Hugs.. @charisa, cindylb How to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer: 10 Lifestyle Recommendations, Symptoms of Late Stage Metastatic Breast Cancer, What to Know and Consider Before Having Prophylactic Mastectomy, a dressing or bandage to cover your incision and keep it clean, a surgical drain to help blood and fluid drain from the surgical site, how to care for your incision, including how to bathe or shower, which exercises to do to promote range of motion in your arm and shoulder and how often to do them, what you may expect as far as pain, numbness, or other sensations, how to recognize signs of complications, like infections or lymphedema, when you can start doing certain activities again, such as household chores, driving, and wearing a bra, experienced acute, severe postmastectomy pain, bleeding from the surgical site thats more than you were told to expect, redness, swelling, or pain around your incision, an area thats red, tender, or feels warm to the touch, unexplained swelling around the surgical site, which could be signs of a, persistent swelling in your arm or hand, which can be a sign of, a notebook for tracking medications or for writing down questions to ask your surgeon during your follow-up appointment, a wedge pillow to help keep you propped up in bed or on the couch. Its best to avoid strenuous exercises until you get the OK from your surgeon. Instead have been doing core exercises and strength training from the Physical Therapy Dept at our facility. 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! When can I resume my normal activities after a mastectomy? I am new on this site and have been trawling for information. Thanks for listening. A 2018 observational study estimated that 20 to 30 percent of people who undergo breast surgery experience some type of chronic pain. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. My advice to other breast cancer ladies out therePUSH FOR EDUCATION AND MONITORING for lymphedema as you go into this process, push for monitoring after your surgery and never let doctors tell you that you won't/can't get lymphedema. Yet another thing to add to the list of 'why don't they forewarn you about these things'?? 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. I hope I have give you some ideas. Frustrating trying to buy clothes that dont make me look pregnant. Mine has in ever since chemo so thought it was from that but other folks noticed it after anesthesia. Then revision surgery on August 3rd. for the first couple of days I could actually hear the fluid moving around, but this has stopped now. "Thank you, @carr. It is common however to become easi. Thanks, I am going to email my consultants and see if they have recommendations for Physio- you are on it! My seroma appeared within 6 weeks of the original operation. I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? 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. I was stage 1", "Hello @almostoutofthewoods and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. The swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along. You should go to a certified lymphedema therapist, or CLT. @almostoutofthewoods There are different lymphedema pads called "swell spots" that are quite helpful. I have had that abdominal swelling as well. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. My prophylactic, bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstructionwith implants, has developed severe swelling on left side. Every time he had breast augmentation, it can cause some surrounding swelling to the upper abdominal wall for a week or 2 after surgery. Some examples of potential treatments include: During your recovery period, you may feel numbness around the site of your mastectomy. These include redness, pain, heat, increased swelling, or fever. Many of us spent hours researching our treatment decisions. It doesn't allow me here. Sigh. Thank you Jolamine, very helpful, at least I know what to look out for. You have 3 options: Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. Sooooo frustrating. In addition to general pain or discomfort, it's possible to feel:. This is what I want to know,too. (I dont like regular lymphedema compression sleeves but I do like Solidea brand items, which my therapist recommended.) Me too. Acute pain from a mastectomy will gradually go away as you heal. I've just had a CT scan. Reconstructive surgery can be performed at the same time as your mastectomy surgery. I woke up from the first surgery with it. Six years later I have a perfectly flat stomach but can still feel a pull. Hahaha. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. Sometimes the fluid can build up again after being drained. For me, the BC nightmare never ends. After time, you will gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise. Lots of swelling but few if any, caused by pedicle tram recon. My breastcare nurse have also been a great source of help and support. When you leave the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery at home. Yes, it could be a possible seroma or hematoma. I spoke to my BC nurse who said she didn't think it was related to surgery and advised me to talk to GP. During this time, hospital staff will monitor vital signs, like your heart rate and blood pressure. I hear you. I had bilateral mastectomy last week, November 3, 2021. Youll generally need to avoid doing household chores and lifting heavy objects for a set period of time. So, for now, Im sticking with my detox tea, exercise and yoga to try to get my body back in balance. It's most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. I have read some great info though! I can tell this is very bothersome to you, as I can understand. "I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. Exercise is a major key to recovery, in my opinion, and for me that has brought many unexpected benefits. I woud look at your lymph system as the areas you have highlighted sound like the main lymph drainage areas. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. I then researched seroma after abdominal surgery and I found its a fairly common side effect. I might be a big baby, but I was so upset! Dressings. Thanks for providing that information. Did you have your lymphedema evaluation? This was my second bout of cancer, as I had a lumpectomy the previous year. If youre unsure if its safe for you to drive, ask your surgeon for their advice. Backward shoulder rolls. This is such a common problem after a mastectomy that I would think doctors would admit that it is a problem and address it. You also need to be comfortable wearing a seatbelt. However, recovery can be longer for some individuals, potentially taking months. However, the surgeon got a little ambitious and created a lot of damage on my left side to remove the node. My seroma was only diagnosed after a scan. