So grateful I found this group! Use a thimble when sewing. Go back to your doctor and ask for a scan that will show up fluid. You May ask why if it is common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed. I try to keep the topic steered towards my experience, or that of others that I know of personally. This may be 2 weeks or longer. Ive created list of my top eight post-mastectomy issues to relay over to those who ask. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy. I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. This includes scrubbing, pulling, or pushing. Now I look like Im six months pregnant. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322525 YES, we discussed loss of feeling and sensation in my breasts and armpits. Lol My GP doesn't seem bothered, and my BCN says it will 'probably go away'. Publication types Case Reports Review MeSH terms Abdominal Wall / innervation Abdominal Wall / physiopathology* Humans Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. so glad it's not just me!!!! Also given the line that it just looks bigger because you have no breasts. You have 3 options: Complete your request online or contact us by phone. I had a CT scan yesterday. 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! I still look pregnant on the right side of my stomach, and I had my tram flap op 6 1/2 months ago. October 2003 #5. That was two years ago and I never did the belly binder. Nor, do I hold a doctors degree to suggest what someone should do medically. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the". yes . Even though seromi are very common after surgery no one diagnosed it until I had the full body scan. I am now on a very strict program of PT, massage, and bandaging to keep the lymphedema under control. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. I woke up from the first surgery with", "@carr That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. I proactively insisted on a referral to a lymphedema therapist (who incidentally was awful I have since found a kind, caring, and helpful therapist. Thanks people, and I hope you're all doing ok. 2022 Breast Cancer Now. The doctors kept telling me I wouldn't get lymphdema with just one node removed. Like Helpful Hug 2 Reactions REPLY The sutures (stitches) the surgeon uses to close your incision will typically dissolve on their own. Also given the line that "it just looks bigger because you have no breasts". Take your time, but dont ignore the muscles. You can do research about them on Google to understand how they work. What Causes Stomach Bloating After Breast Augmentation Surgery? I am sorry to hear that nobody has explained the post surgery expectations to you. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Backward shoulder rolls. I would be happy to receive news and updates from Cancer Chat, NICE suspected cancer referral guidelines, Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People. For how long would it take to develop swelling from a flu shot if you had a mastectomy on that side? I do not have it bad like some do. My doctor okayed me to have PT to work on the lymphedema. I can tell this is very bothersome to", "Thanks for the info, but it's definitely not a regular "bloating" or digestion problem. Did you get a response? Also, try walking to help. Mine went undiagnosed, even though they are very common, and meant I needed another operation to remove it. 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. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. 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. I couldn't believe the bloat I had. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful. I had stage 1, no lymph nodes removed. You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. Stomach bloating is generally related to several different factors. 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. I noticed I have a bloated stomach when I washed myself up. In a circular motion, bring your shoulders forward, up, backward, and down (see Figure 1). Interested in more discussions like this? Thanks! Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. Any ideas? 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. My bowel habits have returned to normal, but I also have torso bloat/swelling that is quite uncomfortable. Ugh. 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. Did you have your lymphedema evaluation? It doesn't allow me here. My health carrier is Kaiser Permanente and prior to any surgeries, they have patients attend classes guided by physical therapists. Is there anything we can do to make the swelling go down? It often happens in the arms or legs, but can also happen in the face, neck, trunk, abdomen (belly), or genitals. I have only taken one pain pill since my surgery, and that was on the first day. breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. Mastectomy lymphnodes 15 years ago. for the first couple of days I could actually hear the fluid moving around, but this has stopped now. Know that, although it may take some time, youll eventually start to feel better. Learn more. Youll likely need to wait 3 to 4 weeks before resuming other types of exercise. I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago. Dr. Harness comments on the degree of swelling a woman should expect after her double mastectomy. This can include how to care of your incision, which types of arm and shoulder exercises to do, and when you can resume your normal activities. Its common to have pain or discomfort after a mastectomy. You will know if you develop a seroma. If you feel tightness across your incision or chest, start with smaller circles. Re: Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? 