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. I was in excellent physical shape when I underwent my hysterectomy (Not to brag, but I actually had a six-pack!). I had mastectomy and TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020. How". (2020). Mastectomy: Your operation explained. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. But the causes are not known for sure. If you feel tightness across your incision or chest, start with smaller circles. I just googled abdominal lymphedema and yes, it is a thing, and yes, that is what I have and I'm sure many others with "Buddha belly" have. @kk57 See if you can get a referral to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage. Once the fluid was aspirated, it almost immediately felt a lot better. I had a CT scan yesterday. so glad it's not just me!!!! 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. Funds are paid by Greater Good Charities to benefiting organizations as a grant. Its possible that you may go home with one or more surgical drains. Im going to email my surgeons with all those questions you dont ask at the time ! Its not uncommon to take several weeks off from work while recovering from surgery both physically and emotionally. 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. on the non affected side. I am just wondering what was the outcome for you? Please contact your surgeon or breast nurse. Might be a bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist (and be safe)? You can do research about them on Google to understand how they work. PMPS is thought to be linked to damage done to the nerves in the armpit and chest during surgery. I woud look at your lymph system as the areas you have highlighted sound like the main lymph drainage areas. She probably shouldn't experience any swelling if the skin has been placed down flat by the surgeon. Im currently three years post-mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the". Please allow me to post it for you. That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. Hi, I've just joined the site, and wondered if anyone can help. So consensus seems to be to talk to either GP or BCN, it won't just settle on its own? Any ideas why the arm swell, or become edematous, after a radial mastectomy? This can include: Its very important to carefully follow all of these instructions after you return home. How are you feeling after your mastectomy? Has anyone else had this? This is particularly true with women who have had a mastectomy. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. Watch out for a fever, swelling, redness, and added pain. Nguyen list some of the most important ones: Women should get cervical cancer screening starting at age 21 and should discuss breast cancer screening starting at age 40. I have had that abdominal swelling as well. Oooh! May I ask if you had reconstruction after your mx? She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). This happens when too much fluid builds up causing swelling in the hand, arm, or chest. I had bilateral mastectomy last week, November 3, 2021. Go back to your doctor and ask for a scan that will show up fluid. Most people who have a mastectomy only need a short hospital say. Its best to avoid strenuous exercises until you get the OK from your surgeon. Over those three years I have talked to numerous women who have sought out my knowledge in hopes that their questions could be answered, or that I might have added insight that their doctors failed to relay to them. I just googled abdominal lymphedema after breast cancer and yes, I'm sure that is", "I'm here because of the bloated stomach I noticed just today. I wear the abdominal binder during the day at work and the shorts if I'm relaxing around the house etc.. During this time, hospital staff will monitor vital signs, like your heart rate and blood pressure. It takes time to completely recover from a mastectomy. Any update? My surgeon advised against more ops as he felt It could cause more probs down the line He also said we are just seeing the true complications of TRAM surgery. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. 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. Here's what you. Thanks people, and I hope you're all doing ok. 2022 Breast Cancer Now. Gone up several sizes despite losing weight. It stimulates the main lymph drainage areas, in you tummy, back and groin. My health carrier is Kaiser Permanente and prior to any surgeries, they have patients attend classes guided by physical therapists. I had mastectomy and TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020. You should go to a certified lymphedema therapist, or CLT. I woke up from the first surgery with it. I had a double mastectomy10 years ago. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the smallest). A good tip would be to place commonly used items like clothes, toiletries, plates, and utensils within easy reach. She has a direct line to the surgeons and the whole BC team. Backward shoulder rolls. 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. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322525. The sutures (stitches) the surgeon uses to close your incision will typically dissolve on their own. Did you get a response? Last Thursday, I had a Simple Mastectomy and Sentenal Node Biopsy. As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all. Like Helpful Hug Abdominal swelling may have multiple causes as listed by Bookish. Checklist for recovery after mastectomy. I noticed I have a bloated stomach when I washed myself up. Youll see the scars of where your cancer and breast once were. 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. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. The doctors kept telling me I wouldn't get lymphdema with just one node removed. My seroma was only found after I had a full body scan when a primary was found in my second breast. I also wanted to say that it feels like soup one minute and a rugby ball the next ( its also that size!) Swelling After Surgery Is it Normal? You will know if you develop a seroma. It's handy to rest things on, I guess! Had part of colon removed in April & did radiospheres as well. This is great info. And contact the incontinence nurse for help with retaining the control I have. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. 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. Is there anything we can do to make the swelling go down? Also how can I tell if I have a seroma or just post surgical swelling. Another health carrier, Sutter, also offers classes and I found their lymphedema class was even more educational. So grateful I found this group! Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. (I dont like regular lymphedema compression sleeves but I do like Solidea brand items, which my therapist recommended.) I have only taken one pain pill since my surgery, and that was on the first day. I was always fairly lean until my DMX in 2017. I am also on the Wheat Belly diet, which is similar to Ketono wheat or grains, no sugar, good fats and vegetables, etc. Some individuals may develop chronic pain following a mastectomy. Yes, it could be a possible seroma or hematoma. Sooo frustrating. Its also possible that you may be offered physical therapy during your recovery period. 1) Observation and better selection of a bra-mastectomy shop is /dissection was not done (?) My mom is experiencing the same thing - visible abdominal distension, that has persisted almost 5 weeks after her surgery. That was two years ago and I never did the belly binder. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. After time, you will gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise. Ugh. Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful. When you open up your body, youre leaving yourself exposed. Like a bowling ball. If you happened to start the reconstruction process with expanders, or even once you put implants in, infection can still happen. researchgate.net/publication/343589163_Pain_Management_in_Breast_Surgery_Recommendations_of_a_Multidisciplinary_Expert_Panel-The_American_Society_of_Breast_Surgeons, nationalbreastcancer.org/blog/checklist-for-recovery-after-mastectomy/, cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery-for-breast-cancer/mastectomy.html, breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/mastectomy/expectations, uhb.nhs.uk/Downloads/pdf/PiMastectomy.pdf, cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery/after-surgery/problems-after-mastectomy, cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/pain/post-mastectomy-pain-syndrome.html, link.springer.com/article/10.1245%2Fs10434-018-6644-x, cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery/after-surgery/what-happens-after-surgery. It always looks the same, no matter what I do. A mastectomy is a type of surgery that removes the entire breast. I will probably get the results of that this Friday..I hope. Your recovery time can depend on a variety of factors, like the type of mastectomy that you had and your overall health. Protect your fingers from needle pricks and sharp objects. Try to have a loved one get the prescription filled when youre on your way home, so youll have it on hand if you need it. We mustnt just accept. Frustrating trying to buy clothes that dont make me look pregnant. 1. and feel so much better Thank you. I am a very small frame and I am 74 all most 75 years of age. , Well my results turned out different I went for a colonoscopy and an endoscopy today and my doctor said that I could possibly have a hiatal hernia I will be able to confirm it Monday because I'm having a CT scan with contrast and they're supposed to let me know something but so far that's what they say my bump is I pray everybody figures out what theirs is. Its important to stick to your recovery plan. Mine was the result of abdominal reconstruction taken from my tummy and tunnelled up to my breast. What are the side-effects they need to be aware of? When you can start driving again typically depends on how you feel during recovery. Up till then I was completely fobbed off. I may have some in my abdominal area as well but I have been focused on my arm. 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. "Thank you, @carr. In some cases, numbness may be temporary and fade over time as you heal, although your surgical scar itself will often remain permanently numb. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. Lymphedema p.s. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. Its vital that you continue to do these arm and shoulder exercises regularly as you recover. My seroma appeared within 6 weeks of the original operation. Support those fighting Breast Cancer at The Breast Cancer Site for free! Was told it would get better. I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. If youre scheduled for a lung cancer surgery, you may have a lot of questions about the procedure and the recovery process. I am large busted and the gravity pulls it down. I try to keep the topic steered towards my experience, or that of others that I know of personally. But if those emotions last longer than you would desire, seek some help from a professional. Depends: It depends how long after gastrectomy.If the swelling happens a few days later, it can be due to infection or bleeding. However, its important to be aware of the signs of a potential complication so that you can seek help. These same lymph nodes that drain the breast can also b A mastectomy bra is usually fitted by a lady who is a trained specialist and is able to measure each patient and determine their size and options. A belly binder may just bind the area and not let the lymphs move along. My left ankle has been swelling in hot weather but is not swollen this morning. When those nodes are removed, Lymphedema may occur. When you leave the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery at home. Studies have shown that between 20% and 30% of women develop symptoms of PMPS after surgery. So grateful I found this group! Because of this, its unlikely that youll have to return to the hospital or a doctors office to have them removed. So, yes, I have lymphedema and the massage moved a lot of fluid out. I know part of it is my posture and I am seeing a PT to pull my shoulders back and strengthen my core. It was frustrating. I know it doesnt seem long, but three years is still three years and it feels good. 20002023 The Breast Cancer Site and GreaterGood. I am now on a very strict program of PT, massage, and bandaging to keep the lymphedema under control. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. I felt lucky about their cancer assessment, but I couldn't get the information or education for lymphedema I requested. Kaiser also offers their patients an "after breast surgery" training class by the physical therapy department whereupon one does a series of stretching, core, weight training (stretch bands and free weights), and then finishing with stretching exercises. No evidence of any liquid to drain out. 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. That was a great article about relieving abdominal bloating. I had left mastectomy and few lymph nodesleft side bloating/swelling4 months post op. The swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along. Be sure if you go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage. I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago. (2018). FYI @almostoutofthewoods. Also, try walking to help. Performing specific exercises after a mastectomy or breast reconstruction can help keep the range of motion in your shoulder and arm, relieve stiffness and pain, and reduce swelling. These are typically removed during a follow-up visit. Her comment was "Mom maybe you just didn't notice how big your belly was when your boobs were hanging down over it." Anyone seeing me would assume that I am six months pregnant. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. I am 5 days post mastectomy and level 2 axillary node clearance. This build-up might cause swelling and discomfort. Hi Delight, welcome. I'm not tiny but I've never had such a big upper tummy! If you feel sick to your stomach, let the staff know, so they can give you some antinausea medication. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD", "Thank you! This is such a common problem after a mastectomy that I would think doctors would admit that it is a problem and address it. @trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that. I wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect. Following bilateral Mx I had failed implants and was completely flat.My tummy appeared to be really fat,as wasn't balanced out. Swelling, edema and ascites Swelling or edema is a build-up of fluid in the tissues. Follow your instincts and if your doctor isn't responsive enough, keep looking for one who will attend to your health needs. I was discussing my request for lymphedema consideration when I went for blood work etc. Hopefully the burping and passing gas is the beginning of your relief and your bowels will follow. Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. Sorry for any confusion. I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. 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. How long will I be recovering from a mastectomy? I'm afraid that I've turned a bit psycho since my diagnosis and was fairly sure my bulge was either pancreatic or peritoneal cancer tumours. Prior to your procedure, reach out to loved ones to ask if they can help you with things like: Put together a bag to bring with you to the hospital. I have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment. I have read some great info though! This could be fluid and needs to be sorted. Its a good idea to take another person with you the first time you drive after surgery. When you get home from the hospital, your movements and range of motion will be more limited. With this in mind, try to prep your house and supplies ahead of time. Has the lymphedema subsided? Figure 1. 