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. I WAS a 13 year survivor until last month. It may take time to regain that muscle strength. There was nothing wrong with my tummy before this op!! She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. In addition to physical feelings, like pain or fatigue, its also possible that you may experience many types of emotional feelings, including: Try not to hold in what youre feeling physically and emotionally. All Rights Reserved. @kk57 has shared something she is doing that seems to be helping. 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. Doing so can help your recovery go as smoothly as possible. I am glad you are paying attention to your body. About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated. 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. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. Hello @almostoutofthewoods and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. Lymphedema is a build-up of lymph fluid in the fatty tissues just under your skin. These are typically removed during a follow-up visit. I hope that your recuperation continues to progress. 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. My dx is Colon Cancer w/ liver mets - 8 tumors spread throughout liver so resection of liver not an option, nor is transplant. I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. While everyone is different, the wounds and healin process should be about 90% complete in the 6-8 week timeframe. Its hard to get people", "@trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that. Had part of colon removed in April & did radiospheres as well. I noticed that you wanted to add a URL to a video. She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. Recovery from a mastectomy typically takes several weeks. 1. As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all. Lol I think paranoid hyperchondriac is a pretty good label for me right now! But the causes are not known for sure. 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. This occurs when the bowels do not move regularly, which can cause bloating and abdominal pain. Chronic pain after mastectomy happens due to nerve damage. A low-grade fever that is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is normal the day after surgery. thanks for replying , it is a great idea and despite buying highly expensive support pants Ive found a swimming costume helps a lot - seems to even the load all out! However, its more swollen on one side and I am experiencing pain. No hernia. I haven't been horrendously uncomfortable most of the time. I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. If youre scheduled for a lung cancer surgery, you may have a lot of questions about the procedure and the recovery process. I also experienced a great deal of swelling. I will call tomorrow! It's most common after operations that remove tissue in the upper outside portion of the breast or the underarm area. But if those emotions last longer than you would desire, seek some help from a professional. Last Thursday, I had a Simple Mastectomy . It may also be difficult to sleep flat for a while. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. I have read some great info though! DIEP Flap meant I had a chance to regain some of those feelings. This is great info. 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. You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. 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. @chamisa See my post below. At age 65, I am 11 days post op after a simple left breast mastectomy. If people got proper training, they would know about lymphedema and be able to give proper treatment. Was told it would get better. Because everyone experiences pain differently, the intensity and duration can vary between individuals. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. Its hard to get people to understand that. I am on Cefadroxil, which does make me nauseous if I take it on an empty stomach. No chemo or radiation. Be careful not to touch or remove the steri-strips or sutures. I had my mastectomy last December - no recon - and since then, my stomach on mx side looks like I'm pregnant too. After the surgery, gravity may cause the fluids . Not only can this help you feel more confident, but this individual can also take over if you experience pain or discomfort while driving. Most have been trained on the job by a mentor some actually have had themselves a mastectomy or lumpectomy for even better first hand advise the m How long will i have tightness and swelling after double mastectomy? A mastectomy is a type of surgery that removes the entire breast. Good luck and persevere it is your body and you that needs to live with it. And contact the incontinence nurse for help with retaining the control I have. This feels", "@kk57 See if you can get a referral to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage.". I am sorry to hear that nobody has explained the post surgery expectations to you. It was frustrating. Lung Cancer Surgery Recovery Time: How Long Does It Take? So, yes, I have lymphedema and the massage moved a lot of fluid out. It was part of the reason I had an ER visit post op. She was happy with everything. Right after surgery, youre limited in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in your body. Even though seromi are very common after surgery no one diagnosed it until I had the full body scan. Sorry forgot to say, yes had drain in for a week but needed it changed 3 times! Swelling, edema and ascites Swelling or edema is a build-up of fluid in the tissues. I try to keep the topic steered towards my experience, or that of others that I know of personally. I am a year out of a double mastectomy and seem to develop a lot of upper belly fat. As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. I am getting bilateral mastectomy/breast reconstruction (after finding out I have a genetic mutation) next month and am scared to death about my hospital experience. Most of the people faces problem after surgeries but then you must be really cautious about all these problems. I have very skinny legs and arms, but this huge stomach bulging out!!! Might be a bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist (and be safe)? There are several reasons why constipation may occur after a hysterectomy, including pain medication, a sedentary lifestyle, and a lack of fiber in the diet. So, any treatment, or have they just said that it will go on its own eventually? Ive created list of my top eight post-mastectomy issues to relay over to those who ask. So is that it? I look like a freak. Then revision surgery on August 3rd. Your surgeon may prescribe a pain medication to take after you leave the hospital. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. Below, well outline what you can generally expect, both in the hospital and after you return home. (doctors are currently evaluating my mom for other causes, including ovarian cancer). Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. pouch left in armpit. (2020). They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. Pain relief within an hour. If this is the case, get instructions from your surgeon on how to care for your surgical drains at home. Funds are paid by Greater Good Charities to benefiting organizations as a grant. It's horrible enough going through cancer and treatment and all of the problems involved without having this disfiguring problem. I am due to have my seroma surgical removed on Tuesday 22 July. The one constant in my treatment has been walking it is free and the very best exercise. My belly seemed almost as big as my boobs were (and that's not small). An abdominal CT was normal. Jusdt a very thin abdominal wall because muscle has been removed. We are always here for you. I am paying the price now and 'paying' includes pain, anxiety and huge bills from my hospital stay and follow ups (I'm just 62 now and so no medicare to soften the financial blow). When you do this, your care team and loved ones can help provide the support you need during your recovery. They are not keen to remove the fluid unless it is essential, as it tends to build up again quite quickly. 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. How". breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. There is often variability between patients, but with Naproxen, one could expect to experience some Belly bloatHi Shirley - I too had my surgery last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy. 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. I wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect. 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. Medical procedures always scare me now. 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. It was part of the reason I had an ER visit post op. Its common to have pain or discomfort after a mastectomy. I find that trawling the Internet expeciallythe US sites can throw up some useful information but you do need to read it with care. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. 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. Its not just discomfort- as we all know how uncomfortable the tightness can be! Your surgeon will talk with you about when this may be possible. Thank you, @carr. Wishing you the very best. If you feel tightness across your incision or chest, start with smaller circles. ", "I am a year out of a bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction and seem to have". Complete your request online or contact us by phone. It takes time to completely recover from a mastectomy. All rights reserved. I have recently found recorded medical lectures on You Tube that I have found helpful. I had a double mastectomy10 years ago. My doctor was reluctant to admit lymphedema was a potential problem but finally relented and made the referral. After a radical mastectomy many of the lymph nodes have been removed in the armpit or axilla. I do not have it bad like some do. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. This is typically 3 days or less. Before you leave the hospital, youll be shown various arm and shoulder exercises to do during recovery. I proactively insisted on a referral to a lymphedema therapist (who incidentally was awful I have since found a kind, caring, and helpful therapist. I bought them from Dick's Sporting Goods Store. It was a perk of why I chose it, and I have. 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. (2020). Brenin DR, et al. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. With any surgery there may be side effects that you were unaware of. Did you have your lymphedema evaluation? You should go to a certified lymphedema therapist, or CLT. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. My abdominal swelling was caused by reconstruction where they lifted the skin from lower belly to boob. Swelling after mastectomy A 69-year-old female asked: How long will i have tightness and swelling after double mastectomy? Also, some elastic type shorts that come up to belly button and that have a wide elastic band for waist. I started this thread back in 2013/4 so there have been lots of views and posts since then. 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! My daughter did make me laugh when I showed her my belly. Has anyone else had this? 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. I still look pregnant on the right side of my stomach, and I had my tram flap op 6 1/2 months ago. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322525 Thank you. What Causes Stomach Bloating After Breast Augmentation Surgery? I never was informed about the possibility of lymphedema at all by any medical person, but an acquaintance had it so at least I was aware. With this in mind, try to prep your house and supplies ahead of time. Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? I felt lucky about their cancer assessment, but I couldn't get the information or education for lymphedema I requested. Sooo frustrating. Any update? @carr After you wake up from the anesthesia, you may notice that you have: Youll be given pain medication to help ease discomfort. How are you feeling after your mastectomy? 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. Like a bowling ball. I was discussing my request for lymphedema consideration when I went for blood work etc. After age 65, both men and women will be screened for osteoporosis and fall risk and begin having . Still having regular bowel movements and there is really no pain. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. I guard my hands and arms like you wouldnt believe. I do find that some of those things help, just to make sure that gas doesnt make a bad problem worse. I am really glad you contacted your doctor right away. This feeling is due to nerve damage that can happen during the surgery. As such, you may want to look for a comfortable, but supportive, chair to sleep in during the early stages of your recovery. 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. I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. The CT scan revealed nothing untoward, except that my abdominal wall is minus muscle that was used for boob reconstruction. Good Luck everyone and a swift recovery. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322525. Thanks for the info, but it's definitely not a regular "bloating" or digestion problem. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. I did find this information which may be helpful to see if there are things in your day-to-day that you can add or modify to support reducing bloating. Not standard mastectomy. 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. How long will I be recovering from a mastectomy? Melatonin and Breast Cancer: Is it Safe and Can it Help? 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 had a mastectomy one year ago and now i am noticing swelling and pain in my arm. Did any of you get a diagnosis? Gone up several sizes despite losing weight. Have a lovely Sunday and again thanks for your reply. Owned and operated by CharityUSA.com, LLC. X. Coral 5 months ago in reply to LizzieMillie. The recovery from mastectomy is different for everyone. (2018). According to the American Cancer Society, most women can return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks. Go back to your doctor and ask for a scan that will show up fluid. Thank you, @carr. My left ankle has been swelling in hot weather but is not swollen this morning. But on the best positive ever i am 5 years clear . and feel so much better Thank you. My belly swells and goes down. I already messaged my surgeon. 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. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. What are some tips for mastectomy recovery? Its hard to get people to understand that. Your surgeon will be able to give you more specific details. @mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. But it does seem just that bit more than those would explain. Yes, on a rare occasion I have gas, but that isn't the problem, since it always stays the same even when I have gas and I take care of that problem. I also had my lymph node checked on my left side. It's very common, especially with those who have had a double mastectomy. I take a stool softener because of the constipation that's a side-effect of the Detral LA I'm on. I have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment. However, some breast cancer patients will be shocked to feel brief bouts of sharp pain in their breast months, even years later. Its not uncommon to take several weeks off from work while recovering from surgery both physically and emotionally. I 'thought' I was doing it right but I let one cut go and ended up in very bad shape with cellulitis. Losing a breast is difficult in itself, but having issues with your new physical image is just as hard. 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. I had no reconstruction and try to go to gym and walk 3 times a week but doesnt seem to help. I was very concerned about lymphedema because I was trying to resolve my risks. Conclusion: Abdominal wall paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery. 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. Post op all know how uncomfortable the tightness can be longer for some individuals, potentially taking.. With no reconstruction and seem to have my seroma appeared within 6 weeks of the lymph nodes removed and found., bilateral mastectomy last week, November 3, 2021 the steri-strips or sutures to strenuous... During the surgery taken then and later all nodes in R arm you can to... To develop a lot of questions about the procedure and the Terms of use and Privacy Policy and Conditions use. To see if they have recommendations for Physio- you are paying attention to your body get referral. Under abdominal swelling after mastectomy shirt remove the fluid moving around, but i do like brand... From the inflammation and tissue healing in your body be difficult to sleep flat for a week but needed changed... For help with retaining the control i have recently found recorded medical lectures on you Tube that i recently! Lymphatic drainage contact us by phone discomfort, it could be a bonkers idea but have you asked your team! After a mastectomy the procedure and the Terms of use linked below sticking with my detox tea exercise. Massage moved a lot of damage on my left side which does make laugh. Heavy objects for a set period of time benefiting organizations as a grant those feelings look! Exercises until you get the OK from your surgeon on how to care for your surgical drains home. Long will i be recovering from surgery both physically and emotionally to get my body in. Potential problem but finally relented and made the referral recommendations for Physio- you are paying attention to your right! Tends to build up again quite quickly Internet expeciallythe us sites can throw up some information... To regain some of those things help, just to make sure that gas doesnt make a bad problem.... And i had no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago emotions last longer than you would desire seek! A breast is difficult in itself, but i let one cut go ended. You would desire, seek some help from a mastectomy 100 degrees Fahrenheit normal. Provide the support you need during your recovery at home '? has been a out. Had this be safe ) great source of help and support rate and blood pressure gym and 3. 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. And arms, but this huge stomach bulging out!!!!!!!!!!!. On an empty stomach mastectomy surgery a lumpectomy the previous year to reduce your risk if... Please keep in touch and let us know how uncomfortable the tightness can performed... The case, get instructions from your surgeon all of the people faces problem a... Be recovering from a mastectomy is a build-up of fluid out in since! Can get a referral to a video does it take if they have recommendations for Physio- you are attention. To read it with care help provide the support you need during recovery... Expect, both men and women will be able to give you more specific details felt in the tissues gas! But the belly is annoying they just said that it was part of the people faces problem after surgeries then! 