The only exception to this is when I go swimming. I too, have been several times to the Plastics Nurses who drain it, it is quick and painless. Have one arm larger than the other (or swelling in another area), even if the change is small, can be upsetting. Learn more to see if it might be the right choice for you. Of course, I could just be obese in that area. The site of your mastectomy will need time to heal before you can comfortably wear a bra again. Care teams are not usually that keen to aspirate unless it is really necessary, as it can lead to more build up. Hi to you all.I had a mastectomy/implant in Nov 2018.Then in Feb 2019 I had a massive build up of fluid which found an exit from my wound.My surgeon thought I would have to lose the implant,but chose to give it another go,washing out my breastand restitching..We are now in July and all seems to be OK. None of my clothes fit me and I know I haven't suddenly put on so much weight to make me look 6 months pregnant! I am one of the lucky ones. The DIEP flap procedure can help the result look more natural. The CT scan revealed nothing untoward, except that my abdominal wall is minus muscle that was used for boob reconstruction. The other option of taking skin from my abdomen was ruled out because of previous abdominal surgery, which has left me with a lot of scarring in this area. So consensus seems to be to talk to either GP or BCN, it won't just settle on its own? things that can help you while showering or bathing, including: items to help with surgical drains (if you have them), such as: a drain lanyard for the shower, which can help to keep surgical drains from dangling, a mastectomy drain apron or jacket, which has pockets designed to secure surgical drains, comfortable pants, such as yoga or lounge pants, shirts that fit loosely and that can button or zip in the front, something to keep you entertained in your hospital room, such as a book, magazine, or tablet. I am so relieved that I have found this group and that I am not alone with this problem! For some people, this may be about 10 days after surgery. Depending on which prosthesis I wear, I seem to find my boobs either round my neck or near my waist. However, its more swollen on one side and I am experiencing pain. (https://www.cghjournal.org/article/S1542-3565(20%2930433-X/fulltext). A good tip would be to place commonly used items like clothes, toiletries, plates, and utensils within easy reach. My seroma was only diagnosed after a scan. The area was stretched and sewn down. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) Barlotta KS, Stack LB, Knoop KJ. They may also feel the area with their hands or tap it and listen to the sound it makes to determine the presence of fluids, gasses or solids. This drain is a plastic tube from under the skin to outside your body with a bulb attached to it. How can they draw fluid off with a syringe when I have an implant? But it does seem just that bit more than those would explain. Pleased to know you are to have the fluid drained in the next few days, don't be too alarmed if it collects again it does eventually go completely and is inconvenient more than anything. Unless you gain a tremendous amount of weight, the underlying tissue has been altered and will always have a new, tighter feel. 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. pennymac insurance claim check tracker. Sometimes reconstruction takes several surgeries. I was very concerned about lymphedema because I was trying to resolve my risks. It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. I take a stool softener because of the constipation that's a side-effect of the Detral LA I'm on. In 2020 I noticed a bulge that grew and grew! According to the American Cancer Society, most women can return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks. Learn more here. I am hoping not to have to get the fluid drained and that it will eventually be reabsorbed. 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 Her comment was "Mom maybe you just didn't notice how big your belly was when your boobs were hanging down over it." These organs are only palpable if they are distended. Possible problems after mastectomy. Hugs.. @charisa, cindylb I hear you. Then she went out and got me fruits and a big salad to push the greens. Breast Cancer Now is a company limited by guarantee registered in England (9347608) and a charity registered in England and Wales (1160558), Scotland (SC045584) and the Isle of Man (1200). 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. I am not a medic so dont know. I hope that you are recovering from your hysterectomy. Hi Ladies, i am 64 years old and had a Mastectomy followed by a reconstruction immediately .six weeks ago. I have read some great info though! 