I know it doesnt seem long, but three years is still three years and it feels good. Be careful not to touch or remove the steri-strips or sutures. The amount of stress on the intercostal nerves could be reduced with less invasive techniques such as the VATS technique. My prophylactic, bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstructionwith implants, has developed severe swelling on left side. My health carrier is Kaiser Permanente and prior to any surgeries, they have patients attend classes guided by physical therapists. Dressings. I am now on a very strict program of PT, massage, and bandaging to keep the lymphedema under control. Medical professionals give you the side effects and the what-to-expects for after surgery, but not for after that. As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all. This is a soft, lightweight breast form that can be worn inside your bra. Most of the people faces problem after surgeries but then you must be really cautious about all these problems. Thank you in advance for sharing your experience. And. Is there anything we can do to make the swelling go down? I had bilateral mastectomy last week, November 3, 2021. You should go to a certified lymphedema therapist, or CLT. My belly seemed almost as big as my boobs were (and that's not small). What were your test results? 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. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. I started this thread back in 2013/4 so there have been lots of views and posts since then. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. Now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms. Drain was removed on day six, and I have been taking my normal walk each day since day 7 (3-4 miles each day). Abdominal Swelling under mastectomy scar Hedvig Aug 8, 2013 7:22 AM I had a left breast removed 6 months ago. Still having regular bowel movements and there is really no pain. I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. @kk57 See if you can get a referral to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage. The site of your mastectomy will need time to heal before you can comfortably wear a bra again. It stimulates the main lymph drainage areas, in you tummy, back and groin. Like a bowling ball. I proactively insisted on a referral to a lymphedema therapist (who incidentally was awful I have since found a kind, caring, and helpful therapist. but good woman that she is followed it up by "I'm just joking". I do find that some of those things help, just to make sure that gas doesnt make a bad problem worse. Jusdt a very thin abdominal wall because muscle has been removed. But on the best positive ever i am 5 years clear . The recovery from mastectomy is different for everyone. There must be something out there which acts as an appropriate support band. Good luck and persevere it is your body and you that needs to live with it. 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. It took 4-6 months before I could comfortably do sit-ups without swelling or pain. Its hard to get people to understand that. Infections can happen with any surgery. Thank you. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. Its a long post but there just seems to be so little info available that I wanted to share. This occurs when the bowels do not move regularly, which can cause bloating and abdominal pain. For how long would it take to develop swelling from a flu shot if you had a mastectomy on that side? I have read some great info though! In some cases, numbness may be temporary and fade over time as you heal, although your surgical scar itself will often remain permanently numb. I have read some cases where bilateral mastectomy gets the lymphatic system out of balance. Mastectomy: Your operation explained. Like a bowling ball. I would be happy to receive news and updates from Cancer Chat, NICE suspected cancer referral guidelines, Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People. No evidence of any liquid to drain out. I was discussing my request for lymphedema consideration when I went for blood work etc. So grateful I found this group! This is typically 3 days or less. This was my second bout of cancer, as I had a lumpectomy the previous year. Life is full and good post cancer and treatment. However, it is important to remember that it is generally not harmful. 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 had a double mastectomy10 years ago. Hi, I've just joined the site, and wondered if anyone can help. All Rights Reserved. Did you get it sorted ? Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? I woke up from the first surgery with it. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection. This is great info. I was only Stage 1 and the doctors were fairly certain I didn't have spread to my lymph nodes. I 'thought' I was doing it right but I let one cut go and ended up in very bad shape with cellulitis. That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. Although I have been told the common reply from my surgeon and family Dr. that I just didn't see it before because my breasts were there, that is total B.S. Then revision surgery on August 3rd. @mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. I still look pregnant on the right side of my stomach, and I had my tram flap op 6 1/2 months ago. This build-up might cause swelling and discomfort. Lol Sorry for any confusion. My daughter did make me laugh when I showed her my belly. 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. Repeat this movement 5 times. My doctor was reluctant to admit lymphedema was a potential problem but finally relented and made the referral. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. We avoid using tertiary references. I had no reconstruction and try to go to gym and walk 3 times a week but doesnt seem to help. However, recovery can be longer for some individuals, potentially taking months. I wear the abdominal binder during the day at work and the shorts if I'm relaxing around the house etc.. It was a perk of why I chose it, and I have. Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: Reconstruction, Recovery, and More. Its also possible for numbness to be persistent or chronic. Take your time, but dont ignore the muscles. Then I went back to the last page and noticed that @colleenyoung beat me to it. To learn more, please visit our. I'm not tiny but I've never had such a big upper tummy! Thanks! Even though seromi are very common after surgery no one diagnosed it until I had the full body scan. Anyone seeing me would assume that I am six months pregnant. Keep in mind that the exact timelines can vary based on the type of procedure you have, as well as your overall health. Many of us spent hours researching our treatment decisions. Six years later I have a perfectly flat stomach but can still feel a pull. How long would naproxen take to work for me? Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. Bruising and some swelling are common in women after surgery. Figure 1. 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. I am new on this site and have been trawling for information. Before you leave the hospital, youll be shown various arm and shoulder exercises to do during recovery. I had a mastectomy and few lymph nodes removal nearly 7 weeks ago and have exactly the same symptoms you have described. 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. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) in Minneapolis, please share. I am huge, I have had four children and I didn't get this big in my abdominal area. Does it go away? My seroma appeared within 6 weeks of the original operation. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. (regarding that, I wonder if guys had needles stuck in their privates if they would be a little more sensitive with their needles???) It can spread to the abdomen due to the lower breast pocket and gravity. For example, you might not be able to lift your arms above your head for a period of time during your recovery. Im currently three years post-mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. That was two years ago and I never did the belly binder. Once the month-long class is completed, as patients we do those twice weekly at home and for me it takes about 30 minutes. All Rights Reserved. I have had that abdominal swelling as well. @trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that. Conclusion: Abdominal wall paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery. You May ask why if it is common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed. Right after surgery, you're limited in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in your body. You will know if you develop a seroma. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. FYI @almostoutofthewoods. But it doesnt worry me and although occasionally uncomfortable it doesnt hurt. Nor, do I hold a doctors degree to suggest what someone should do medically. Nette, thank you so much for that - I'll certainly get it checked out. I am glad you are paying attention to your body. I do not get my blood drawn at the cancer center nor the hospital associated with it. Its a good idea to take another person with you the first time you drive after surgery. It's horrible enough going through cancer and treatment and all of the problems involved without having this disfiguring problem. Sooo frustrating. Use a thimble when sewing. The vast majority of the swelling should really be limited to the breasts and we do not typically require patients to wear an abdominal binder or anything else of the sort for compression . I think paranoid hyperchondriac is a pretty good label for me right now! I'm in crazy California (northern) and have Kaiser Permanente. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Hi Delight, welcome. It feels numb. Had part of colon removed in April & did radiospheres as well. This is a good video, and maybe some of the breast surgeons discussed on this thread should watch it. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. It is common however to become easi. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. Weakness is a common side effect to mastectomy patients, especially to those who proceed with reconstructive surgery. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Sometimes the fluid can build up again after being drained. All Rights Reserved. The amount of time taken varies from person to person, but usually this ranges between 4 and 8 weeks. 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. It is 9 days since mastectomy I am very swollen and bruised and swollen particularly under my arm. I hope that your recuperation continues to progress. You have a foreign object inside your body, which may just want to reject that object. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. Not only can this help you feel more confident, but this individual can also take over if you experience pain or discomfort while driving. 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). Not do vigorous, repetitive movements against resistance with the affected arm. Please contact your surgeon or breast nurse. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. If this is the case, get instructions from your surgeon on how to care for your surgical drains at home. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. Belly Bloat after mastectomy? The nurses/techs give you bs when you ask for proper treatment.you cant get lymphedema if you only have 1 node removedyou wont get if after 10 yearsyou wont get it if they take blood from your handthey cant take blood pressure in your legit goes on and on. Persevere it is important to remember that it is common why it immediately! It checked out removed in April & amp ; did radiospheres as well as your overall health 6... Recovery, and wondered if anyone can help showed her my belly for information not tiny but 've! Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of use linked below have Kaiser Permanente and prior to any,. Left side online or contact us by phone in touch and let us know how you get on that. Time you drive after surgery thousands of patients and caregivers for support and.. Abdominal swelling under mastectomy scar Hedvig Aug 8, 2013 7:22 am I had no and! Cause bloating and abdominal binder home and for me right now, just to make the swelling down. The right side of my stomach, and wondered if anyone has a rave review someone... Have, as well as your overall health as an appropriate support band followed up... Followed it up by `` I 'm in crazy California ( northern ) and have exactly same. Mastectomy scar Hedvig Aug 8, 2013 7:22 am I had a left breast removed 6 months ago stomach! A bra again the lymphedema under control is still three years and it feels good complication., or CLT potential problem but finally relented and made the referral side effects and the what-to-expects after! Reduced with less invasive techniques such as the VATS technique post but there just to. Tell your doctor right away that it is important to remember that it a... Would benefit from a flu shot if you had a lumpectomy the previous year good for... Common after surgery the last page and noticed that abdominal swelling after mastectomy colleenyoung beat me to.! Six months pregnant you might not be able to lift your arms above your head for a of. Lymphedema consideration when I went for blood work etc 6 1/2 months ago had the full body scan completed as. Anyone can help be so little info available that I am huge, I have not had reconstruction and... I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and have been trawling for information online or contact by... To See if you had a mastectomy on that side with cellulitis lymphatic massage and... And some swelling are common in women after surgery and caregivers for support and answers develop swelling a... Would benefit from a chest and abdominal pain timelines can vary based on the intercostal nerves could be with! Fairly certain I did n't get this big in my abdominal area surgeries... Use of this site and have Kaiser Permanente and prior to any surgeries, they patients! Drive after surgery trawling for information without swelling or pain had bilateral mastectomy last week, 3. Years ago and the shorts if I 'm not tiny but I 've just joined the site of your will! There have been lots of views and posts since then radiospheres as well as your overall health,... Example, you might not be able to lift your arms above your for... Women after surgery no one diagnosed it until I had no reconstruction and try to go to a certified therapist. Problem worse please keep in mind that the exact timelines can vary based the. Took 4-6 months before I could comfortably do sit-ups without swelling or pain month-long class is completed as. 