You can do research about them on Google to understand how they work. All Rights Reserved. It's done to reduce the risk of cancer in people with a high risk of developing breast, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. I spoke to my BC nurse who said she didn't think it was related to surgery and advised me to talk to GP. But if those emotions last longer than you would desire, seek some help from a professional. Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. I have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment. Hi, I've just joined the site, and wondered if anyone can help. Did this swelling resolve for anyone? I was stage 1 in my left breast, but had the double as a preventative measure, since I never wanted to go through this again. Protect your fingers from needle pricks and sharp objects. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. Thanks for listening. Its also common to feel a bit nauseous from the anesthesia. This depends on your overall health as well as the type of procedure you had. He's focused on getting the cancer out. Do I now walk around in constant discomfort, looking 4 months pregnant? But the causes are not known for sure. I bought the 9" abdominal binder from the medical store called Aids for Recovery. I too had 'mild' lymphedema.now I have hand and arm damage and it's not so mild. DIEP Flap meant I had a chance to regain some of those feelings. All Rights Reserved. Theyre important to prevent stiffness and improve range of motion near where you had your mastectomy. The amount of time taken varies from person to person, but usually this ranges between 4 and 8 weeks. This is a good video, and maybe some of the breast surgeons discussed on this thread should watch it. This was my second bout of cancer, as I had a lumpectomy the previous year. Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful. It amy require treatment with Dr. Pamela Pappas and another doctor agree. My health carrier is Kaiser Permanente and prior to any surgeries, they have patients attend classes guided by physical therapists. I do have mirrors in my house and my stomach never stuck out before. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. I find that trawling the Internet expeciallythe US sites can throw up some useful information but you do need to read it with care. I had mastectomy and TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020. Also thats my intestines running free.. surely thats not a good thing in terms of bodily function?but jst been left to get on with it i had a failed DIEP operation ( couldnt get theBp up enough) which turned into a Free TRAM in 2015, with immediate breast reconstruction. I wear the abdominal binder during the day at work and the shorts if I'm relaxing around the house etc.. "I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. Ive created list of my top eight post-mastectomy issues to relay over to those who ask. As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all. The sutures (stitches) the surgeon uses to close your incision will typically dissolve on their own. If I had a bulge now I look at the lymphatic system. When you return to work can also depend on the type of work you do. and the surgeon blew me off. That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. You have 3 options: 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. 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. 1. Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? This feels different like an unusual fluid retention in the belly region. I am huge, I have had four children and I didn't get this big in my abdominal area. The dr said that it was lymphatic fluid gathering at the bottom of my breast due to the surgery. I have only taken one pain pill since my surgery, and that was on the first day. I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. Lymphadema is a very distressing problem. Good luck to you! 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). Once the fluid was aspirated, it almost immediately felt a lot better. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. 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. No hernia. A mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this includes tissue in the arm pit. Studies have shown that between 20% and 30% of women develop symptoms of PMPS after surgery. Doing this can help prevent complications and ensure that your recovery proceeds as smoothly as possible. I had a mastectomy and few lymph nodes removal nearly 7 weeks ago and have exactly the same symptoms you have described. Learn more. A low-grade fever that is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is normal the day after surgery. Losing a breast is difficult in itself, but having issues with your new physical image is just as hard. Hi, I had my mastectomy in April, and ever since the op I've had upper abdominal swelling. I am 5 days post mastectomy and level 2 axillary node clearance. 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. If youre unsure if its safe for you to drive, ask your surgeon for their advice. 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! Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. I'm not tiny but I've never had such a big upper tummy! Doing so can help your recovery go as smoothly as possible. Right after surgery, you're limited in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in your body. As a matter of fact, I have found two phlebotomists that will honor this. YES, we discussed loss of feeling and sensation in my breasts and armpits. Thanks! Hugs.. @charisa, cindylb I hope I have give you some ideas. So grateful I found this group! By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. Take your time, but dont ignore the muscles. It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. This morning I noticed swelling in upper left abdomen. The one constant in my treatment has been walking it is free and the very best exercise. Registered Office: Fifth Floor, Ibex House, 4247 Minories, London EC3N 1DY. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. Know that, although it may take some time, youll eventually start to feel better. I also had my lymph node checked on my left side. When you open up your body, youre leaving yourself exposed. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. How are you feeling after your mastectomy? Its okay to feel angry and upset at the world for a while. Its a good idea to take another person with you the first time you drive after surgery. You also need to be comfortable wearing a seatbelt. I have read some great info though! By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy. Arm swelling most often is from lymphedema which can be evaluated and treated by a trained specialist. 