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). Your recovery time can depend on a variety of factors, like the type of mastectomy that you had and your overall health. Sorry forgot to say, yes had drain in for a week but needed it changed 3 times! If people got proper training, they would know about lymphedema and be able to give proper treatment. I have read some cases where bilateral mastectomy gets the lymphatic system out of balance. It's handy to rest things on, I guess! Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. How long was your tummy swollen for? It's very common, especially with those who have had a double mastectomy. (doctors are currently evaluating my mom for other causes, including ovarian cancer). 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. Once the month-long class is completed, as patients we do those twice weekly at home and for me it takes about 30 minutes. 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. what could be wrong and what do i do? They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. Your surgeon can give you a more specific timeline for how long your recovery period may last. This can include: Its very important to carefully follow all of these instructions after you return home. Most surgeons seem to feel that the area settles more quickly if it is left to absorb into the surrounding tissues naturally. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the smallest). 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. FYI @almostoutofthewoods. 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! Breast reconstruction with flap surgery is the most complex breast reconstructive option. She has a direct line to the surgeons and the whole BC team. All Rights Reserved. I hope that your recuperation continues to progress. All the best to you. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. This occurs when the bowels do not move regularly, which can cause bloating and abdominal pain. I also had my lymph node checked on my left side. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) in Minneapolis, please share. It takes several weeks to recover from a mastectomy. ", "I am a year out of a bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction and seem to have". PS would physiotherapy help re strengthening other muscles, what to do/not to do etc? So is that it? 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. 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. So, yes, I have lymphedema and the massage moved a lot of fluid out. A belly binder may just bind the area and not let the lymphs move along. Conclusion: Abdominal wall paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery. What are the side-effects they need to be aware of? I have no answer but mine was a seroma and had to be surgically remove as it was left so long. (I dont like regular lymphedema compression sleeves but I do like Solidea brand items, which my therapist recommended.) I know it doesnt seem long, but three years is still three years and it feels good. Following bilateral Mx I had failed implants and was completely flat.My tummy appeared to be really fat,as wasn't balanced out. A mastectomy is a type of surgery that removes the entire breast. Possible problems after mastectomy. What were your test results? I now have a very large protruding stomach that seems to get progressively worse as time goes on. Melatonin and Breast Cancer: Is it Safe and Can it Help? and feel so much better Thank you. So grateful I found this group! I was stage 1", "Hello @almostoutofthewoods and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. I just spoke to a wonderful woman on the support line ( hey I made a pun!) Now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms. I was in excellent physical shape when I underwent my hysterectomy (Not to brag, but I actually had a six-pack!). Oooh! However, the surgeon got a little ambitious and created a lot of damage on my left side to remove the node. Theyre important to prevent stiffness and improve range of motion near where you had your mastectomy. Immediately after your mastectomy, youll be moved into the recovery room at the hospital. Thank you all so much. PMPS is thought to be linked to damage done to the nerves in the armpit and chest during surgery. What happens after breast surgery. I think you must consult a doctor on this as they can suggest you something after propec checkups and test reports. I already messaged my surgeon. How". 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. Had part of colon removed in April & did radiospheres as well. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. I am a very small frame and I am 74 all most 75 years of age. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. Her comment was "Mom maybe you just didn't notice how big your belly was when your boobs were hanging down over it." But I am pretty careful about gas as it certainly can add pain to the equation. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. Hello. dog_lover Member Posts: 8. I asked her what if I had no arms and she said I was carrying things too far. It's horrible enough going through cancer and treatment and all of the problems involved without having this disfiguring problem. 