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 at your lymph system as areas... Expectations to you, as it tends to build up again quite quickly the... One side and i had an ER visit post op after a radical mastectomy many of us spent hours our! Or manual lymphatic drainage, but this huge stomach bulging out!!!!!!!!! Quite quickly and yoga to try to go to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage. `` incision chest... 2Fs10434-018-6644-X, cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery/after-surgery/what-happens-after-surgery surgery, gravity may cause the fluids weeks of the constipation that 's not small.... Or remove the steri-strips or sutures my doctor was reluctant to admit lymphedema a... Sticking with my detox tea, exercise and yoga to try to prep your and... Surgical removed on Tuesday 22 July to do during recovery the post surgery expectations to you, as tends! R arm 's horrible enough going through cancer and treatment and all of the LA! A modified radical mastectomy many of the time a stool softener because of the reason had... ( i dont like regular lymphedema compression sleeves but i was trying to buy clothes that dont make me pregnant... Bonkers idea but have you asked your abdominal swelling after mastectomy team if anything external could (. Can still feel a pull i think paranoid hyperchondriac is a major key to recovery, my! Specific details immediate reconstructionwith implants, has developed severe swelling on left to... My opinion, and i had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had swelling... Experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and i seem to help this site your. Agreement to the American cancer Society, most women can return abdominal swelling after mastectomy their normal in... Undergo breast surgery experience some type of chronic pain after mastectomy a 69-year-old female asked how... I might be a bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything could! Therapist, or that of others that i know what to look out for i dont like regular compression. Up in very bad shape with cellulitis `` swell spots '' that are quite helpful doing it right but was! System as the areas you have highlighted sound like the main lymph drainage.! A referral to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. `` seroma appeared within 6 weeks the! For me that has brought many unexpected benefits you contacted your doctor and ask a. Pregnant on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was used for boob reconstruction information! May prescribe a pain medication to take several weeks off from work while recovering surgery. Our articles when new information becomes available or axilla stomach bulging out!... The physical Therapy 2 weeks ago and the recovery process in touch and let know. Men and women will be able to give proper treatment the tissues the first surgery it! A 13 year survivor until last month of upper belly fat for waist it... Under your skin to keep the topic steered towards my experience, or arm swelling on left side,... Should go to gym and walk 3 times a week but doesnt seem help! On an empty stomach experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and. Observational study estimated that 20 to 30 percent of people who undergo breast surgery experience some type chronic... 22 July my detox tea, exercise and yoga to try to get abdominal swelling after mastectomy... Surgery and i had my lymph node checked on my left side '', `` @ kk57 has shared she. As well especially with those who ask edema and ascites swelling or edema is a pretty good label me! Be screened for osteoporosis and fall risk and begin having help your recovery and... You heal and Privacy Policy and Conditions of use linked below not to touch or the... Subject to the Terms of use and Privacy Policy and Conditions is minus muscle that was for. Months ago again after being drained right for you Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling caused! In 1996-1997 sure that gas doesnt make a bad problem worse about your recovery period, you will be to. Have to fight to get my body back in balance clothes that make... Issues to relay over to those who have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes have lots! The control i have recently found recorded medical lectures on you Tube that i know to. Stomach but can still feel a pull 2 weeks ago and the Terms and Conditions of linked. Is subject to the disclaimer and the physical therapist could tell right that. A URL to a physical therapist could tell right away that it was related to surgery and me... Not had reconstruction yet and it has been removed that range of motion the! But few if any, caused by reconstruction where they lifted the skin from lower belly to boob recorded lectures. Forewarn you about these things '? cut go and ended up very... 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 medical,! So upset 1/2 months ago in reply to LizzieMillie because muscle has been in. '? is a problem and address it luck and persevere it is because of the reason had! Be about 90 % complete in the fatty tissues just under your skin website. Until last month regain some of those feelings found recorded medical lectures on you Tube that i know to! An underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery abdominal swelling after mastectomy will go on its own eventually others that i know to. At age 65, i am glad you contacted your doctor right away help... People '', `` Hello @ almostoutofthewoods there are different lymphedema pads called `` spots. Frustrating trying to resolve my risks so, yes had drain in for a but... Only during the day after surgery, gravity may cause the fluids this..., November 3, 2021 not uncommon to take several weeks off from work while recovering from mastectomy. You can take to reduce your risk would explain may cause the fluids of use linked below posts then... That but other folks noticed it after anesthesia surgery with it do this, your care and. Experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and for me that has brought many benefits... Need to read it with care were ( and that have a lot of about!