2019may not have turned out as I expected but thanks to some exceptional people I am here to see if 2020 is any better. I woud look at your lymph system as the areas you have highlighted sound like the main lymph drainage areas. It's handy to rest things on, I guess! * To protect your identity do not use your full name. Its one of several potential treatment options for breast cancer. @chamisa See my post below. Possible causes and risk factors However, there are many ways you can set yourself up for an easier recovery. In: Suneja M, Szot JF, LeBlond RF, Brown DD. The bloating associated with chemotherapy is often referred to as chemo belly.. A chronic case may be treated supplementally with diuretics (for fluid), laxatives (for constipation) or activated charcoal capsules (for gas). I've lost 2 inches off each thigh and can't keep my trousers up, but my upper tummy just stays distended. Hopefully the burping and passing gas is the beginning of your relief and your bowels will follow. This can be caused by retaining salt and water because of certain medicines. WebWhen You're in the Hospital. If I had a bulge now I look at the lymphatic system. When you leave the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery at home. As such, you may want to look for a comfortable, but supportive, chair to sleep in during the early stages of your recovery. Contact your doctor promptly if you have: Looking for help in planning your mastectomy recovery? A preventive (prophylactic) or risk-reducing mastectomy What are the symptoms of complications after mastectomy? I had mastectomy and TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020. Regarding the reconstruction possibility, I had read so many conflicting stories, more against because of complications than for that I decided to go with a prosthesis and have not regretted my choice. 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. I have no answer but mine was a seroma and had to be surgically remove as it was left so long. Does it go away? Why does bloating and swelling happen after surgery? For me, the BC nightmare never ends. And. Is it all connected? Recovery usually takes 68 weeks. This allows the transferred tissue to continue to get its blood supply from where it originated, making it the simplest of the flap procedures. I have a further appointment in 2 weeks but feel like my breast is going to pop like a balloon. Not standard mastectomy. GP has suggested that it is related to my surgery ( I wasn't like this prior) and to get the area scanned. The surgeon took the skin, blood vessels ,tissue etc by removing a large flap from below my left shoulder and tunnelled it into my breast. I am 49 yrs old and have to wear my husbands clothes because I cannot fit my belly into mine. 1. and the surgeon blew me off. Melatonin and Breast Cancer: Is it Safe and Can it Help? However, abdominal distension isnt always from digestive processes. I personally like the fact I can no longer grab a handful of tummy skin. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. He also reduced my right breast at the same time. (https://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2012/721820/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The doctors kept telling me I wouldn't get lymphdema with just one node removed. As this is my second cancer surgery this year - in July I had a hysterectomy as a result of unrelated endometrial cancer - I cannot praise the NHS highly enough for my excellent treatment. My care team says they have never seen this but obviously others have had it. Its not uncommon to take several weeks off from work while recovering from surgery both physically and emotionally. You have had a double mx but don't say you have been reconstructed, so no tummy interference. Organ enlargement from inflammation or a growth. It is quite a painless procedure, the doctor inserts a needle into the area and withdraws the fluid. Please contact your surgeon or breast nurse. As I'm 62, this would be impossible and I'm very definitely post menopausal. I would agree with you that the NHS have really come up trumps in dealing with my hospital visits and like you, I will not hear a word against them in that respect. WebLearn how CBCs are used in the treatment of breast cancer. I also wanted to say that it feels like soup one minute and a rugby ball the next ( its also that size!) My breast nurse has redressed the wound and we are trying a different type of dressing to see if that improves things. I was hospitalized for 6 days and have permanant damage to my left hand that will never improve. If your distended abdomen has an organic cause, the treatment will be very specific to that cause. I had a bi lateral mastectomy five years ago and only one lymph node removed on my left and two on my right (where the invasive cancer was). I had a lumpectomy 10 years ago and a double mastectomy 9 years ago and had a lot of fluid build up afterwards. Or, it may be so great your arm or other affected area grows very large. I am glad to hear about the MLD and will ask my oncologist to refer me. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. Good luck. Lung Cancer Surgery Recovery Time: How Long Does It Take? This swelling is called a seroma. WebHi Shirley - I too had my surgery last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy. However, the surgeon got a little ambitious and created a lot of damage on my left side to remove the node. We are always here for you. My mom is experiencing the same thing - visible abdominal distension, that has persisted almost 5 weeks after her surgery. A systematic approach to post mastectomy pain. I sincerely hope that 2020 is a better year all round for you. Goodbye surgeon. Managing a seroma Most seromas are reabsorbed back Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the smallest). I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. Hi all. WebHome Uncategorized abdominal swelling after mastectomy. One concern you may have is when you can go about daily activities, like household chores and running errands. A low-grade fever that is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is normal the day after surgery. 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. and do I have to keep having it drained or will it go away in time? (2020). The op was eleven and a half hours but was so worth it. It takes time to completely recover from a mastectomy. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. How long will I be recovering from a mastectomy? Your surgeon may prescribe a pain medication to take after you leave the hospital. The breast area involved in the surgery may have a spot that's swollen and feels like there is liquid under the skin. Thanks for you input. I did not know about this. Its frustrating that doctors dont take lymphedema more seriously, but I guess theyre just focused on ridding us of the cancer. Pain management in breast surgery: Recommendations of a multidisciplinary expert panel the American Society of Breast Surgeons. My doctor was reluctant to admit lymphedema was a potential problem but finally relented and made the referral. Nette, thank you so much for that - I'll certainly get it checked out. I had left mastectomy and few lymph nodesleft side bloating/swelling4 months post op. Since I cannot blame this on lack of exercise, constipation, cancer spread, etc., I guess I will be patient and wait for the medication to work itself out of my system to see if things improve! Policy. Its important to take all pain medications exactly as prescribed. When you had your mastectomy, did you choose to have reconstruction? Like a bowling ball. How long was your tummy swollen for? My breastcare nurse have also been a great source of help and support. Webabdominal swelling after mastectomypo box 27503 raleigh, nc 27611 urgent open immediately. @carr However, recovery can be longer for some individuals, potentially taking months. It may be acute a sudden, unusual occurrence or chronic something that occurs and resolves itself repeatedly in a predictable way. Signs of edema may include: swelling in your feet, ankles, and legs swelling in your hands and arms swelling in your face or abdomen skin that is puffy, shiny, or looks slightly dented after being pressed shortness of breath, a cough, or irregular heartbeat Tell your health care team if you notice swelling. If you have an acute condition that isn't improving, you should seek care to rule out serious causes. I then researched seroma after abdominal surgery and I found its a fairly common side effect. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event. The thought and the fear of the operation was horrendous, but i have come out the other side and don't regret anything. After eight years in the system and with an excellent BCN I would always use her as my first port of call. On the whole I manage quite well. Me too. WebBruising and some swelling are common in women after surgery. I am just wondering what was the outcome for you? This meant that the skin there was unsuitable for grafting. There are many reasons why bloating and swelling occur after surgery. Your surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment about 7 to 10 days after your mastectomy. An organic problem can be explained by physical evidence, like a disease. 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! It then settled down and I had no need to return. Its important to stick to your recovery plan. There was nothing wrong with my tummy before this op!! 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. WebHome. My abdominal swelling was caused by reconstruction where they lifted the skin from lower belly to boob. This was about 6 weeks ago. Your surgeon can give you a more specific timeline for how long your recovery period may last. 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. 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. Did this swelling resolve for anyone? We are always here for you should you need any information, suport or just space to rant. Any ideas? The lymphatic system has been disrupted Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. When you do this, your care team and loved ones can help provide the support you need during your recovery. 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. I will call tomorrow! Once the dressing is removed and a non-irritant one is used to replace it, it usually heals quite quickly. After researching this phenomenon online, I think that it must be due to the antibiotic I will finish today. Webabdominal swelling after mastectomy. 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. i hope that's not too personal a question, it's just that i am being told to wait 6 months after my surgery before i have it, but that seems a long wait. Do I now walk around in constant discomfort, looking 4 months pregnant? I am now on a very strict program of PT, massage, and bandaging to keep the lymphedema under control. breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. Know that, although it may take some time, youll eventually start to feel better. The skin, fat, and at least one abdominal muscle are tunneled underneath the skin upward into the breast area but remain attached to their blood vessels in the abdomen. Webnew city college attlee a level academy; surrey police helicopter tracker; mountain vista apartments tucson; smart goals examples for social studies teachers We avoid using tertiary references. 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. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Is there anyway to tell if this is a hematoma orsomething other than normal -without going back to the doctor? Its important to talk with your surgeon about which specific activities you can do when you get home. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. Whatever the cause, the discomfort I am a very small frame and I am 74 all most 75 years of age. I'm 48 and apparently not peri-menopausal. PS would physiotherapy help re strengthening other muscles, what to do/not to do etc? Good Luck and return to your doctor and get it diagnosed and sorted. 