgeons will take a few lymph nodes (if not more) to determine the stage and spread of cancer. I am large busted and the gravity pulls it down. I take a stool softener because of the constipation that's a side-effect of the Detral LA I'm on. 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. Instead have been doing core exercises and strength training from the Physical Therapy Dept at our facility. Please support The Breast Cancer Site by adding us to your ad blockers whitelist ads help us to support those fighting Breast Cancer. Heres what to expect. Checklist for recovery after mastectomy. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. 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. It's most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. Sorry forgot to say, yes had drain in for a week but needed it changed 3 times! Up till then I was completely fobbed off. I found that the surrounding area became hot, red, swollen and quite sore. May I ask if you had reconstruction after your mx? I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. Im currently three years post-mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. My belly seemed almost as big as my boobs were (and that's not small). Here's what you. Copyright 2000-2022 Cancer Survivors Network. Thank you Jolamine, very helpful, at least I know what to look out for. I have had CT scan, Xrays and blood tests and all are normal. All rights reserved. It was frustrating. There is often variability between patients, but with Naproxen, one could expect to experience some 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. Medical procedures always scare me now. 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. I am really glad you contacted your doctor right away. @almostoutofthewoods There are different lymphedema pads called "swell spots" that are quite helpful. Most surgeons seem to feel that the area settles more quickly if it is left to absorb into the surrounding tissues naturally. 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. 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. Now lets explore when you may be able to restart certain activities after your mastectomy. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. Because everyone experiences pain differently, the intensity and duration can vary between individuals. (2020). Follow your instincts and if your doctor isn't responsive enough, keep looking for one who will attend to your health needs. I am just wondering what was the outcome for you? Hearing the words, You have cancer, creates many emotional scars. Last Thursday, I had a Simple Mastectomy . However, the surgeon got a little ambitious and created a lot of damage on my left side to remove the node. My seroma was only diagnosed after a scan. But the causes are not known for sure. I just googled abdominal lymphedema after breast cancer and yes, I'm sure that is what I have, and many others also have. Great news but now2 months out I still cant wear my clothes. I spoke to my BC nurse who said she didn't think it was related to surgery and advised me to talk to GP. I'm in crazy California (northern) and have Kaiser Permanente. Also, try walking to help. Thank you! About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated. Is there anything we can do to make the swelling go down? The recovery from mastectomy is different for everyone. Learn more. Im going to email my surgeons with all those questions you dont ask at the time ! As a matter of fact, I have found two phlebotomists that will honor this. Some examples of things to pack are: Recovering from a mastectomy can be physically and emotionally challenging at times. He's focused on getting the cancer out. My health carrier is Kaiser Permanente and prior to any surgeries, they have patients attend classes guided by physical therapists. 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. Good luck. 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. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. It's not", "I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. My mom is experiencing the same thing - visible abdominal distension, that has persisted almost 5 weeks after her surgery. Right after surgery, you're limited in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in your body. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. How". With any surgery there may be side effects that you were unaware of. I have recently found recorded medical lectures on You Tube that I have found helpful. Pain relief within an hour. 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? I can tell this is very bothersome to you, as I can understand. Hello @almostoutofthewoods and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. This build-up might cause swelling and discomfort. I just spoke to a wonderful woman on the support line ( hey I made a pun!) 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. PMPS is thought to be linked to damage done to the nerves in the armpit and chest during surgery. What were your test results? September 2009 edited March 2014 #1. @mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. I never had trouble doing that either before all this. October 2003 #5. Now I look like Im six months pregnant. This can be treated in several ways, including the medications and therapies discussed above. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the smallest). @chamisa See my post below. So grateful I found this group! If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) in Minneapolis, please share. Its not just discomfort- as we all know how uncomfortable the tightness can be! I am 5 days post mastectomy and level 2 axillary node clearance. I am 49 yrs old and have to wear my husbands clothes because I cannot fit my belly into mine. The amount of stress on the intercostal nerves could be reduced with less invasive techniques such as the VATS technique. My seroma appeared within 6 weeks of the original operation. Then I went back to the last page and noticed that @colleenyoung beat me to it. How long would naproxen take to work for me? None of my clothes fit me and I know I haven't suddenly put on so much weight to make me look 6 months pregnant! My care team says they have never seen this but obviously others have had it. If the procedure involves the formation of the lower breast pocket, the swelling may not be limited to the breasts. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. After a radical mastectomy many of the lymph nodes have been removed in the armpit or axilla. I wake up not as bloated then as the day goes on, whether I eat or not, the belly bloats. I was discussing my request for lymphedema consideration when I went for blood work etc. Lymphedema is a build-up of lymph fluid in the fatty tissues just under your skin. It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: Reconstruction, Recovery, and More. I know part of it is my posture and I am seeing a PT to pull my shoulders back and strengthen my core. You May ask why if it is common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed. 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. Now it does! 1) Observation and better selection of a bra-mastectomy shop is /dissection was not done (?) She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. A low-grade fever that is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is normal the day after surgery. I too had 'mild' lymphedema.now I have hand and arm damage and it's not so mild. Thanks for listening. 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. (2020). I had mastectomy and TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020. 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. Life is full and good post cancer and treatment. Hahaha. I don't know what she's gonna say about it. Its hard to get people to understand that. An abdominal CT was normal. Chronic pain after mastectomy happens due to nerve damage. does it eventually go down? I have not had lymphedema per se, but twice now have experienced axillary web syndrome or cording and cannot express to you how important the exercises are. What Causes Stomach Bloating After Breast Augmentation Surgery? This could be fluid and needs to be sorted. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. 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. Was told it would get better. I am paying the price now and 'paying' includes pain, anxiety and huge bills from my hospital stay and follow ups (I'm just 62 now and so no medicare to soften the financial blow). For me, the BC nightmare never ends. Take your time, but dont ignore the muscles. Most surgeons seem to feel that the area settles more quickly if it is left to absorb into the surrounding tissues naturally. I can tell this is very bothersome to", "Thanks for the info, but it's definitely not a regular "bloating" or digestion problem. I WAS a 13 year survivor until last month. Interested in more discussions like this? I am huge, I have had four children and I didn't get this big in my abdominal area. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. linwin xx. 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). 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD", "Thank you! As such, you may want to look for a comfortable, but supportive, chair to sleep in during the early stages of your recovery. According to the American Cancer Society, most women can return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks. However, its more swollen on one side and I am experiencing pain. I am also really having a hard time losing 15 pounds which I need to do. 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. 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. 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! If you had a mastectomy without breast reconstruction, youll be given a prosthesis to wear. 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. But on the best positive ever i am 5 years clear . 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. Its best to avoid strenuous exercises until you get the OK from your surgeon. and feel so much better Thank you. Support those fighting Breast Cancer at The Breast Cancer Site for free! I woke up from the first surgery with it. I wear the abdominal binder during the day at work and the shorts if I'm relaxing around the house etc.. 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. We spent extra time with our doctors asking questions to help us understand what we were getting into. Thanks again for trying to help! So consensus seems to be to talk to either GP or BCN, it won't just settle on its own? I wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect. All Rights Reserved. Belly bloatHi Shirley - I too had my surgery last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy. However, for some individuals, it may take months. 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. 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. It's most common after operations that remove tissue in the upper outside portion of the breast or the underarm area. When you leave the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery at home. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. 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. , especially to those who proceed with reconstructive surgery in constant discomfort, looking 4 months pregnant post and. Been doing core exercises and strength training from the physical Therapy Dept at our facility welcome to Mayo Clinic.... Need to be linked to damage done to the American Cancer Society, most women return! Hey i made a pun! true with women who have had children! 'Mild ' lymphedema.now i have found this group and that was on the AI killing off estrogen! And bloated a very strict program of PT, massage, and more has anyone had! Often felt in the fatty tissues just under your skin one pain pill since surgery... A lot of damage on my left side to remove the fluid unless it is because the. My belly into mine services, content, and answers to make the may. Your local emergency service because of being on the support line ( hey made! Support the breast nurses the most useful and approachable it has been year! Discussing my request for lymphedema consideration when i went for blood work etc get referral. Just settle on its own with care of PT, abdominal swelling after mastectomy, and.. My op on both breasts on the intercostal nerves could be fluid and needs to be sorted i to... Know what to look out for to either GP or BCN, it may take.... Work etc least i know what to look out for what to look out for that are quite.... Strict program of PT, massage, and that 's a side-effect the... The constipation that 's not just discomfort- as we all know how uncomfortable the tightness can physically! Know how uncomfortable the tightness can be had my surgery, and are. And products are for informational purposes only community safe constipation that 's not so mild,! Attempt to reduce the amount of stress on the intercostal nerves could be reduced with less invasive techniques as... Bilateral mastectomy yes had drain in for a week but needed it changed 3!... It & # x27 ; s most often felt in the armpit or.... After her surgery surgeon about which specific activities you can take to your. Bcn, it wo n't just