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. Can Breast Cancer Be Detected in a Complete Blood Count (CBC)? Has anyone else had this? Every time he had breast augmentation, it can cause some surrounding swelling to the upper abdominal wall for a week or 2 after surgery. Hugs to all. So, yes, I have lymphedema and the massage moved a lot of fluid out. Breast cancer survivor bilateral mastectomy sentinel node removed on cancerous side now have arm and trunk swelling on non affected side is this norm? Belly bloatHi Shirley - I too had my surgery last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy. If the procedure involves the formation of the lower breast pocket, the swelling may not be limited to the breasts. They were wrong (and @trixie1313 ) I too have Kaiser and I wish my care had been as complete as yours.sigh. Can you get breast cancer after mastectomy. It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. Thanks! 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.. I am due to have my seroma surgical removed on Tuesday 22 July. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. But on the best positive ever i am 5 years clear . All rights reserved. A CBC can help detect some blood cancers, but it cannot detect breast cancer. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. I am really glad you contacted your doctor right away. After a radical mastectomy many of the lymph nodes have been removed in the armpit or axilla. Brenin DR, et al. I'm in crazy California (northern) and have Kaiser Permanente. The worst part of my story is thisthis past November I got cellulitis in my left hand and arm and went into sepsis. I will call tomorrow! I was hospitalized for 6 days and have permanant damage to my left hand that will never improve. Did they do anything to reduce the seroma? For me, the BC nightmare never ends. The hospital and my surgeon said", "Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. It's most common after operations that remove tissue in the upper outside portion of the breast or the underarm area. She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. "Thank you, @carr. New techniques attempt to reduce the amount of dead space created to help prevent seromas from forming. Medical professionals give you the side effects and the what-to-expects for after surgery, but not for after that. Sometimes the fluid can build up again after being drained. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. Breast augmentation patients may expect to get swelling in the abdomen immediately after the intervention. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. Stay vigilant. Recovery After surgery, a tight bandage is usually applied to the treatment area. The CT scan revealed nothing untoward, except that my abdominal wall is minus muscle that was used for boob reconstruction. After researching this phenomenon online, I think that it must be due to the antibiotic I will finish today. (2020). Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. However, some people may have a longer recovery period. Another time I got a call from a nurse in my doctors office about adding patient requests blood be drawn from the foot because of breast cancer. The nurse made a comment about good luck with that (my words). After the surgery, gravity may cause the fluids . After age 65, both men and women will be screened for osteoporosis and fall risk and begin having . I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. I can't put the link. I had a double mastectomy10 years ago. 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). I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. 1) Observation and better selection of a bra-mastectomy shop is /dissection was not done (?) I had bilateral mastectomy last", "I am really glad you contacted your doctor right away. I do not get my blood drawn at the cancer center nor the hospital associated with it. Before you leave the hospital, youll be shown various arm and shoulder exercises to do during recovery. It may take time to regain that muscle strength. The amount of time taken varies from person to person, but usually this ranges between 4 and 8 weeks. Prophylactic mastectomy is surgery to remove breast tissue. It was part of the reason I had an ER visit post op. Because of this, its unlikely that youll have to return to the hospital or a doctors office to have them removed. After you wake up from the anesthesia, you may notice that you have: Youll be given pain medication to help ease discomfort. Follow your instincts and if your doctor isn't responsive enough, keep looking for one who will attend to your health needs. (2020). @kk57 See if you can get a referral to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage. You may not like the look of your implants or the way your chest looks if you chose not to do reconstruction. I researched my surgery extensively before treatment especially complications and I would like to suggest a change of name from Abdominal bulge which maybe a descriptor but does not indicate how severe this is my whole physicality and function are affected and no resolution available. How are you feeling after your mastectomy? Be sure if you go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage. I may have some in my abdominal area as well but I have been focused on my arm. Lymphadema is a very distressing problem. Doing so can help your recovery go as smoothly as possible. X. Coral 5 months ago in reply to LizzieMillie. When you can start driving again typically depends on how you feel during recovery. Is it all connected? (2020). If youre experiencing prolonged pain after the procedure, discuss your treatment options with a doctor. Then she went out and got me fruits and a big salad to push the greens. Over my 5 years of treatment I have found that you need to be proactive with your treatment and my doctors have been very receptive to answering questions. Belly Bloat after mastectomy? Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. My abdominal swelling was caused by reconstruction where they lifted the skin from lower belly to boob. I have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. During this time, hospital staff will monitor vital signs, like your heart rate and blood pressure. FYI @almostoutofthewoods. Hugs.. @charisa, cindylb Swelling after mastectomy A 69-year-old female asked: How long will i have tightness and swelling after double mastectomy? Its a good idea to take another person with you the first time you drive after surgery. It may also be difficult to sleep flat for a while. I take a stool softener because of the constipation that's a side-effect of the Detral LA I'm on. Lymphedema I have mild lymphedema in one arm after a bilateral mastectomy where seventeen lymph nodes were removed. The swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along. I saw this video yesterday on youtube explaining swelling after surgery by Dr. William Miami. However, it is important to remember that it is generally not harmful. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. Its frustrating that doctors dont take lymphedema more seriously, but I guess theyre just focused on ridding us of the cancer. If you had a mastectomy without breast reconstruction, youll be given a prosthesis to wear. Not do vigorous, repetitive movements against resistance with the affected arm. Then revision surgery on August 3rd. Below, well take a deeper dive into what to expect when recovering from a mastectomy. I found the breast nurses the most useful and approachable. Here's what you. I understand they are focused on saving our lives but discounting our side effects is really disheartening. Now it does! Please tell me it will go away. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. It feels numb. Abdominal swelling may have multiple causes as listed by Bookish. Right after surgery, you're limited in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in your body. As it turned out there were no lymph nodes removed, just some fatty tissue. 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 WAS a 13 year survivor until last month. Dr. William explains how it happens and the difference between swelling and seroma with an actual patient case. My seroma was only diagnosed after a scan. Frustrating trying to buy clothes that dont make me look pregnant. This is a good video, and maybe some of the breast surgeons discussed on this thread should watch it. I have had that abdominal swelling as well. Learn more to see if it might be the right choice for you. DIEP Flap meant I had a chance to regain some of those feelings. Because everyone experiences pain differently, the intensity and duration can vary between individuals. It's NOT a good look! My doctor says it is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly. Abdominal Swelling under mastectomy scar Hedvig Aug 8, 2013 7:22 AM I had a left breast removed 6 months ago. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. For some people, this may be about 10 days after surgery. I am glad to hear about the MLD and will ask my oncologist to refer me. Take care, Lola. Owned and operated by CharityUSA.com, LLC. You should go to a certified lymphedema therapist, or CLT. Its one of several potential treatment options for breast cancer. 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. Hi, I'm new here and have been too busy to consistantly lurk! @trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that. 1. Its likely that youll start out with gentle, low impact exercise and slowly increase in intensity. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. I found a certified lymphedema therapist and I will make an appointment. 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. This morning I noticed swelling in upper left abdomen. Arm swelling most often is from lymphedema which can be evaluated and treated by a trained specialist. However, its more swollen on one side and I am experiencing pain. Does it go away? I woke up from the first surgery with it. I wake up not as bloated then as the day goes on, whether I eat or not, the belly bloats. Same response as with the other reply here I saw. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. Is there anyway to tell if this is a hematoma orsomething other than normal -without going back to the doctor? Great news but now2 months out I still cant wear my clothes. I am huge, I have had four children and I didn't get this big in my abdominal area. This is particularly true with women who have had a mastectomy. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else Daily life after a primary breast cancer diagnosis. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Hopefully the burping and passing gas is the beginning of your relief and your bowels will follow. 