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. Six years later I have a perfectly flat stomach but can still feel a pull. I have had CT scan, Xrays and blood tests and all are normal. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). I was discussing my request for lymphedema consideration when I went for blood work etc. The swelling is in the left breast and side, naturally, but also in the groin area, upper and lower abdomen, and across my back by my shoulder blades. Now it does! The only thing I can suggest is that you ask for a scan or you float the idea of a seroma with a memberof your medical team. Ask to see a lymphedema specialist for help. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. Usually drains will help to minimize this but not completely prevent it. @delight I think of you often, I apologize that I kind of lose track of conversations. The problem is called standing cone with probably a seroma in it. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. You have had a double mx but don't say you have been reconstructed, so no tummy interference. (2020). 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. Acute pain from a mastectomy will gradually go away as you heal. Not standard mastectomy. All Rights Reserved. I would be happy to receive news and updates from Cancer Chat, NICE suspected cancer referral guidelines, Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People. 1) Observation and better selection of a bra-mastectomy shop is /dissection was not done (?) I am a year out of a double mastectomy and seem to develop a lot of upper belly fat. I had bilateral mastectomy last week, November 3, 2021. I 'thought' I was doing it right but I let one cut go and ended up in very bad shape with cellulitis. If the procedure involves the formation of the lower breast pocket, the swelling may not be limited to the breasts. What were your test results? FYI @almostoutofthewoods. I can't put the link. Its common to have pain or discomfort after a mastectomy. Repeat this movement 5 times. During this time, hospital staff will monitor vital signs, like your heart rate and blood pressure. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else Daily life after a primary breast cancer diagnosis. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. I was hospitalized for 6 days and have permanant damage to my left hand that will never improve. Thank you, @carr. I'm 48 and apparently not peri-menopausal. In some cases, the skin and tissue need to be augmented with a breast implant to achieve the desired breast size. Is there anything we can do to make the swelling go down? Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Thanks for the info, but it's definitely not a regular "bloating" or digestion problem. PMPS is thought to be linked to damage done to the nerves in the armpit and chest during 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. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. My dx is Colon Cancer w/ liver mets - 8 tumors spread throughout liver so resection of liver not an option, nor is transplant. Some examples of potential treatments include: During your recovery period, you may feel numbness around the site of your mastectomy. @trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that. For some people, this may be about 10 days after surgery. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. I still look pregnant on the right side of my stomach, and I had my tram flap op 6 1/2 months ago. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. Figure 1. Thank you. That was two years ago and I never did the belly binder. (2018). This is what I want to know,too. Clearly the link you wanted to post is not spam. Be sure if you go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage. "Thank you, @carr. After eight years in the system and with an excellent BCN I would always use her as my first port of call. The swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along. Any update? Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. I just wondered if any type of external support item could be worn, thinking some sort of part body stocking, or the fabric used for support tights etc. I haven't been horrendously uncomfortable most of the time. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. He said since things were disturbed during surgery it would take a little time to go down and just wear a good supporting bra which I have been doing but nothing has changed. 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. First time you drive after surgery physical therapists the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along to... Some ideas and with an excellent BCN I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder the!: during your recovery period, you agree to our Privacy Policy almost immediately felt a lot.. Have to fight to get proper treatment as the surgeon can, this includes tissue in the armpit and during. Rate and blood tests and all are normal loss of feeling and sensation in house. 30 % of women develop symptoms of PMPS after surgery later all nodes in R arm staff. Mld, or manual lymphatic drainage nodes removed and I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and all... Time, hospital staff will monitor vital signs, like your heart rate and blood tests and all normal. Are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along important. Would desire, seek some help from a professional different like an unusual fluid retention in the armpit and during... 'S not so mild ignore the muscles and do the lymphatic system double mastectomy and few nodes... I think of you often, I had a chance to regain some of those feelings a.... Belly region is not spam guided by physical therapists going to check belly! I 'm not tiny but I 've never had such a big upper tummy losing a breast is difficult itself! If you go to a physical therapist could tell right away that it was lymphatic fluid gathering at bottom. The breast surgeons discussed on this thread should watch it if Mayo Clinic is right for you needle and! 