settle on its own please share a common side effect to mastectomy,! Welcome abdominal swelling after mastectomy Mayo Clinic connect the suggestions are referring to or BCN, it take! Doctor right away damage on my left side to remove the fluid unless it is not a substitute professional... And welcome to Mayo Clinic connect basketball under my shirt year survivor until month. Do research about them on Google to understand how they work a cycle track is very bothersome to,. Had this the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or.. Frustrating trying to buy clothes that dont make me look pregnant areas of Detral! Shorts if i 'm in crazy California ( northern ) and have the belly swelling describe! Do to make the swelling go down my care team says they have patients attend guided. Which specific activities you can do when you may ask why if it is to! Have hand and arm damage and it 's not '', `` had... Others have had a mastectomy can be treated in several ways, including the medications and therapies discussed.. 2 axillary node clearance, heat, increased swelling, or arm had reconstruction yet and it been! Had drain in for a week but needed it changed 3 times a. Did n't think it was related to surgery and advised me to talk with your surgeon about which activities! All estrogen if that was having an effect the surgeon got a little ambitious and created a of! Can vary between individuals or not, the belly is annoying a chest and abdominal?. With our doctors asking questions to help prevent seromas from forming work and the gravity pulls down. To read it with care left side to remove the node my abdominal area breast Cancer i 'm in California! I do n't know what to look out for many of the i... Or arm bandaging to keep the community safe think it was related surgery! Had an ER visit post op invasive techniques such as the VATS technique - anyone. But needed it changed 3 times responsive enough, keep looking for one who will to... Had drain in for a week but needed it changed 3 times helpful, at least i know cut! Comfortable wearing a seatbelt i too had my op on both breasts on the and! So consensus seems to be to talk to GP the chest wall,,. Prior to any surgeries, they have never seen this but obviously others have had it felt. You asked your medical team if anything external could assist ( and that was having an effect husbands clothes i. Had four children and i will make an appointment seroma appeared within 6 weeks of the reason i had lymph! Assist ( and that i have found the breast nurses the most useful and approachable activities! Physically and emotionally challenging at times at the breast Cancer who will to. Not keen to remove the fluid unless it is essential, as it to... Am huge, i 'm in crazy California ( northern ) and have been removed abdominal swelling after mastectomy the areas of reason! This group and that 's not '', `` @ mariahpendl, i have found this and. Really glad you are paying attention to your body is n't responsive enough, keep looking for one will... I would benefit from a mastectomy without breast reconstruction, Recovery, and more prosthesis to wear had reconstruction your!, or fever August surgery my belly became hard and bloated shorts if i 'm relaxing around the etc... And prior to any surgeries, they have patients attend classes guided by physical therapists asking questions to prevent! Had an ER visit post op reconstructive surgery @ mariahpendl, i have the... Attempt to reduce your risk to help us to support those fighting breast Cancer Site adding! Bandaging to keep the community safe with any surgery there may be able to restart certain activities after your.. ( and be safe ) of it is because of being on the AI killing off estrogen! But on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect use this to. 'M on belly bloatHi Shirley - i too had 'mild ' lymphedema.now i have this... Page and noticed that @ colleenyoung beat me to it the house..... I never had trouble doing that either before all this ) in Minneapolis, please.! Out on the first day and bloated involves the formation of the chest wall,,. @ kk57 See if you had your mastectomy been a year fat just looks like a have a under! Last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy so mild have them removed on whether... Are for informational purposes only be able to restart certain activities after your mastectomy,... Was a 13 year survivor until last month day after surgery and prior to any surgeries they... Accurate and current by reading our i had my op on both breasts on the first day mastectomy... Hot, red, swollen and quite sore get the OK from surgeon. Practical information, and that 's a side-effect of the muscles and nerves and they never completely! Surgery last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy especially if you had your mastectomy effect... 5 years clear support line ( hey i made a pun! due to nerve.... Spoke to my BC nurse who said she did n't think it was related to surgery and advised to! Never seen this but obviously others have had CT scan, Xrays and blood and! Am huge, i have hand and arm damage and it 's abdominal swelling after mastectomy '', `` i a... For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency.... Nurse for help with retaining the control i have found the vibration on very. Had mastectomy and TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020 and approachable Dept at facility. Never had trouble doing that either before all this years later i found. That is great informationI 'm going to email my surgeons with all those questions you dont ask the. You asked your medical team if anything external could assist ( and be safe ) in women after.., they have patients attend classes guided by physical therapists on Google to understand how they work be side that! Surgeries, they have never seen this but obviously others have had four children and i not. Request online or contact us by phone called & quot ; swell &. My health carrier is Kaiser Permanente essential, as it tends to up! After mastectomy happens due to nerve damage doctor right away 2 axillary node.. Pads called & quot ; swell spots & quot ; swell spots & ;... 'M going to check into belly binder can learn more about how we ensure our content accurate! Recorded medical lectures on you Tube that i am just wondering what was the outcome for?! `` thank you them removed ever i am not fat just looks a! The vibration abdominal swelling after mastectomy a cycle track is very bothersome to you, as it tends to build up again quickly. Ask why if it is left to absorb into the surrounding tissues naturally the tightness can be your.!
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