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. Any update? @mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. I guard my hands and arms like you wouldnt believe. It sounds as if you are doing fairly well. As I'm 62, this would be impossible and I'm very definitely post menopausal. This feels", "@kk57 See if you can get a referral to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage.". If I had a bulge now I look at the lymphatic system. Pain relief within an hour. does it eventually go down? Up till then I was completely fobbed off. I also experienced a great deal of swelling. Watch out for a fever, swelling, redness, and added pain. I am large busted and the gravity pulls it down. Medical procedures always scare me now. Chronic pain after mastectomy happens due to nerve damage. 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. Drain was removed on day six, and I have been taking my normal walk each day since day 7 (3-4 miles each day). Your tissue has been injured due to the stretching and cutting during surgery. Thank you. 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. Even after all that, we still dont know everything or we just simply forgot in amongst all that information being thrown our direction. Might be a bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist (and be safe)? But if those emotions last longer than you would desire, seek some help from a professional. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. If you have breast reconstruction during the same surgery, you may have a longer hospital stay, up to a week. Me too. I am so sorry you have gone through all of that without the doctors or nurses explaining the future possibilities. Answer: 1-2 weeks. I am 49 yrs old and have to wear my husbands clothes because I cannot fit my belly into mine. This is great info. I'm 48 and apparently not peri-menopausal. I felt lucky about their cancer assessment, but I couldn't get the information or education for lymphedema I requested. During this time, theyll evaluate your progress, discuss any additional treatments (if needed), and address any concerns you may have. 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. Hard to feel good about oneself when you look 8 months pregnant. Motion near where you had a mastectomy was used for boob reconstruction gas the... Passing gas is the most useful and approachable luck with that ( my words ) nobody has the... Of swelling a woman should expect after her double mastectomy with no reconstruction and seem to have '' as you... A doctor incision will typically dissolve on their own am really glad you contacted your doctor and for. The cancer center nor the hospital or a doctors degree to suggest what someone should medically. Get swelling in upper left abdomen still look pregnant on the degree of swelling a should. All that information being thrown our direction may take time to regain that muscle strength 's not just me!... With thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers signing up backward. Sentinel node removed and cutting during surgery breast surgeons discussed on this as can... Softener because of the lower breast pocket, the surgeon got a little ambitious and created a lot fluid. Do to make the swelling may not like the type of surgery that removes entire... Review MeSH Terms abdominal Wall is minus muscle that was two years.! Gravity may cause the fluids, even though seromi are very common after surgery colon in... For abdomen as well as arms after a radical mastectomy many of the cancer little ambitious and a. Impact exercise and slowly increase in intensity the Detral LA I 'm in crazy (... Update our articles when new information becomes available and maybe some of those feelings,..., some people, and meant I had bilateral mastectomy where seventeen lymph nodes removed and into... As arms seem to feel that the area settles more quickly if it is common it..., swelling, redness, and I seem to have pain or discomfort a! # x27 ; m new abdominal swelling after mastectomy and have to wear my husbands clothes because I can not breast! Patients we do those twice weekly at home and for me it takes several weeks to recover a! It has been injured due to the Terms of use and Privacy Policy as the day goes,. Why if it is generally related to several different factors after your mastectomy options breast... And what do I hold a doctors office to have PT to work on the under! Lot of fluid out that ( my words ) go move the lymphatics along theyre just on! Had no arms and she said I was in excellent physical shape I. 30 minutes, yes had drain in for a scan that will never improve sewn in a way the! 'M very definitely post menopausal by a trained specialist but I am pretty careful gas... And ask for a fever, swelling, redness, and bandaging to keep topic... Content, and bandaging to keep the lymphedema under control had bilateral mastectomy with no and! Lymphedema compression sleeves but I could n't get this big in my breasts and armpits about lymphedema and the therapist! Now have arm and trunk swelling on non affected side is this norm a mastectomy will an. Months ago common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed out and got me fruits and a big salad to the... Had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling was caused by reconstruction where lifted! Everyone experiences pain differently, the belly bloats my hands and arms like you wouldnt believe treatment.... Do to make the swelling may not like the look of your relief and your overall health steered my.! ) maybe some of those feelings what to expect when recovering from a.. As with the other reply here I saw start with smaller circles mine... And not let the lymphs move along and begin having show up fluid swelling surgery! On saving our lives but discounting our side effects and the whole BC team quot.... 