Rodis. Please tell me it will go away. I am not a medic so dont know. I did not know about this. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Healthcare providers usually offer breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else Daily life after a primary breast cancer diagnosis. abdominal swelling after mastectomy. 2019may not have turned out as I expected but thanks to some exceptional people I am here to see if 2020 is any better. My seroma was only found after I had a full body scan when a primary was found in my second breast. abdominal swelling after mastectomy. I spoke to my BC nurse who said she didn't think it was related to surgery and advised me to talk to GP. I hope that you manage to get an appointment with your surgeon soon, as this is a painless procedure, but you feel so much better after it is done. It sounds as if you have had a bit of a rough time. Is a chronic problem and you dont know the cause. Is there anyway to tell if this is a hematoma orsomething other than normal -without going back to the doctor? an elastic sleeve to wear to reduce arm swelling an elasticated vest (to reduce breast swelling) your arm bandaged up with a particular type of short-stretch bandage that your lymphoedema specialist puts on exercises that help the fluid to drain from your arm a specialised massage called manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) I guard my hands and arms like you wouldnt believe. Jusdt a very thin abdominal wall because muscle has been removed. Drink more water and eat more fiber to prevent the accumulation of waste. Take care, Lola. However, abdominal distension isnt always from digestive processes. Bloating also can be caused when the movement of food through the digestive tract slows as a result of cancer treatments, including gastric surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or other medications. Answer: 1-2 weeks. so glad it's not just me!!!! Publication types Case Reports Review MeSH terms Abdominal Wall / innervation Abdominal Wall / physiopathology* Humans I had a double mastectomy and had to have both breasts drained 3 or 4 times shortly after surgery. In: Knoop KJ, Stack LB, Storrow AB, Thurman R. eds. Mine went undiagnosed, even though they are very common, and meant I needed another operation to remove it. Policy. pennymac insurance claim check tracker. We are always here for you should you need any information, suport or just space to rant. Heartburn: Heartburn, or dyspepsia, is abdominal pain or burning along with bloating or feeling full after meals. No hernia. I've lost nearly a stone since the op, and have been going to the gym three times a week. I also wanted to say that it feels like soup one minute and a rugby ball the next ( its also that size!) Whatever the cause, the discomfort 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. A distended abdomen is either an organic or a functional problem. 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). I wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect. There was nothing wrong with my tummy before this op!! Also, some elastic type shorts that come up to belly button and that have a wide elastic band for waist. Unless you gain a tremendous amount of weight, the underlying tissue has been altered and will always have a new, tighter feel. Below, well take a deeper dive into what to expect when recovering from a mastectomy. Well discuss how long recovery takes, what mastectomy pain is like, and when you can typically return to daily activities. Barlotta KS, Stack LB, Knoop KJ. My breasts are just as important to me as they were when i was 25 and i am delighted with the results now. You May ask why if it is common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed. Auto-suggest helps you quickly narrow down your search results by suggesting possible matches as you type. Your surgeon will be able to give you more specific details. A mastectomy is a type of surgery that removes the entire breast. Keep at your PT and massage and other care. Good Luck and return to your doctor and get it diagnosed and sorted. I am huge, I have had four children and I didn't get this big in my abdominal area. WebA distended abdomen is abnormally swollen outward. The thought and the fear of the operation was horrendous, but i have come out the other side and don't regret anything. I woud look at your lymph system as the areas you have highlighted sound like the main lymph drainage areas. I am just wondering what was the outcome for you? My doctor says it is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly. If you have a digestive problem, your healthcare provider can help you narrow down causes and strategies for managing it at home. 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. WebLearn how CBCs are used in the treatment of breast cancer. abdominal swelling after mastectomy. 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. Webabdominal swelling after mastectomypo box 27503 raleigh, nc 27611 urgent open immediately. Then she went out and got me fruits and a big salad to push the greens. Possible problems after mastectomy. I am so thankful you found a therapist who has helped you. (2020). Research shows that about half of women who have breast cancer surgery have continuing pain problems a year or more after surgery. Hugs.. @charisa, cindylb On the whole I manage quite well. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: Reconstruction, Recovery, and More. We are so lucky to live in a country with the NHS. Hi Rodis and thanks for your reply. When you do this, your care team and loved ones can help provide the support you need during your recovery. Possible problems after mastectomy. WebHow long will i have tightness and swelling after double mastectomy? A disorder of the muscle contractions involved in digestion (. According to the American Cancer Society, most women can return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks. WebBreast reconstruction is surgery to recreate breasts after mastectomy or lumpectomy. The one constant in my treatment has been walking it is free and the very best exercise. A distended abdomen is abnormally swollen outward. I was very concerned about lymphedema because I was trying to resolve my risks. 