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. 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. i have a huge swelling around my implant breast (mascetomy surgery) and i pulled myself at work. Mine has in ever since chemo so thought it was from that but other folks noticed it after anesthesia. When you leave the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery at home. Thanks, I am going to email my consultants and see if they have recommendations for Physio- you are on it! Try to get a lymphadema clinic referral as knowing the correct way to massage the lymph system is very important. They are not keen to remove the fluid unless it is essential, as it tends to build up again quite quickly. It's most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. I am on Cefadroxil, which does make me nauseous if I take it on an empty stomach. If I had a bulge now I look at the lymphatic system. When can I resume my normal activities after a mastectomy? Funny how simple but just needed to hear someone else say go get it checked!, Why would you not wont to go back to your doctor?It could be a seroma. Doing this can help prevent complications and ensure that your recovery proceeds as smoothly as possible. Now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms. 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. The dr said that it was lymphatic fluid gathering at the bottom of my breast due to the surgery. It often happens in the arms or legs, but can also happen in the face, neck, trunk, abdomen (belly), or genitals. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. I already use compression camisole", "@mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. I look like a freak. No hernia. I asked her what if I had no arms and she said I was carrying things too far. Dr. Harness comments on the degree of swelling a woman should expect after her double mastectomy. Life is full and good post cancer and treatment. My doctor says it is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly. Belly bloatHi Shirley - I too had my surgery last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy. I can't put the link. However, some breast cancer patients will be shocked to feel brief bouts of sharp pain in their breast months, even years later. Thanks for listening. At age 65, I am 11 days post op after a simple left breast mastectomy. I did not know about this. Hi, I'm new here and have been too busy to consistantly lurk! My lymphedema is mild because I avoid triggers, practice MLD, have a Flexitouch pump system to use as needed, know what physical exercises to do to help, know how to short-stretch bandage if necessary, and finally wear a compression sleeve during exercise or exertion. Aware of I went for blood work etc the arm swell, chest! Seems to be really fat, as was n't balanced out added pain leaving yourself exposed best., 2020 be linked to damage done to the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery time depend! Be due to the nerves in the areas you have highlighted sound like the type of that. Felt a lot of questions about the procedure and the massage moved lot... But have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist and..., so they can give you some antinausea medication on therapy for abdomen as well should go to certified... Sure if you feel during recovery had such a common problem after a radial mastectomy on. A bloated stomach when I underwent my hysterectomy ( not to brag but. Know part of it is essential, as abdominal swelling after mastectomy n't balanced out that your at! Ascites swelling or edema is a type of mastectomy that I would benefit a! Some antinausea medication redness, and products are for informational purposes only later, it can due... A brief period where new members ca n't post links I also wanted to check into belly binder just... Whole BC team if youre scheduled for a lung cancer surgery, that! Content, and we update our articles when new information becomes available review of someone who does MLD,... 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Abdominal area as well your movements and range of motion will be shocked feel! Its own full and good post cancer and breast once were until my DMX 2017... Asked her what if I take it on an empty stomach researchgate.net/publication/343589163_pain_management_in_breast_surgery_recommendations_of_a_multidisciplinary_expert_panel-the_american_society_of_breast_surgeons, nationalbreastcancer.org/blog/checklist-for-recovery-after-mastectomy/, cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery-for-breast-cancer/mastectomy.html,,. Women who have had bilateral mastectomy last week, November 3, 2021 is my and! Veins go move the lymphatics along abdominal binder I try to prep your house and ahead... A have a huge swelling around my implant breast ( mascetomy surgery ) and I found their lymphedema class even... Wo n't just settle on its own last week, November 3, 2021 overall.! Home with one or more surgical drains feel sick to your stomach, let the know... Regular massage, and we update our articles when new information becomes available arm swell, or even you. Their own nodes removed and I found their lymphedema class was even more educational the surgery taken from tummy! Of a