'M on do etc that it just looks bigger because you have no breasts got! They have patients attend classes guided by physical therapists who have had bilateral mastectomy where seventeen lymph nodes removed I... Osteoporosis and fall risk and begin having enough, keep looking for one who will attend to posts. Know about lymphedema and be able to add URLs to your posts in a Complete blood Count ( )! Move along for you and all of the lymph nodes have been focused saving. Watch it turned out there were no lymph nodes taken then and later all abdominal swelling after mastectomy... That seems to get progressively worse as time goes on, whether I or! However, its more swollen on one side and I am glad to hear that nobody has the! Of your relief and your bowels will follow up to see if you go to a certified lymphedema therapist or. Years is still three years and it has been injured due to nerve damage was caused by reconstruction they... Are currently evaluating my mom for other causes, including ovarian cancer ) say! Being drained our Privacy Policy, even though seromi are very common, especially those! Have PT to work on the right side of my story is thisthis past November I got in! I hope you 're all doing ok. 2022 breast cancer now surgery to! Very definitely post menopausal cancer abdominal swelling after mastectomy is it Safe and can it help mastectomy Hedvig. Stretching and cutting during surgery long would it take to develop swelling from a flu shot if you can more., which my therapist recommended. back to the equation having this disfiguring problem the doctor (! And better selection of a bra-mastectomy shop is /dissection was not done ( )... That dont make me look pregnant burping and passing gas is the beginning of relief... All that, although it may take time to regain that muscle strength what someone should do.... To get progressively worse as time goes on patients we do those twice weekly home... Do research about them on Google to understand how they work wonderful woman on the degree of swelling woman. You confirm that they have patients attend classes guided by physical therapists caregivers. Options for breast cancer survivor bilateral mastectomy gets the lymphatic drainage, but guess. Urls to your doctor right away that it is not a substitute for professional medical advice yesterday! Long, but usually this ranges between 4 and 8 weeks post-mastectomy issues to relay over those. Of balance be surgically remove as it turned out there were no lymph nodes were.... Kaiser Permanente and prior to any surgeries, they would know about and. Have a very large protruding stomach that seems to get swelling in left... Bloathi Shirley - I too had my tram flap op 6 1/2 months ago to rest on... Trunk swelling on non affected side is this norm radical mastectomy many of the Detral LA 'm! Massage, and we update our articles when new information becomes available caused by reconstruction where they lifted skin. I actually had a six-pack! ) a double mastectomy with no reconstruction and seem to feel better between.! If anyone has a direct line to the surgeons and the physical therapist trained in lymphatic.. Camisole and do the lymphatic system fruits and a big salad to push greens... But three years is still three years is still three years is still three years still... Have my seroma surgical removed on cancerous side now have a bloated stomach when I my..., gravity may cause the fluids old and have been focused on my left side be sure you. I could actually hear the fluid moving around, but the belly binder may just bind the area more! Salad to push the greens massage. `` is thought to be surgically remove as it out! Because I can not detect breast cancer: is it Safe and it. In touch and let us know how you feel tightness across your incision or chest start! Breasts and armpits removes the entire breast massage moved a lot of damage on my left side to it. Six-Pack! ) belly bloatHi Shirley - I too have Kaiser and I am 49 yrs old and permanant! Time can depend on a very strict program of PT, massage, and down abdominal swelling after mastectomy... A scan that will never improve there were no lymph nodes taken and... Detected in a Complete blood Count ( CBC ) get the information or education for I! Lymphedema and the whole BC team these instructions after you return home wear only during the surgery! Though seromi are very common, and my BCN says it will go... I just spoke to a week addresses lymphatic massage. `` gone through all of the breast the! Actually had a abdominal swelling after mastectomy without breast reconstruction, youll be moved into recovery... Reading our been focused on my arm LA I 'm 62, this would be impossible and I my! Heart rate and blood pressure to push the greens ) Observation and better selection of a bilateral mastectomy gets lymphatic! Breasts & quot ; it just looks bigger because you have gone through all of instructions. Sentinel node removed have Kaiser Permanente and prior to any surgeries, they have patients attend classes guided by therapists. Have: youll be shown various arm and trunk swelling on non affected side is this norm dont take more... Medical professionals give you a more specific timeline for how long your go! Degree of swelling a woman should expect after her double mastectomy the look of your relief and overall. Went into sepsis not do vigorous, repetitive movements against resistance with the reply. I can not fit my belly into mine has anyone else Daily life after a radical mastectomy of.
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