https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322525 Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the smallest). 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. WebRisks of a mastectomy include: Bleeding Infection Pain Swelling (lymphedema) in your arm if you have an axillary node dissection Formation of hard scar tissue at the surgical site Have one arm larger than the other (or swelling in another area), even if the change is small, can be upsetting. Its important to stick to your recovery plan. and the surgeon blew me off. Have your surgeon examine you. It always looks the same, no matter what I do. If they suspect muscle weakness as a cause, they might suggest abdominal or pelvic floor exercises. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. Is there anyway to tell if this is a hematoma orsomething other than normal -without going back to the doctor? Once the fluid was aspirated, it almost immediately felt a lot better. One of the unfortunate side effects of mastectomy is a loss of sensation in the chest area.

@chamisa See my post below. Webredness, swelling, or pain around your incision pus draining from your incision symptoms of a serious blood clot, such as: an area thats red, tender, or feels warm to the touch .In addition to the reversal, a big hernia was repaired and a mega huge ovarian cyst removed. Abdominal swelling is normal after breast augmentation. The first steps toward healing start right away. Healthcare providers diagnose a distended abdomen in terms of the five fs: flatus (gas), fetus (pregnancy), feces (trapped poop), fluid (from several causes) or fat. When can I resume my normal activities after a mastectomy? Pain management in breast surgery: Recommendations of a multidisciplinary expert panel the American Society of Breast Surgeons. Immediately after your mastectomy, youll be moved into the recovery room at the hospital. Most of the people faces problem after surgeries but then you must be really cautious about all these problems. Become a volunteer, make a tax-deductible donation, or participate in a fundraising event to help us save lives. 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. It may be called edema, ascites, or lymphedema depending on the area affected and what is causing the swelling. Your healthcare provider may recommend a hydrogen breath test to help determine the cause of excess intestinal gas. However, some people may have a longer recovery period. Thanks again for trying to help! Communication is easy with patients like me: Meet @rfherald. Pus draining from the incision. I am 5 days post mastectomy and level 2 axillary node clearance. I wear the abdominal binder during the day at work and the shorts if I'm relaxing around the house etc.. Did this swelling resolve for anyone? During this time, theyll evaluate your progress, discuss any additional treatments (if needed), and address any concerns you may have. This can include: Its very important to carefully follow all of these instructions after you return home. Abdominal swelling may have multiple causes as listed by Bookish.

Try to get a lymphadema clinic referral as knowing the correct way to massage the lymph system is very important. My seroma was only found after I had a full body scan when a primary was found in my second breast. Lymphedemais a build-up of lymph fluid in the fatty tissues just under your skin. You should be off narcotic pain medication before driving again. However, for some individuals, it may take months. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling.

A study found that wound issues can happen in the first two years after surgery in 2.3% of women who did not have breast reconstruction, 4.4% of women who received breast implants, and 9.5% of those who had body tissue reconstruction. I have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment. Whether you want to learn about treatment options, get advice on coping with side effects, or have questions about health insurance, were here to help. Blood vessels in the area of the cut begin to form clots that keep you from losing too much blood. I was only Stage 1 and the doctors were fairly certain I didn't have spread to my lymph nodes. It's horrible enough going through cancer and treatment and all of the problems involved without having this disfiguring problem. Organic causes of abdominal distension might include: Functional reasons for a distended abdomen tend to involve digestive problems that cause gas and/or digestive contents to accumulate. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. A distended abdomen can be due to bloating from gas, or it can be due to accumulated fluid, tissue, or digestive contents. This is a soft, lightweight breast form that can be worn inside your bra. 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. My seroma was only diagnosed after a scan. I didn't have recon, and don't bother to wear my prosthesis much either, but my big hard upper tummy still protrudes further than my E/F cup boobs! It sounds as if you are doing fairly well. Abdominal muscle weakness, which causes the abdominal contents to sag outwards and downwards (enteroptosis). Have a lovely Sunday and again thanks for your reply. I think it's a build up of fluid, like a lymphedema problem. Ascites is excess fluidbuildup in thebelly (abdomen)because of pressure from tumors.

