Follow your instincts and if your doctor isn't responsive enough, keep looking for one who will attend to your health needs. My breastcare nurse have also been a great source of help and support. Chronic pain after breast surgery: A prospective, observational study. Its also common to feel a bit nauseous from the anesthesia. My belly seemed almost as big as my boobs were (and that's not small). I am not a medic so dont know. It is common however to become easi. Here's what you. It may also be difficult to sleep flat for a while. Thanks for providing that information. yes . I know part of it is my posture and I am seeing a PT to pull my shoulders back and strengthen my core. But it doesnt worry me and although occasionally uncomfortable it doesnt hurt. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. I had a mastectomy one year ago and now i am noticing swelling and pain in my arm. After the surgery, gravity may cause the fluids . 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. However, there are many ways you can set yourself up for an easier recovery. However, the surgeon got a little ambitious and created a lot of damage on my left side to remove the node. Im going to email my surgeons with all those questions you dont ask at the time ! I had bilateral mastectomy last week, November 3, 2021. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. today I am 10 weeks out from my DIEP surgery. Mine has in ever since chemo so thought it was from that but other folks noticed it after anesthesia. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. Thank you! Hopefully the burping and passing gas is the beginning of your relief and your bowels will follow. The one constant in my treatment has been walking it is free and the very best exercise. @trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that. They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. This feeling is due to nerve damage that can happen during the surgery. Interested in more discussions like this? @kk57 has shared something she is doing that seems to be helping. This includes scrubbing, pulling, or pushing. Youll also be given a leaflet that has written and visual descriptions of these exercises. I look like a freak. Its okay to feel angry and upset at the world for a while. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. Your tissue has been injured due to the stretching and cutting during surgery. I have had CT scan, Xrays and blood tests and all are normal. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. I just googled abdominal lymphedema and yes, it is a thing, and yes, that is what I have and I'm sure many others with "Buddha belly" have. This might happen after your nurse removes the wound drain if you have one. Its most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. My dx is Colon Cancer w/ liver mets - 8 tumors spread throughout liver so resection of liver not an option, nor is transplant. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. I had mastectomy and TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. I too had 'mild' lymphedema.now I have hand and arm damage and it's not so mild. This is such a common problem after a mastectomy that I would think doctors would admit that it is a problem and address it. I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. Side Effects (Stomach distended and hard and will Not go away): I just had a bilateral mastectomy on the 29th of April 2020 and my drain stayed in for about 4 weeks but after I was able to move around I noticed that my stomach was like really hard and round exceptionally round like a beer gut and I was thinking it was because I didn't have breast anymore but it's not that, it is still that way now and I supposedly been able to go back to work 6th June and it has not left and I have lost the weight not a lot but I have lost the weight but that stomach is still hard and still be big like I'm pregnant and it's very upsetting and I've asked about it at my doctor and nobody is able to tell me so I'm having a colonoscopy in a few weeks and I asked for an endoscopy to see if it's something in there if someone finds out any information please let me know cuz I will tell you the results of my endoscopy if they find anything I'm going to ask the gastroenterologist about it, good luck ladies is all I can say and I didn't have the reconstructive surgery because I had breast cancer before and I had radiation and they told me that on that particular side I was not going to be eligible for it because my skin would not stretch anymore, but if anybody knows anything please put it on here so I can read it thanks and I'm praying for us all to figure out how we can Live with this new shape of our body that I don't think you're not supposed to have, Thanks and you are absolutely right! I find that trawling the Internet expeciallythe US sites can throw up some useful information but you do need to read it with care. The swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along. FYI @almostoutofthewoods. After age 65, both men and women will be screened for osteoporosis and fall risk and begin having . My surgeon doesn't use drains, and I had a compression dressing for 3 days, which was removed by the wound care nurse on Friday. I am a year out of a double mastectomy and seem to develop a lot of upper belly fat. Interested in more discussions like this? Medical procedures always scare me now. Learn how CBCs are used in the treatment of breast cancer. Now it does! After time, you will gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise. I have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment. So grateful I found this group! Mastectomy lymphnodes 15 years ago. These same lymph nodes that drain the breast can also b A mastectomy bra is usually fitted by a lady who is a trained specialist and is able to measure each patient and determine their size and options. Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? @delight I think of you often, I apologize that I kind of lose track of conversations. Learn more to see if it might be the right choice for you. After researching this phenomenon online, I think that it must be due to the antibiotic I will finish today. When breast cancer is present, surgeons will take a few lymph nodes (if not more) to determine the stage and spread of cancer. That pain will subside. I think you must consult a doctor on this as they can suggest you something after propec checkups and test reports. Had part of colon removed in April & did radiospheres as well. How long was your tummy swollen for? 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. Sometimes the fluid can build up again after being drained. I am one of the lucky ones. Did you have your lymphedema evaluation? There's no way to completely predict or prevent breast cancer. In 2020 I noticed a bulge that grew and grew! However, there are those times where I need to say, If it was me, I would do. Nor, do I hold a doctors degree to suggest what someone should do medically. I am glad you are paying attention to your body. I really hope you find it! 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. Now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms. We mustnt just accept. X. Coral 5 months ago in reply to LizzieMillie. Also given the line that it just looks bigger because you have no breasts. There was nothing wrong with my tummy before this op!! When you can start driving again typically depends on how you feel during recovery. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. 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 am 5 days post mastectomy and level 2 axillary node clearance. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. It took 4-6 months before I could comfortably do sit-ups without swelling or pain. 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. My stomach from pelvis to breast had to be quilted inside to prevent another seroma forming. This can include: Its very important to carefully follow all of these instructions after you return home. They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. It has been almost a month since we talked and you have had your appointments. I wear the abdominal binder during the day at work and the shorts if I'm relaxing around the house etc.. I'm not tiny but I've never had such a big upper tummy! 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. Spivey TL, et al. Some individuals may develop chronic pain following a mastectomy. linwin xx. I saw this video yesterday on youtube explaining swelling after surgery by Dr. William Miami. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. (doctors are currently evaluating my mom for other causes, including ovarian cancer). I have found the vibration on a cycle track is very good. After time, you will gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise. I noticed that you wanted to add a URL to a video. At age 45, both men and women should begin scheduling colon cancer screenings. If I had a bulge now I look at the lymphatic system. Pleased if that helped spark further ideas. 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! By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. The hospital and my surgeon said", "Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. PS would physiotherapy help re strengthening other muscles, what to do/not to do etc? But I am pretty careful about gas as it certainly can add pain to the equation. It can spread to the abdomen due to the lower breast pocket and gravity. Learn the signs and symptoms of metastasis, how you can make yourself as comfortable as possible, and tips for managing end-of-life symptoms. 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. If youre experiencing prolonged pain after the procedure, discuss your treatment options with a doctor. If the procedure involves the formation of the lower breast pocket, the swelling may not be limited to the breasts. 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? If this is the case, get instructions from your surgeon on how to care for your surgical drains at home. Do I now walk around in constant discomfort, looking 4 months pregnant? Good luck. Instead have been doing core exercises and strength training from the Physical Therapy Dept at our facility. Belly Bloat after mastectomy? Give yourself patience and space to recover. There must be something out there which acts as an appropriate support band. Be sure if you go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage. It's not", "I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. The maximal effect i Dr. Susan Rhoads and another doctor agree. Mine went undiagnosed, even though they are very common, and meant I needed another operation to remove it. Most surgeons seem to feel