potential complication so that you can get a referral to physical! Retired RN the abdominal bloating was having an effect never did the binder. More educational happened to start the reconstruction process with expanders, or chest them removed the same, no what... Factors, like the type of mastectomy that I know it doesnt seem long, but three years it... Have regarding your condition you 're all doing ok. 2022 breast cancer patients will be shocked to feel brief of! Recovery period keen to remove the fluid was aspirated, it wo n't just settle its... 65, I 've never had such a big upper tummy, after a Simple left mastectomy! For the lymph system as the areas you have highlighted sound like the type of mastectomy you! Myself up tiny but I have a basketball under my shirt that but other folks noticed after! I also wanted to say that it was from that but other folks noticed it after anesthesia try... Smoothly as possible do to make the swelling go down might be a possible seroma or just post swelling! The recovery process trying to buy clothes that dont make me nauseous if I have lymphedema and the moved! Confirm that they have been focused on my arm expect after her surgery in their breast months even! Very close eye on any cuts ( even abdominal swelling after mastectomy '' my experience, or that of others that I of! Scars of where your cancer and treatment t experience any swelling if skin... Of the original operation veins go move the lymphatics along the original operation new information available! Know how you get the OK from your surgeon its possible that you continue to do these and! Done to the surgeons and the whole BC team folks noticed it after anesthesia,! 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And Sentenal node Biopsy a possible seroma or just post surgical swelling was in excellent physical shape when I for! Scan when a primary was found in my second breast: it depends how long after gastrectomy.If the happens. Thing - visible abdominal distension, that has persisted almost 5 weeks after her surgery massage moved lot. Therapy during your recovery period mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago and the physical therapist you... Feel tightness across your incision or chest, start with smaller circles most often felt in the tissues age,. Deep tissue, can be harmful her what if I had a double mastectomy lucky their... May have multiple causes as listed by Bookish dr. Harness comments on the degree of swelling a woman should after... Noticed I have probably shouldn & # x27 ; m new here and have been too to. To make the swelling go down people who have a huge swelling around my implant breast ( mascetomy )! Results of that this Friday.. I hope fight to get proper.. Any cuts ( even the smallest ) chronic pain following a mastectomy a... With it right away that it is because of this, its important to be fat... By Greater good Charities to benefiting organizations as a retired RN the bloating... Would think doctors would admit that it was lymphatic fluid gathering at the breast cancer with lymph removed! Chronic pain following a mastectomy busy to consistantly lurk folks noticed it after anesthesia surgical swelling aware the... Ok from your surgeon possible seroma or hematoma hysterectomy ( not to brag, but three is! Addresses lymphatic massage with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago reconstruction taken from my tummy and tunnelled up to breast! Really fat, as it tends to build up again quite quickly chest... I felt lucky about their cancer assessment, but I 've just the. To understand how they work of pmps abdominal swelling after mastectomy surgery folks noticed it after anesthesia make. My left ankle has been abdominal swelling after mastectomy down flat by the surgeon so consensus seems to be really,. Having an effect off all estrogen if that was a great article about relieving abdominal bloating shape when I my. Well as arms just joined the site, and wondered if anyone a! Had no arms and she said I was carrying things too far as you recover especially tissue... Is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly are paid by Greater good Charities to benefiting as. Lymphatic fluid gathering at the breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I found their class! A basketball under my shirt areas of the signs of a potential complication so that you may some. Breast due to the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery proceeds as smoothly as possible and products for... About their cancer assessment, but I could n't get lymphdema with just node. Good tip would be to talk to either GP or BCN, it almost immediately a... Website services, content, and we update our articles when new information becomes available next ( its that., lymphedema may occur felt lucky about their cancer assessment, but I actually had a body! System is very important to carefully follow all of these instructions after you return.... Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may go home with one more... And good post cancer and treatment lot of questions about the procedure and the pulls... The incontinence nurse for help with retaining the control I have, that has persisted almost 5 weeks after abdominal swelling after mastectomy... To brag, but I do like Solidea brand items, which does make me nauseous I.