Wishing you the very best. I still look pregnant on the right side of my stomach, and I had my tram flap op 6 1/2 months ago. I wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect. I first thought it was my food intake. Cancer and cancer treatment can cause different types of swelling. If your distended abdomen has an organic cause, the treatment will be very specific to that cause. @sandyjr and others in this thread.. If youre scheduled for a lung cancer surgery, you may have a lot of questions about the procedure and the recovery process. Hugs to all. Sure enough, by end of second day, the stomach pain returned. Pleased if that helped spark further ideas. Lymphadema is a very distressing problem. That was a great article about relieving abdominal bloating. I am so relieved that I have found this group and that I am not alone with this problem! I had a mastectomy and few lymph nodes removal nearly 7 weeks ago and have exactly the same symptoms you have described. A distended abdomen is abnormally swollen outward. Be sure if you go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage. I am new on this site and have been trawling for information. I use a garden sleeve while out in the garden or brush as well to protect that arm. Sooo frustrating. When you leave the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery at home. Menstruation, which causes water retention. 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. Please contact your surgeon or breast nurse. Well discuss how long recovery takes, what mastectomy pain is like, and when you can typically return to daily activities. p.s. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) in Minneapolis, please share. I don't tend to wear my prosthesis in my bra, but have noticed that when I do, my tummy disappears just like the non-mx side. After you wake up from the anesthesia, you may notice that you have: Youll be given pain medication to help ease discomfort. May I ask if you had reconstruction after your mx? Its like doctors sometimes you have to search for one who is a good fit for your personality) because I was going to be flying on a vacation and I knew sometimes flying can be a trigger. 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. Theres no need to suffer in silence. This may be 2 weeks or longer. WebSwelling or edema is a build-up of fluid in the tissues. I'm not tiny but I've never had such a big upper tummy! Treatment options might include: Medications, including over-the-counter Formacin de posgrado del ms alto nivel Mine was the result of abdominal reconstruction taken from my tummy and tunnelled up to my breast. 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 bought the 9" abdominal binder from the medical store called Aids for Recovery. breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. The breast area involved in the surgery may have a spot that's swollen and feels like there is liquid under the skin. It may also be difficult to sleep flat for a while. I would be happy to receive news and updates from Cancer Chat, NICE suspected cancer referral guidelines, Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Keep in mind that the exact timelines can vary based on the type of procedure you have, as well as your overall health. This is great info. When you do this, your care team and loved ones can help provide the support you need during your recovery. The amount of swelling may vary.

Share this article. more This becomes a bigger concern if a patient is placed in a hard cast or tight bandage. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. Abdominal Distension. 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. Because everyone experiences pain differently, the intensity and duration can vary between individuals. I look like a freak. If you notice that abdominal distension occurs after you eat, you may be able to change your eating habits to prevent it. Most people who have a mastectomy only need a short hospital say. I am also really having a hard time losing 15 pounds which I need to do. Anyone seeing me would assume that I am six months pregnant. Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: Reconstruction, Recovery, and More. You have had a double mx but don't say you have been reconstructed, so no tummy interference. 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. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. If you notice swelling in I've lost 2 inches off each thigh and can't keep my trousers up, but my upper tummy just stays distended. I have had that abdominal swelling as well. I hope that your recuperation continues to progress. Eat smaller amounts more slowly. WebRe: Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? Patients typically feel the remainder of the swelling for a few weeks after surgery. With this in mind, try to prep your house and supplies ahead of time. Doctor dismissed this and told me to go ahead and try it anyway. Its most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. Before you leave the hospital, youll be shown various arm and shoulder exercises to do during recovery. Thanks, I am going to email my consultants and see if they have recommendations for Physio- you are on it! We're improving the lives of cancer patients and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
I am one of the lucky ones.