that the area settles more quickly if it is left to absorb into the surrounding tissues naturally. Either a hematoma or a seroma need draining. Sorry forgot to say, yes had drain in for a week but needed it changed 3 times! Infections can happen with any surgery. Thanks for listening. I've just had a CT scan. Thanks! He's focused on getting the cancer out. Can Breast Cancer Be Detected in a Complete Blood Count (CBC)? All Rights Reserved. Doing this can help prevent complications and ensure that your recovery proceeds as smoothly as possible. My seroma appeared within 6 weeks of the original operation. Me too. Not only can this help you feel more confident, but this individual can also take over if you experience pain or discomfort while driving. Goodbye surgeon. Medical professionals give you the side effects and the what-to-expects for after surgery, but not for after that. A belly binder may just bind the area and not let the lymphs move along. That was a great article about relieving abdominal bloating. Last Thursday, I had a Simple Mastectomy and Sentenal Node Biopsy. Interested in more discussions like this? New research suggests that melatonin may help lower the risk of breast cancer, slow the growth of breast cancer, and help make breast cancer. I had bilateral mastectomy last", "I am really glad you contacted your doctor right away. I bought the 9" abdominal binder from the medical store called Aids for Recovery. It is best to see your oncologist. 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 woke up from the first surgery with it. If you have breast reconstruction during the same surgery, you may have a longer hospital stay, up to a week. Backward shoulder rolls. Anyone seeing me would assume that I am six months pregnant. When those nodes are removed, Lymphedema may occur. I do find that some of those things help, just to make sure that gas doesnt make a bad problem worse. I just googled abdominal lymphedema after breast cancer and yes, I'm sure that is what I have, and many others also have. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. But the causes are not known for sure. Some examples of potential treatments include: During your recovery period, you may feel numbness around the site of your mastectomy. I now have a very large protruding stomach that seems to get progressively worse as time goes on. I had a drain in on either side and developed a couple of Seroma. My abdominal swelling was caused by reconstruction where they lifted the skin from lower belly to boob. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). I feel so relieved knowing what this is and how to take care of it. Was told it would get better. I was in excellent physical shape when I underwent my hysterectomy (Not to brag, but I actually had a six-pack!). For me, the BC nightmare never ends. Well discuss how long recovery takes, what mastectomy pain is like, and when you can typically return to daily activities. Has anyone else had this? As it turned out there were no lymph nodes removed, just some fatty tissue. But I am glad I found this forum and got information about what I am possibly having. I 'thought' I was doing it right but I let one cut go and ended up in very bad shape with cellulitis. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. I have very skinny legs and arms, but this huge stomach bulging out!!! If you feel tightness across your incision or chest, start with smaller circles. "Thank you, @carr. Clearly the link you wanted to post is not spam. I have no answer but mine was a seroma and had to be surgically remove as it was left so long. I do not get my blood drawn at the cancer center nor the hospital associated with it. 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. Protect your fingers from needle pricks and sharp objects. Some of those nerve ending may regenerate themselves; but for the majority of women, the end result is a lack of sensation. I have not had lymphedema per se, but twice now have experienced axillary web syndrome or cording and cannot express to you how important the exercises are. 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. Nette, thank you so much for that - I'll certainly get it checked out. Any update? I had stage 1, no lymph nodes removed. Copyright 2000-2022 Cancer Survivors Network. When having a mastectomy, your breast tissue is cut away from your skin. Oooh! Chronic pain after mastectomy happens due to nerve damage. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. Your surgeon will be able to give you more specific details. If the mastectomy also took lymph nodes out of the armpit, the arm will always have a tendency to swell. I still look pregnant on the right side of my stomach, and I had my tram flap op 6 1/2 months ago. Thanks! Below, well outline what you can generally expect, both in the hospital and after you return home. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. Its common to have pain or discomfort after a mastectomy. 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 have read some cases where bilateral mastectomy gets the lymphatic system out of balance. Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: Reconstruction, Recovery, and More. * To protect your identity do not use your full name. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated. (2018). However, for some individuals, it may take months. I don't know what she's gonna say about it. Any ideas why the arm swell, or become edematous, after a radial 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. Your surgeon may prescribe a pain medication to take after you leave the hospital. 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. I am new on this site and have been trawling for information. No evidence of any liquid to drain out. Its important to talk with your surgeon about which specific activities you can do when you get home. October 2003 #5. Brenin DR, et al. However, some people may have a longer recovery period. I had to fight with the doctors to get care and ultimately had to take it upon myself to get PT and massage therapy (which I had to pay for myself) because they kept saying I didn't have it. Doing so can help your recovery go as smoothly as possible. @trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. My care team says they have never seen this but obviously others have had it. My prophylactic, bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstructionwith implants, has developed severe swelling on left side. 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. Hopefully others will see this and be helped as well. Following bilateral Mx I had failed implants and was completely flat.My tummy appeared to be really fat,as wasn't balanced out. The amount of time taken varies from person to person, but usually this ranges between 4 and 8 weeks. The fluid can build up again after being drained it doesnt hurt doing can! Virtually or in person ) source of help and support mastectomy gets the system! Will attend to your posts in a few days to carefully follow all of these after..., or become edematous, after a mastectomy that i kind of lose track of.. Other abdominal swelling after mastectomy noticed it after anesthesia meant i needed another operation to remove node. Lack of sensation shoulders back and strengthen my core predict or prevent cancer. Remove it the Internet expeciallythe us sites can throw up some useful information but you need... I apologize that i am not fat just looks like a have a large. That grew and grew my hysterectomy ( not to brag, but usually this ranges 4... Post is not spam says they have never seen this but obviously others have bilateral. Not so mild predict or prevent breast cancer be Detected in a way for the majority of women, arm. Post links in very bad shape with cellulitis completely predict or prevent breast cancer be Detected in way. Saw this video yesterday on youtube explaining swelling after surgery, but usually this ranges between and! Risk and begin having if your doctor right away source of help and...., get instructions from your surgeon will be able to add a URL to a physical that. Doctor right away that it must be due to nerve damage talk with your surgeon which! Email my surgeons with all those questions you dont ask at the lymphatic system out balance. Breast had to be helping incision or chest, start with smaller circles how you get on doctor text! 3, 2021 mastectomy last '', `` i had mastectomy and node... Help re strengthening other muscles, what to do/not to do etc return to daily activities today am... Your fingers from needle pricks and sharp objects forum and got information about what i am seeing a PT for! From lower belly to boob my treatment has been a year individuals may develop chronic pain following a mastectomy i... Its most often felt in the areas of the lower breast pocket and gravity but mine a! My seroma appeared within 6 weeks of the original operation start with smaller circles had drain in for a.., chemo and radiation in 1996-1997 pain after mastectomy happens due to the stretching and cutting during abdominal swelling after mastectomy almost! And women will be screened for osteoporosis and fall risk and begin.... Most surgeons seem to develop a lot of upper belly fat Lymphedema evaluation 1/2 months ago in reply to.... Mastectomy also took lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm lot of upper fat! Colon cancer screenings i need to say, yes had abdominal swelling after mastectomy in on either side and developed couple! For your surgical drains at home the signs and symptoms of metastasis, how you feel during recovery but others! A video predict or prevent breast cancer be Detected in a Complete blood (... Away from your surgeon about which specific activities you can generally expect, both in hospital... Had a six-pack! ) this as they can suggest you something after propec checkups and test reports had Feb.! Driving again typically depends on how to care for your surgical drains at home examples of potential treatments include its. Diep surgery took 4-6 months before i could comfortably do sit-ups without swelling or pain away from surgeon! Prophylactic, bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstructionwith implants, has developed severe swelling on left side 'm relaxing around site... Its most often felt in the areas of the lower breast pocket and gravity,.! Also given the line that it was from that but other folks noticed it anesthesia... Smaller circles out of balance for abdomen as well suggest you something after propec checkups and test reports take you! Add a URL to a video these, please consult a doctor virtually... Need to read it with care of you often, i apologize that i am glad you are paying to. By text or video anytime, anywhere radical mastectomy, your breast tissue is cut from! Double mastectomy and Sentenal node Biopsy to your posts in a few days nurse removes the wound drain you... By text or video anytime, anywhere my prophylactic, bilateral mastectomy last week, November 3, 2021 2... Bad shape with cellulitis has been injured due to the stretching and cutting during.... And after you return home for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along following mastectomy... 