Then revision surgery on August 3rd. "I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. As it turned out there were no lymph nodes removed, just some fatty tissue. I had mastectomy and TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020. This occurs when the bowels do not move regularly, which can cause bloating and abdominal pain. I think whats difficult for me is mainly -the impact of this on daily living, theres ongoing pain, the immediate need to go to the loo and the not knowing if I am gonna keep growing.. which seems minor when everyone is going through so much and fighting to beat cancer. It's NOT a good look! It often happens in the arms or legs, but can also happen in the face, neck, trunk, abdomen (belly), or genitals. Pain relief within an hour. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? I too had 'mild' lymphedema.now I have hand and arm damage and it's not so mild. Still having regular bowel movements and there is really no pain. Was told it would get better. I woke up from the first surgery with it. 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. The hospital and my surgeon said", "I have mild lymphedema in one arm after a bilateral mastectomy where seventeen lymph nodes were", "@chamisa See my post below. (2018). When you talk about massage is it literally gentle massage with your fingers. This is great info. It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. Sooooo frustrating. Was told it would get better. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. It's very common, especially with those who have had a double mastectomy. Hopefully others will see this and be helped as well. Most surgeons seem to feel that the area settles more quickly if it is left to absorb into the surrounding tissues naturally. Contact your doctor promptly if you have: Looking for help in planning your mastectomy recovery? It is common however to become easi. (2020). He's focused on getting the cancer out. Use a thimble when sewing. The swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along. I also had my lymph node checked on my left side. I would be happy to receive news and updates from Cancer Chat, NICE suspected cancer referral guidelines, Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People. I just wondered if any type of external support item could be worn, thinking some sort of part body stocking, or the fabric used for support tights etc. Frustrating trying to buy clothes that dont make me look pregnant. If you belong to a medical group, they may be able to recommend a physical therapist, but you do want someone knowledgeable in lymph massage. After eight years in the system and with an excellent BCN I would always use her as my first port of call. Interested in more discussions like this? I had a CT scan yesterday. Chronic pain after mastectomy happens due to nerve damage. I wake up not as bloated then as the day goes on, whether I eat or not, the belly bloats. If this is the case, get instructions from your surgeon on how to care for your surgical drains at home. Some examples of things to pack are: Recovering from a mastectomy can be physically and emotionally challenging at times. Swelling Because of the overall healing response of multiple surgical sites, swelling is normal and expected of the breasts and the abdomen after surgery. 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. When you do this, your care team and loved ones can help provide the support you need during your recovery. Did you get a response? When you open up your body, youre leaving yourself exposed. 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). Good luck. About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated. Pain immediately after your mastectomy will make you feel like you were crushed by a ton of bricks. I am not a medic so dont know. Losing a breast is difficult in itself, but having issues with your new physical image is just as hard. My stomach from pelvis to breast had to be quilted inside to prevent another seroma forming. I have recently found recorded medical lectures on You Tube that I have found helpful. Give yourself patience and space to recover. I wear the abdominal binder during the day at work and the shorts if I'm relaxing around the house etc.. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. You have 3 options: 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. I am also really having a hard time losing 15 pounds which I need to do. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. 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. Thanks people, and I hope you're all doing ok. 2022 Breast Cancer Now. For others, it may be longer. If youre experiencing prolonged pain after the procedure, discuss your treatment options with a doctor. Hi, I've just joined the site, and wondered if anyone can help. Like a bowling ball. A good tip would be to place commonly used items like clothes, toiletries, plates, and utensils within easy reach. Although I have been told the common reply from my surgeon and family Dr. that I just didn't see it before because my breasts were there, that is total B.S. What are some tips for mastectomy recovery? These are typically removed during a follow-up visit. Drain was removed on day six, and I have been taking my normal walk each day since day 7 (3-4 miles each day). 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. According to the American Cancer Society, most women can return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks. Thanks for the info, but it's definitely not a regular "bloating" or digestion problem. But it doesnt worry me and although occasionally uncomfortable it doesnt hurt. After a radical mastectomy many of the lymph nodes have been removed in the armpit or axilla. Like a bowling ball. Lymphedema I woke up from the first surgery with it. 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. I am huge, I have had four children and I didn't get this big in my abdominal area. I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. 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. How are you doing? Please contact your surgeon or breast nurse. Thanks for providing that information. 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. I couldn't believe the bloat I had. It's not", "I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. My belly seemed almost as big as my boobs were (and that's not small). I am on Cefadroxil, which does make me nauseous if I take it on an empty stomach. I hear you. My seroma appeared within 6 weeks of the original operation. I'm here because of the bloated stomach I noticed just today. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. My abdominal swelling was caused by reconstruction where they lifted the skin from lower belly to boob. "Thank you, @carr. Keep at your PT and massage and other care. 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). About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated. Recovery After surgery, a tight bandage is usually applied to the treatment area. I am a year out of a bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction and seem to have developed a lot of belly fat and am taking a anastrozole. Up till then I was completely fobbed off. Thanks! Now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms. Its not just discomfort- as we all know how uncomfortable the tightness can be! They are not keen to remove the fluid unless it is essential, as it tends to build up again quite quickly. For example, you might not be able to lift your arms above your head for a period of time during your recovery. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD", "Thank you! In some cases, numbness may be temporary and fade over time as you heal, although your surgical scar itself will often remain permanently numb. My dx is Colon Cancer w/ liver mets - 8 tumors spread throughout liver so resection of liver not an option, nor is transplant. No hernia. Right after surgery, youre limited in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in your body. I haven't been horrendously uncomfortable most of the time. I have mild lymphedema in one arm after a bilateral mastectomy where seventeen lymph nodes were removed. 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! 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. 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. Hello @almostoutofthewoods and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. It's horrible enough going through cancer and treatment and all of the problems involved without having this disfiguring problem. Maximum swelling usually occurs 3-5 days after your surgery and it will generally go away completely in two weeks and even as early as 5 to 7 days. Im going to email my surgeons with all those questions you dont ask at the time ! Thank you Carr for the valuable information. Exercise is a major key to recovery, in my opinion, and for me that has brought many unexpected benefits. This happens when too much fluid builds up causing swelling in the hand, arm, or chest. Some of those nerve ending may regenerate themselves; but for the majority of women, the end result is a lack of sensation. Use a towel to dry your incision thoroughly after showering. Sometimes the fluid can build up again after being drained. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. But I am pretty careful about gas as it certainly can add pain to the equation. That pain will subside. Now I look like Im six months pregnant. Abdominal Swelling under mastectomy scar Hedvig Aug 8, 2013 7:22 AM I had a left breast removed 6 months ago. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. Those are your signs to call your doctor for further instructions. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. During this time, hospital staff will monitor vital signs, like your heart rate and blood pressure. I WAS a 13 year survivor until last month. PMPS is thought to be linked to damage done to the nerves in the armpit and chest during surgery. Leaving yourself exposed really no pain anyone can help healthcare provider, 2019 and had swelling... For example, you might not be able to lift your arms above your head for a period time. And TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020 uncomfortable the tightness can be like you were crushed a... 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