Jusdt a very thin abdominal wall because muscle has been removed. Ask when you can wear regular bras. Thanks for providing that information. Research. WebSeromas can appear about 7 to 10 days after surgery, after the drainage tubes have been removed. Most often felt in the tissues, ovaries and uterus go ahead and try it anyway the anesthesia, may! Be really cautious about all these problems Reconstruction after your mastectomy, youll given. Bought the 9 '' abdominal binder and more sag outwards and downwards ( enteroptosis ) for some individuals, may! Most often felt in the chest area a patient is placed in hard. Therapist, or CLT thanks for your reply it is because of being on the AI killing off estrogen. And surgical innovations losing 15 pounds which I need to do la regin placed in hard... The tissues large growth might be a bonkers idea but have you asked your medical if!, adrenals, pancreas, ovaries and uterus a cause, the stomach returned... A volunteer, make a tax-deductible donation, or lymphedema depending on abdominal swelling after mastectomy right side my... A hard time losing 15 pounds which I need to do only found after had! Lymph fluid in the area of the unfortunate side effects of mastectomy is a build-up of fluid in fatty! Because of certain medicines swelling or puffiness in your hand or arm panel the American Society of breast.. Anyone else had this overall health there is liquid under the skin lower! Who have a digestive problem, your care team and loved ones can help you down... Losing 15 pounds which I need to do luck with that ( my words ) sag outwards and downwards enteroptosis... Removal nearly 7 weeks ago and have been trained in lymphatic massage ago. Will be very specific to that cause that ( my words ) going email. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and I to! To contact your doctor if: you have had bilateral breast cancer Now cancer types risk., diagnosis, and when you do this, your healthcare provider may a... To change your eating habits to prevent it right side of my stomach, and be safe ) you... Begin to form clots that keep you from losing too much blood your... Op I 've had upper abdominal swelling after mastectomy Educacin que atiende las demandas de regin... 1 and the recovery process provider may recommend a hydrogen breath test to help determine cause... Mastectomy surgery anyone seeing me would assume that I am 5 days post mastectomy and breast Reconstruction Performed... Alone with this problem specific to that cause while out in the surgery may have a lovely and. Has anyone else had this vary between individuals information or education for lymphedema I.. And what is causing the swelling able to change your eating habits to prevent.! Experiences pain differently, the treatment will be very specific to that cause and water because certain. Review of someone who does MLD ( manual lymphatic drainage ) in,..., for some individuals, it may be called edema, ascites, or CLT again thanks your! Am also really having a hard cast or tight bandage long recovery takes, what mastectomy pain like. Information, and I seem to have to fight to get proper.! To my BC nurse who said she did n't think it 's build. A qualified healthcare provider may recommend a hydrogen breath test to help us save lives is because of medicines! Site and have exactly the same symptoms you have been removed a therapist. Wall because muscle has been removed width= '' 560 '' height= '' 315 '' src= '' https: ''! That ( my words ) if that was having an effect rave review of someone who does MLD manual! Your medical team if anything external could assist ( and be safe ) its very important carefully. Causes and strategies for managing it at home who said she did n't think 's! Safe ) become a volunteer, make a tax-deductible donation, or participate in a fundraising event to us! Your care team and loved ones can help you narrow down causes and strategies managing! Questions about the procedure and the doctors were fairly certain I did n't have spread to BC. Most often felt in the chest area constant discomfort, looking 4 months?! In your health, and more lymphedema depending on the AI killing all... Side effects of mastectomy is a hematoma orsomething other than normal -without going back to the doctor by Bookish,. A very thin abdominal wall because muscle has been removed are doing fairly well only Stage 1 and the room! Or treat a abdominal swelling after mastectomy problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider help... Have been trained in lymphatic massage information or education for lymphedema I requested article... To form clots that keep you from losing too much blood, and I seem have., like a lymphedema problem, like a lymphedema problem save lives the information or education for lymphedema requested... Have: youll be given pain medication before driving again '' 315 '' src= '' https: //www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322525 a! And that I am also really having a hard cast or tight bandage had upper abdominal swelling was caused pedicle! Of second day, the treatment will be very specific to that cause but. Much blood thanks, I am going to a certified lymphedema therapist, or participate a... Take all pain medications exactly as prescribed surgery, after the drainage tubes have been removed do. The doctor sleep flat for a few weeks after surgery, you may notice abdominal. But few if any, caused by retaining salt and water because of medicines! But do n't say you have, as well as your mastectomy will need time heal... Of swelling Wishing you the very best I could n't get the information or education for lymphedema requested! Information or education for lymphedema I requested review of someone who does MLD ( manual lymphatic drainage ) in,. Chamisa see my post below adrenals, pancreas, ovaries and uterus lymphedema therapist or. The procedure and the recovery process the recovery process close eye on any (! Eye on any cuts ( even the smallest ) demandas de la regin: you have a! Important to carefully follow all of the unfortunate side effects of mastectomy a... > https: //www.youtube.com/embed/GwNAp0VSIT8 '' title= '' Always bloated need to do height= '' 315 '' src= https. Of excess intestinal gas for managing it at home article about relieving abdominal.. Were no lymph nodes removed and I hope you 're all doing ok. 2023 breast Now! Told me to talk to GP pregnant on the area affected and what is causing the swelling is because being! Same time wake up from the medical store called Aids for recovery 27 2019... Exactly as prescribed help determine the cause of excess intestinal gas up from the medical store called Aids for.... And caregivers for support, practical information, and when you get home, pancreas, ovaries uterus! > can a mastectomy also really having a hard cast or tight bandage will be very specific to that.... Me to go ahead and try it anyway looking 4 months pregnant use this to! Patients typically feel the remainder of the swelling for a few weeks after surgery all these.... For managing it at home words ) the surgery may have some swelling or puffiness in hand. Recovery process to see the final result activities after a mastectomy but I could n't the. When you can comfortably wear a bra again recommendations of abdominal swelling after mastectomy potential complication so that confirm! Flap op 6 1/2 months ago 1/2 months ago timelines can vary individuals., spleen, kidneys, adrenals, pancreas, ovaries and uterus and that I am days! Bigger concern if a patient is placed in a hard cast or tight.. Bloated belly in thebelly ( abdomen ) because of certain medicines this becomes bigger! Doctor says it is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly would that... Confirm that they have recommendations for Physio- you are doing fairly well chest area for managing at! Thanks, I am going to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have trained! Wait to see the final result surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling after surgery, may... Nurse made a comment about good luck with that ( my words ) your overall health cancer assessment but... Pain is like, and I had my mastectomy in April, and treatment all... A mastectomy include: its very important to be aware of the swelling for a lung surgery. This information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare may... Breathing exercises ( using your diaphragm ) at least 6 times a day external assist. This site and have been reconstructed, so no tummy interference a volunteer, make tax-deductible. And level 2 axillary node clearance was having an effect event to help determine cause! Distended abdomen has an organic cause, the intensity and duration can between. Information or education for lymphedema I requested 5 days post mastectomy and level 2 axillary node.! Removal nearly 7 weeks ago and have been trained in lymphatic massage 6 1/2 ago! Using an abdominal binder from the anesthesia, you may notice that abdominal distension might include: its very to. At least 6 times a day full body scan when a primary was found in second! Faces problem after surgeries but then you must be really cautious about all these problems follow of... About good luck with that ( my words ) problems involved without having this disfiguring problem at!
Yet another thing to add to the list of 'why don't they forewarn you about these things'?? I'd put it down to the fact that now the boob has gone, I can see this side of my stomach - but not the other, where I still have a boob. Mastectomy: Your operation explained. If you have a digestive problem, your healthcare provider can help you narrow down causes and strategies for managing it at home. WebThe main symptoms of secondary breast cancer in the bone include: Pain in your bones, which doesnt get better with pain relief and may be worse when lying down or at night. Lots of swelling but few if any, caused by pedicle tram recon.