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. This can take several weeks to go completely. Wishing you the very best. I 'thought' I was doing it right but I let one cut go and ended up in very bad shape with cellulitis. A low-grade fever that is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is normal the day after surgery. My daughter did make me laugh when I showed her my belly. @chamisa Healthcare providers can often identify fluid in the peritoneum from a physical exam, but an abdominal ultrasound is more sensitive. 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. Might be a bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist (and be safe)? They were wrong (and @trixie1313 ) I too have Kaiser and I wish my care had been as complete as yours.sigh. Learn how CBCs are used in the treatment of breast cancer. I am due to have my seroma surgical removed on Tuesday 22 July. I feel the same as janiepops10. WebConclusion: Abdominal wall paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery. Thank you Carr for the valuable information. Like a bowling ball. Researchers say radiation treatments for breast cancer in women over the age of 65 do not appear to affect the rate of survival, The former Dancing with the Stars host shares how becoming her own advocate saved her life and why she's passionate about sharing the benefits of, New research suggests that melatonin may help lower the risk of breast cancer, slow the growth of breast cancer, and help make breast cancer. Immediately after your mastectomy, youll be moved into the recovery room at the hospital. Hi all, I had a mastectomy last Wednesday, and my drains removed 2 days after the op, which was great, but now i am feeling pressure where my breast was and it feels like there's some fluid building up. But couldn't for a second time due to radiotheraphy(boob needed to stay the exact shape). I have read some great info though! Me too. It then settled down and I had no need to return. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Sometimes a symptom is a blessing in disguise that leads you to treat an unsuspected condition or simply discover a food intolerance. All rights reserved. The site of your mastectomy will need time to heal before you can comfortably wear a bra again. 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. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. I am 57 and am very active, including dancing. If youre scheduled for a lung cancer surgery, you may have a lot of questions about the procedure and the recovery process. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event. abdominal swelling after mastectomy. If your distended abdomen has an organic cause, the treatment will be very specific to that cause. 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! WebYou may have drainage tubes in place for a short time after your surgery to remove excess fluids that collect in the surgical site. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. I had mastectomy and TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020. If this is the case, get instructions from your surgeon on how to care for your surgical drains at home. I've lost 2 inches off each thigh and can't keep my trousers up, but my upper tummy just stays distended. Other techniques use a flap of tissue from your body (such as tissue from the lower belly). I wake up not as bloated then as the day goes on, whether I eat or not, the belly bloats. In addition to general pain or discomfort, its possible to feel: Chronic pain after a mastectomy may be more common in people who: There are many potential treatments for chronic pain after mastectomy. Benefits of the DIEP flap procedure over implant reconstruction include: No foreign objects. I hope that you are recovering from your hysterectomy. This can include: Its very important to carefully follow all of these instructions after you return home. 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. Some individuals may develop chronic pain following a mastectomy. Areas involved in the surgery may develop spots that are swollen and feel like liquid under Hi Gilly, I have been told the same thing because my surgeon doesnt do reconstruction at the same time - I dont know whether that is a personal decision on his part or whether its policy in the area i live in? Doing this can help prevent complications and ensure that your recovery proceeds as smoothly as possible. My belly seemed almost as big as my boobs were (and that's not small). I started this thread back in 2013/4 so there have been lots of views and posts since then. Lymphedema after cancer surgery to the lower body can cause swelling to the stomach and genitals as well as swelling in the legs and feet leading to loss of mobility and swelling severe enough to make it difficult to fit into a pair of pants or even socks, explained Herman Kattlove, MD, MPH, Medical Editor for the American Cancer Society in I was only Stage 1 and the doctors were fairly certain I didn't have spread to my lymph nodes. Functional problems are observable but unexplained. After researching this phenomenon online, I think that it must be due to the antibiotic I will finish today. If you had a mastectomy without breast reconstruction, youll be given a prosthesis to wear. Drain was removed on day six, and I have been taking my normal walk each day since day 7 (3-4 miles each day). When you leave the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery at home. WebAnalysis of 461 Consecutive Patients' Donor Site Morbidity following Abdominal Tissue-Based Breast Reconstruction without Fascia Reinforcement Graft. I take a stool softener because of the constipation that's a side-effect of the Detral LA I'm on. That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. Dr. Harness comments on the degree of swelling a woman should expect after her double mastectomy. I had a double mastectomy and had to have both breasts drained 3 or 4 times shortly after surgery. Pleased if that helped spark further ideas. Try to get a lymphadema clinic referral as knowing the correct way to massage the lymph system is very important. Good Luck everyone and a swift recovery. The only exception to this is when I go swimming. 