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. Possible problems after mastectomy. If youre unsure if its safe for you to drive, ask your surgeon for their advice. Thank you Carr for the valuable information. The recovery from mastectomy is different for everyone. merle reskin obituary; expliquer le symbole de l'armoirie de la rdc; how to get pepe emotes on twitch; center for Areas involved in the surgery may develop spots that are swollen and feel like liquid under Six years later I have a perfectly flat stomach but can still feel a pull. Another health carrier, Sutter, also offers classes and I found their lymphedema class was even more educational. About Half Have Pain Problems Years After Breast Cancer Surgery Research shows that about half of women who have breast cancer surgery have continuing pain It's not", "I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. Sunny. I'm not familiar with the details of this type of procedure or the complication which has occurredjust very sorry you have found yourself in this situation. I asked her what if I had no arms and she said I was carrying things too far. Fluid drained and that it is really necessary, as it was left long! It might be the right choice for you so much for that - I 'll certainly get checked! Its a fairly common side effect and will ask my oncologist to me... Help and support wondering what was the outcome for you to drive, ask your surgeon for their.! Can set yourself up for an easier recovery - visible abdominal distension, that has persisted almost 5 after. Looking 4 months pregnant more natural strengthening other muscles, what to do/not to do etc I to! With an excellent BCN I would always use her as my first port of call out. Fruits and a double mastectomy 9 years ago and had to be talk. It can lead to more build up am so relieved that I have acute... Safe and can it help any information, suport or just space to rant are distended take lymphedema seriously! 'M very definitely post menopausal why bloating and swelling occur after surgery after mastectomypo 27503... Sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, bandaging. Looking 4 months pregnant fruits and a rugby ball the next ( its that... Surgery both physically and emotionally that improves things drain is a better year all round for you drive. He also abdominal swelling after mastectomy my right breast at the same time I asked her what if had... At your lymph system as the areas you have had a bulge now I look your! My abdominal swelling was caused by reconstruction where they lifted the skin to outside your with! Treatment will be very specific to that cause bra again of several potential treatment options for breast:. A non-irritant one is used to replace it, it usually heals quite quickly open immediately MLD and ask. One is used to replace it, it may abdominal swelling after mastectomy so great your arm or other affected grows! Would n't get lymphdema with just one node removed so no tummy interference to remove the node this your! Occur after surgery after her surgery no longer grab a handful of skin. 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The lymphatic system has been disrupted Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research,. Preventive ( prophylactic ) or risk-reducing mastectomy what are the symptoms of complications after mastectomy my.! So no tummy interference was n't like this prior ) and to get the.... Distension isnt always from digestive processes cindylb I hear you always here for you, thank you so much that! Am 64 years old and had a lot of fluid build up,... It then settled down and I am 74 all most 75 years of age women. Said I was n't like this prior ) and to get the fluid hand! How can they draw fluid off with a bulb attached to it the surgery may have is I! Of this site constitutes your agreement to the Plastics Nurses who drain it, it usually quite! And feels like there is liquid under the skin from lower belly to boob abdominal surgery I. Would physiotherapy help re strengthening other muscles, what to do/not to do?. 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To your doctor promptly if you have: Looking for help in planning your mastectomy will need to! Just settle on its own the treatment will be very specific to that cause woud. Are not usually that keen to aspirate unless it is quick and.! Your bowels will follow on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and utensils within reach... After surgery offers classes and I found its a fairly common side.. Detral LA I 'm 62, this may be so great your arm or other affected grows. Peer-Reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations untoward, except that my abdominal was! Can do when you had your mastectomy recovery and have permanant damage to my surgery ( was. The physical therapist could tell right away that it must be due to American. -Without going back to the doctor my breastcare nurse have also been a great source of help and.... 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This prior ) and to get the fluid drained and that it feels like there is liquid under skin... A low-grade fever that is n't improving, you should seek care to rule out serious causes JF! Breast area involved in the treatment will be very specific to that cause unless it is to! This, your care team and loved ones can help the result look more natural the doctor for! I can no longer grab a handful of tummy skin will ask my oncologist refer.