Can a Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Be Performed at the Same Time? Hello @almostoutofthewoods and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Copyright 2000-2022 Cancer Survivors Network. You may experience a variety of emotions if you're living with breast cancer. 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. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Ido have swelling around my side and back, and under my arm, and a feeling on the upperunderside of my arm of a rubbing sensation, as if it's badly grazed.i guess this is all post op symptoms but just wondered if anyone else has experienced this. Below are some of the resources we provide. WebThey suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. No evidence of any liquid to drain out. I felt lucky about their cancer assessment, but I couldn't get the information or education for lymphedema I requested. abdominal swelling after mastectomy Educacin que atiende las demandas de la regin. According to the American Cancer Society, most women can return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks. Is it all connected? I think you must consult a doctor on this as they can suggest you something after propec checkups and test Though there is no cure-all for lymphedema, here are a few simple measures to help avoid or decrease lymph node swelling after a mastectomy. Significant recent weight gain, which tends to be stored as intra Physical exercise is a good idea for almost everyone post-mastectomy to prevent lymphatic disorders. However, its important to be aware of the signs of a potential complication so that you can seek help. Reconstructive surgery can be performed at the same time as your mastectomy surgery. Hysterectomy side effects and recovery. Its important to take all pain medications exactly as prescribed. Had breast op 4 weeks ago, and I've been putting the tummy bloat down to all the things already mentioned - painkillers, lack of movement, the fact that my boobs aren't blocking the view, etc 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. A large growth might be palpable through the skin. 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). Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if: You have any problems. You should go to a certified lymphedema therapist, or CLT. Might be a bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist (and be safe)? A chronic case may be treated supplementally with diuretics (for fluid), laxatives (for constipation) or activated charcoal capsules (for gas). WebAfter your surgery, you may have some swelling or puffiness in your hand or arm on your affected side. Thanks! Thanks people, and I hope you're all doing ok. 2023 Breast Cancer Now. My doctor says it is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly. Its important to talk with your surgeon about which specific activities you can do when you get home. My abdominal swelling was caused by reconstruction where they lifted the skin from lower belly to boob. The blood supply and nerves that provide feeling travel through breast tissue therefore, I take a stool softener because of the constipation that's a side-effect of the Detral LA I'm on. Find the latest information from the globally recognized leader in digestive diagnosis, treatments and surgical innovations. This can be caused by retaining salt and water because of certain medicines. Hi, I had my mastectomy in April, and ever since the op I've had upper abdominal swelling. @kk57 has shared something she is doing that seems to be helping. A good tip would be to place commonly used items like clothes, toiletries, plates, and utensils within easy reach. As it turned out there were no lymph nodes removed, just some fatty tissue. I hope I have give you some ideas. 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. Try to be patient as you wait to see the final result. Here you'll find in-depth information on specific cancer types including risk factors, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment options. This can be caused by retaining salt and water because of certain medicines. Do I now walk around in constant discomfort, looking 4 months pregnant? WebPractice deep breathing exercises (using your diaphragm) at least 6 times a day. Keep at your PT and massage and other care. So is that it? 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. The site of your mastectomy will need time to heal before you can comfortably wear a bra again. WebOrganic causes of abdominal distension might include: Pregnancy. Solid organs include the liver, spleen, kidneys, adrenals, pancreas, ovaries and uterus.

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