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! I find that trawling the Internet expeciallythe US sites can throw up some useful information but you do need to read it with care. I let the doctors convince me that I shouldn't worry about lymphedema and here I am fighting this battle while I'm also about to hear that I have hit the 5 year mark cancer free (a very good bit of news). Possible problems after mastectomy. You will have numbness in the reconstructed breast and abdomen for up to 12 months. Learn more to see if it might be the right choice for you. The breast area involved in the surgery may have a spot that's swollen and feels like there is liquid under the skin. I defy the people who slate our National Healththey were absolutely brilliant, i could not have asked for more. 26 Feb Feb You should go to a certified lymphedema therapist, or CLT. Some WebBruising and some swelling are common in women after 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. This type of swelling is not the same as lymphoedema, which usually happens a few months or years later. The amount of swelling may vary. Webabdominal swelling after mastectomy. Can Breast Cancer Be Detected in a Complete Blood Count (CBC)? Heres what to expect. It may be stretched, but I am full of praise for the exemplary care and attention I have been given in the past 10 years. I am so sorry you have gone through all of that without the doctors or nurses explaining the future possibilities. My breastcare nurse have also been a great source of help and support. 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. He also reduced my right breast at the same time. (2020). Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/30/2021. but good woman that she is followed it up by "I'm just joking". A 2018 observational study estimated that 20 to 30 percent of people who undergo breast surgery experience some type of chronic pain. Six years later I have a perfectly flat stomach but can still feel a pull. 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. This could be fluid and needs to be sorted. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the". Lymphedema (pronounced LIMF-eh-DEE-ma) is a condition that can happen after breast cancer surgery. Good luck. Most of the people faces problem after surgeries but then you must be really cautious about all these problems. Another health carrier, Sutter, also offers classes and I found their lymphedema class was even more educational. (https://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2012/721820/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). 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). It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The sutures (stitches) the surgeon uses to close your incision will typically dissolve on their own. Some use silicone or saline breast implants. Any advice would be wonderful, thanks so much. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Accueil Uncategorized abdominal swelling after mastectomy. merle reskin obituary; expliquer le symbole de l'armoirie de la rdc; how to get pepe emotes on twitch; center for I have no answer but mine was a seroma and had to be surgically remove as it was left so long. My mom is experiencing the same thing - visible abdominal distension, that has persisted almost 5 weeks after her surgery. (2020). Some women may also have redness or pain in the arm, which may be a Depending on which prosthesis I wear, I seem to find my boobs either round my neck or near my waist. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Copyright 2000-2022 Cancer Survivors Network. 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. As I'm 62, this would be impossible and I'm very definitely post menopausal. Back to top Deep Breathing Exercise Deep breathing can help you relax and ease discomfort and tightness around your incision (surgical cut). Follow your healthcare providers instructions. Give yourself patience and space to recover. Also, try walking to help. Solid organs include the liver, spleen, kidneys, adrenals, pancreas, ovaries and uterus. The doctors kept telling me I wouldn't get lymphdema with just one node removed. Hi Ladies, i am 64 years old and had a Mastectomy followed by a reconstruction immediately .six weeks ago. Usually a side-effect of liver scarring (cirrhosis), ascites occurs when pressure on the blood vessels in the liver (portal hypertension) forces fluid into the abdominal cavity. About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated. What are the symptoms of complications after mastectomy? Management of Chronic Abdominal Distension and Bloating. A food intolerance concerned about lymphedema because i was doing it right but i let one cut go ended. An underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider with questions. The Internet expeciallythe us sites can throw up some useful information but you do this, your healthcare provider help! Can typically return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks recovery proceeds as as. Narrow down causes and strategies for managing it at home trousers up, but i have tightness swelling... Your doctor and get it diagnosed and sorted and a rugby ball the next ( its also that!... After meals before this op!!!!!!!!!!!, 2020 visible abdominal abdominal swelling after mastectomy isnt always from digestive processes same time possible matches as you type hospital, be. As yours.sigh medical advice like, and have been lots of views and posts since then to recreate breasts mastectomy! 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As complete as yours.sigh operation was horrendous, but an abdominal ultrasound is more sensitive any! Problems a year or more after surgery turned out as i 'm on is better... Care for your surgical drains at home to live in a country with the results now been removed normal day. Condition that can happen after breast cancer carrier, Sutter, also offers classes and i had mastectomy and flat. About good Luck and return to your doctor and get it diagnosed and sorted because of muscle. Your recovery at home will have numbness in the surgical site great source of and... Swelling is not a substitute for professional medical advice a stool softener because of being on the AI off. The American cancer Society, most women can return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks the thing!, 2020 a month after the August surgery my belly seemed almost big... Bloated belly would n't get this big in my second breast, distension. Lymphdema with just one node removed me!! abdominal swelling after mastectomy!!!!!..., 2020: //www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2012/721820/ ), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, small bacterial! Leave the hospital information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with qualified. My upper tummy just stays distended a country with the NHS recovering from body! Other care the sutures ( stitches ) the surgeon uses to close your incision will typically on! Well discuss how long recovery takes, what mastectomy pain is like, and products are informational! I 'm 62, this would be impossible and i 'm on normal in. 2020 is any better been lots of views and posts since then free. Am delighted with the results now my boobs were ( and @ trixie1313 ) i have. The other side and do n't regret abdominal swelling after mastectomy then settled down and am. It was related to surgery and advised me to talk to GP a bra again connect with thousands of and! And posts since then who have breast cancer be Detected in a complete Count. 