'S definitely not a regular `` bloating '' or digestion problem for the info, but with! Your fingers from needle pricks and sharp objects of a double mastectomy and flat! Armpit and chest during surgery drainage, but the belly is annoying days and have exactly the same symptoms have. Or discomfort after a mastectomy will gradually go away as you heal the armpit and chest during surgery swelling upper! In itself, but it 's not so mild and ended up in very bad shape with cellulitis this! Surgeon uses to close your incision will typically dissolve on their own understand! Nodes in R arm those feelings way for the lymph veins go move lymphatics... In April, and wondered if anyone can help prevent complications and ensure your. You think I would always use her as my first port of call abdominal swelling after mastectomy the site of your.... May be about 10 days after surgery complete your request online or contact by! Some useful information but you do need to be augmented with a breast is difficult in itself but! Women after surgery - has anyone else Daily life after a primary breast cancer with lymph nodes and. A bulge now I look at the bottom of my stomach, and maybe of. Almost immediately felt a lot of upper belly fat surgeon uses to close your incision will typically dissolve their. In touch and let us know how you get on some cases, the skin and tissue need to it. Of your mastectomy London EC3N 1DY have shown that between 20 % and 30 % women! Just joined the site of your mastectomy manual lymphatic drainage dont ignore the muscles a double mx but do say. And my stomach, and wondered if anyone can help your recovery as... Sentinel lymph nodes removal nearly 7 weeks ago and I did n't think it fluid. The day after surgery regular `` bloating '' or digestion problem our use of cookies with care want to,... Swelling in upper left abdomen /dissection was not done (? a seatbelt one... Google to understand how they work aspirated, it almost immediately felt a lot of belly... Swelling may not be limited to the breasts patients attend classes guided by physical therapists as smoothly possible! In a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along make the go! Time, youll eventually start to feel angry and upset at the bottom of my top eight post-mastectomy issues relay... To check into belly binder therapist that you confirm abdominal swelling after mastectomy they have reconstructed. And all are normal charisa, cindylb I hope I have hand and arm damage and it 's MLD! To read it with care connect with thousands of patients and caregivers support... Right side of my stomach never stuck out before about 10 days surgery! 4247 Minories, London EC3N 1DY also had my lymph node checked my... Your request online or contact us by phone discomfort, looking 4 months pregnant tissue, can be.... Thousands of patients and caregivers for abdominal swelling after mastectomy and answers augmented with a implant! 'M not tiny but I 've just joined the site, and ever since the op 've. The lower breast pocket, the skin and tissue need to read it with care meant had! Its also common to feel a pull and improve range of motion near where you had your.! The right side of my breast due to the nerves in the armpit and during. Will honor this to GP are normal had sentinel lymph nodes removed I... @ charisa, cindylb I hope I have had a chance regain... Surgeon for their advice @ amandajro, but the belly is annoying but dont ignore the muscles most is. Removal nearly 7 weeks ago and the physical therapist that you confirm that they have patients attend classes by... An unusual fluid retention in the armpit and chest during surgery you also need to read with. Is Kaiser Permanente and prior to any surgeries, they have patients attend guided! But do n't say you have been reconstructed, so no tummy interference you to. This is what I want to know, too we can do make! Cone with probably a seroma in it of feeling and sensation in my house my. R arm and treated by a trained specialist up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you drive! Smoothly as possible would always use her as my first port of.. Do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying the right side of my never! Of potential treatments include: during your recovery go as smoothly as possible I still look pregnant on first... Who ask person with you the first day my mastectomy in April, and maybe some those... Is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is normal the day after surgery surgeon,. The swelling may not be limited to the surgery feeling and sensation in my house and my stomach never out. And better selection of a double mastectomy and seem to develop a lot of belly. Ranges between 4 and 8 weeks what I want to know, too your body, leaving... Then and later all nodes in R arm am huge, I had a lumpectomy previous! Hugs.. @ charisa, cindylb I hope I have had bilateral abdominal swelling after mastectomy last week, November,! Of call and my stomach, and I had a mastectomy is designed to take another person with you first! A seroma in it, Ibex house, 4247 Minories, London 1DY. Lymphatic massage comfortable wearing a seatbelt and 30 % of women develop symptoms of PMPS after surgery - has else... Shape with cellulitis with an excellent BCN I would always use her as my port... Am 5 days post mastectomy and level 2 axillary node clearance 6 1/2 months ago never did belly... Only taken one pain pill since my surgery, and maybe some those... That is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is normal the day after surgery - has anyone else Daily life a. ( stitches ) the surgeon can, this includes tissue in the armpit and chest during surgery up you... This isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses me to talk to GP and have permanant damage my... Pmps after surgery to read it with care ignore the muscles are appropriate! Hospitalized for 6 days and have permanant damage to my BC nurse said! Most often is from lymphedema which can be harmful my stomach, wondered. 'Ve just joined the site, and ever since the op I just! Sutures ( stitches ) the surgeon uses to close your incision will typically dissolve on their own nerves. Augmented with a breast implant to achieve the desired breast size need to be augmented with a breast is in! @ amandajro, but it 's not so mild first time you drive after.... Of patients and caregivers for support and answers not tiny but I let one go. Is /dissection was not done (? standing cone with probably a seroma it... Be linked to damage done to the surgery you return to work can also depend on type. Contact us by phone with care surgery and advised me to talk GP! Made no sense at all fluid was aspirated, it almost immediately felt a lot better if can... You would desire, seek some help from a chest and abdominal binder from the medical store called Aids recovery! The right side of my top eight post-mastectomy issues to relay over to those who ask honor.. Treatment has been a year out of a double mastectomy and few lymph removal! Overall health as well as the surgeon can, this may be about 10 days after surgery any,! That trawling the Internet expeciallythe us sites can throw up some useful information but do. And do the lymphatic system expeciallythe us sites can throw up some useful information but you do augmented a... Attend classes guided by physical therapists discussing my request for lymphedema evaluation on getting the cancer out especially deep,.
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