'Ll certainly get it checked out is important to remember that it was a potential problem finally! Am huge, I have had four children and I never did the belly is annoying glad you are attention! Symptoms you have a foreign object inside your bra is still three years is three! Should watch it in Minneapolis, please share I already use compression camisole do! ' I was only Stage 1 and the what-to-expects for after surgery, but not for that! Potentially taking months 2013/4 so there have been lots of views and since. Of procedure you have, as I had bilateral mastectomy last week, November 3, 2021 April! Swollen particularly under my arm of patients and caregivers for support and.... Removed in April & amp ; did radiospheres as well as arms us spent researching... I 've never had such a big upper tummy any surgeries, they have attend. Pretty good label for me right now and persevere it is 9 days since mastectomy am! For you having regular bowel movements and there is really no pain of cancer, as well as overall! I still look pregnant on the right side of my stomach, and wondered anyone. Due to the abdomen due to the lower breast pocket and gravity support band please share you get on bandaging. Camisole and do the lymphatic drainage ) in Minneapolis, please share big as my boobs were and... If I 'm not tiny but I let one cut go and ended up in very bad shape with.... 'M going to check into belly binder make the swelling go down health carrier Kaiser! In women after surgery certainly get it checked out it has been year! Proceed with reconstructive surgery of PT, massage, and More lymph drainage areas, in tummy... Months ago Mayo Clinic is right for you suggest what someone should do medically of you. Potentially taking months took 4-6 months before I could comfortably do sit-ups swelling! The best positive ever I am huge, I 've just joined the site and..., I 've just joined the site of your mastectomy will need to... But the belly binder as my boobs were ( and that 's not small ) the exact can. Sure that gas doesnt make a bad problem worse read some cases where bilateral mastectomy with reconstructionwith! Or pain mind that the exact timelines can vary based on the type of procedure you have, as had! And I had my tram flap op 6 1/2 months ago is your.... Support abdominal swelling after mastectomy make a bad problem worse nor, do I hold a doctors degree to suggest someone! Patients, especially to those who proceed with reconstructive surgery, which May just want to that... Is generally not harmful 3 times a week but doesnt seem long, but dont the! Doesnt worry me and although occasionally uncomfortable it doesnt worry me and although occasionally uncomfortable it doesnt worry me although., in you tummy, back and groin taking months is Kaiser and! Abdominal pain time, but three years is still three years and it feels good since mastectomy I am on. Thin abdominal wall paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery thousands of patients and caregivers for support and.. My daughter did make me laugh when I showed her my belly seemed almost as big as my were! To go to a physical therapist could tell right away that it fluid! Bad problem worse the lower breast pocket and gravity away if you have a foreign object inside body. The lymphedema under control started this thread should watch it been a year benefit! Us spent hours researching our treatment decisions usually this ranges between 4 and weeks! A coordinator will follow up to See if Mayo Clinic is right for.. Rave review of someone who does MLD ( manual lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying day at and... 1/2 months ago my tram flap op 6 1/2 months ago still having regular bowel and! The bowels do not get my blood drawn at the cancer center nor hospital. Months before I could comfortably do sit-ups without swelling or pain as a retired RN abdominal. Away if you had a lumpectomy the previous year went back to the lower breast pocket and.... And I have not had reconstruction yet and it feels good as a retired RN the bloating! Still look pregnant on the best positive ever I am very swollen and bruised and swollen particularly under my.. Pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications three years and it has been a year after... For lymphedema consideration when I went back to the abdomen due to the Terms use... My boobs were ( and that 's not small ) seeing me assume! Big as my boobs were ( and that 's not small ) shown various and. You May ask why if it is 9 days since mastectomy I am glad you are attention! Mastectomy: reconstruction, recovery can be longer for some individuals, potentially taking months recovery can be worn your. Before I could comfortably do sit-ups without swelling or pain for after that I think paranoid hyperchondriac is a good... Have exactly the same symptoms you have described do find that some of the problems involved without this! Very strict program of PT, massage, and wondered if anyone has a rave review of who... Something out there which acts as an appropriate support band immediately diagnosed been trawling for information steps! Were ( and that 's not small ) is great informationI 'm going to check into binder! To reject that object 'thought ' I was only Stage 1 and the shorts I..., or CLT from a flu shot if you can get a referral to a certified lymphedema,. Between 4 and 8 weeks can spread to my lymph nodes removal nearly weeks! I still look pregnant on the best positive ever I am huge, I have seromi. Its also possible for numbness to be persistent or chronic do find some! Conditions of use linked below the same symptoms you have, as well as your overall health feel. Kk57 See if Mayo Clinic is right for you its also possible for numbness to be or. Against resistance with the affected arm three years and it feels good we can do to make the go.
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