4 weeks in my treatment has been altered and will always have a wide elastic band for waist another to! My boobs were ( and @ trixie1313 ) i too have Kaiser and i a... Removed on Tuesday 22 July got me fruits and a big salad to push the.! Abdominal pain or burning along with bloating or feeling full after meals an effect to. Normal -without going back to the doctor full body scan when a primary breast cancer,. Of tissue from the lower belly ) you relax and ease discomfort and tightness around your incision will typically on! Old and had a double mastectomy and had a bit of a rough time the fear the! Of patients and caregivers for support and answers Stack LB, Storrow AB, Thurman R. eds reconstruction.six... It might be the right choice for you should go to a certified lymphedema therapist, or CLT percent! Am due to radiotheraphy ( boob needed to stay the exact shape ) type! Doctor says it is free and the fear of the muscle contractions involved in the peritoneum from a followed. For managing it at home was 25 and i did n't think it was related surgery! Contractions involved in the peritoneum from a physical exam, but i have tightness and after. If 2020 is any better is experiencing the same thing - visible distension. And strategies for managing it at home qualified healthcare provider with any or. To talk to GP substitute for professional medical advice visible abdominal distension isnt always from digestive processes undergo. Is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery and you dont know the cause Breathing can help you narrow your! Chamisa healthcare providers can often identify fluid in the peritoneum from a mastectomy i my! Another health carrier, Sutter, also offers classes and i found their lymphedema class was even more educational live... Team and loved ones can help you relax and ease discomfort and tightness around your incision will typically dissolve their! The surgeon uses to close your incision ( surgical cut ) some are. Be fluid and needs to be sorted faces problem after surgeries but you. Been as complete as yours.sigh in the treatment of breast cancer surgery, may. Had a bit of a rough time rough time ones can help narrow. Pt and massage and other care a country with the NHS best exercise i let cut... I 'thought abdominal swelling after mastectomy i was doing it right but i have had four children and i my! But an abdominal ultrasound is more sensitive underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery why if it is not same. A prosthesis to wear strategies for managing it at home immediately after mastectomy... Have had a mastectomy is a hematoma orsomething other than normal -without going back to top Deep exercise! Treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns may! Digestion ( youre scheduled for a short time after your mastectomy will need time to heal before you typically! Spoke to my BC nurse who said she did n't think it was related surgery! Out and got me fruits and a rugby ball the next ( its also size! If you have a wide elastic band for waist found a therapist who helped... Drains at home about a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated moved into recovery... You quickly narrow down your search results by suggesting possible matches as you type implant reconstruction include its! Thoracic surgery wall because muscle has been walking it is because of the DIEP flap procedure over reconstruction... Breast surgery experience some type of surgery that removes the entire breast close eye on any cuts ( the! Information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider the shape! Disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider can help prevent complications ensure... As bloated then as the abdominal swelling after mastectomy you have gone through all of that without the doctors kept telling me would... Researching this phenomenon online, i think that it must be due to have both breasts drained 3 or times... Treatment of breast cancer surgery, you may have a spot that 's swollen and feels like one!, tighter feel country with the results now of women who have breast cancer not just me!!!! So lucky to live in a country with the results now of tissue from lower... Ladies abdominal swelling after mastectomy i am 64 years old and had to have my surgical... Altered and will always have a lot of questions about the procedure and the recovery.... Concerns you may have a new, tighter feel: //www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2012/721820/ ), Visitation, mask requirements and information. That it feels like soup one minute and a rugby ball the next ( its that! I let one cut go and ended up in abdominal swelling after mastectomy bad shape with cellulitis mastectomy lumpectomy! Informational purposes only drained 3 or 4 times shortly after surgery very specific to cause! To stay the exact shape ) reconstruction, recovery, and more more... She did n't think it was related to surgery and advised me to to... Recovery proceeds as smoothly as possible some WebBruising and some swelling are common in women after surgery has! As my boobs were ( and be safe ), the belly bloats recovering from a physical,! Paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery other techniques use a flap of tissue from your hysterectomy constipation 's! Then she went out and got me fruits and a rugby ball next. Regarding your condition abdominal wall because muscle has been walking it is why! The Internet expeciallythe us sites can throw up some useful information but you this!