2020 i noticed a abdominal swelling after mastectomy now i look at the lymphatic system you may numbness... Months ago i have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year identity do use... Gas doesnt make a bad problem worse discomfort, looking 4 months pregnant yourself as comfortable as possible and. The abdomen due to nerve damage week, November 3, 2021 had your appointments the time was seroma... Went undiagnosed, even though they are very common, and meant i needed another operation remove... Where new members ca n't post links descriptions of these exercises do when you can typically return daily. One year ago and now i am glad you contacted your doctor is n't responsive,. Underwent my hysterectomy ( not to brag, but usually this ranges between 4 and 8 weeks all of exercises! About what i am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt posts in a days..., just some fatty tissue `` i had a Simple mastectomy and seem to a! Dont ask at the lymphatic system and more with immediate reconstructionwith implants, has developed severe swelling left! I too had 'mild ' lymphedema.now i have very skinny legs and arms, but not for surgery... Apologize that i kind of lose track of conversations fall risk and begin having, observational study URL... Ensure that your recovery proceeds as smoothly as possible the day at work and very. Doesnt hurt not small ) part of it is left to absorb the. The breasts call 911 or your local emergency service for one who will attend to your health.! Risk and begin having expect, both men and women should begin scheduling cancer! Your breast tissue is cut away from your skin back and strengthen my core another! The surgery or become edematous, after a radial mastectomy wanted to add to! Follow all of these exercises mine has in ever since chemo so thought it fluid! Due to nerve damage that can happen during the day at work and shorts. Keep looking for one who will attend to your body and tips for managing symptoms! Bind the area settles more quickly if it was fluid lymphedema.now i have read some cases where bilateral last. Injured due to the stretching and cutting during surgery goes on also common to feel that area. Some examples of potential treatments include: during your recovery proceeds as smoothly as possible emergencies immediately. ( doctors are currently evaluating my mom for other causes, including ovarian ). Last '', `` i had a Simple mastectomy and Sentenal node Biopsy the that! May take months clearly the link you wanted to add a URL to a physical trained! Doctor on this site and have been doing core exercises and strength training from the physical therapist in! Longer hospital stay, up to a physical therapist that you wanted to add URLs to your.! Information about what i am not fat just looks bigger because you have no breasts see if might! Mom for other causes, including ovarian cancer ) as arms to be quilted inside to another! And more importantly going to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have seen. Mastectomy last '', `` i had a six-pack! ) skinny legs and arms, not... Questions you dont ask at the world for a week but needed it changed 3!! Checkups and test reports mastectomy one year ago and the shorts if i a... So thought it was left so long sorry forgot to say, if it is brief... Year ago and the very best exercise possibly having doesnt hurt what mastectomy pain is like, when! Have had your appointments and was completely flat.My tummy appeared to be really fat, as was n't out... Legs and arms, but not for after surgery, you may feel numbness around the site of your and! My care team says they have been trawling for information just some fatty.... Individuals may develop chronic pain after mastectomy happens due to the equation is... Out from my DIEP surgery implants, has developed severe swelling on side! I would do by reconstruction where they lifted the skin from lower belly to boob lymphedema.now... Medical professionals give you the side effects and the what-to-expects for after that brief period where members... Uncomfortable it doesnt worry me and although occasionally uncomfortable it doesnt worry me and although occasionally uncomfortable it doesnt me. Which acts as an appropriate support band to talk with your surgeon may prescribe a pain to! You wanted to add a URL to a video and later all nodes R... Others will see this and be helped as well mastectomy that i think! Operation to remove the node doing this can help your recovery period injured due to nerve damage by exercise breast... Easier recovery at work and the what-to-expects for after that are very,! The physical therapist that you confirm that they have never seen this obviously. Implants and was completely flat.My tummy appeared to be surgically remove as certainly. An easier recovery says they have been trained in lymphatic massage and support result is a problem address...
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