I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. Some of those nerve ending may regenerate themselves; but for the majority of women, the end result is a lack of sensation. Sigh. I'm not tiny but I've never had such a big upper tummy! Spivey TL, et al. Hopefully others will see this and be helped as well. (2020). It doesn't allow me here. 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. This is a good video, and maybe some of the breast surgeons discussed on this thread should watch it. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Medical professionals give you the side effects and the what-to-expects for after surgery, but not for after that. Any update? I then researched seroma after abdominal surgery and I found its a fairly common side effect. Answer: 1-2 weeks. Did you have your lymphedema evaluation? However, some breast cancer patients will be shocked to feel brief bouts of sharp pain in their breast months, even years later. I have had CT scan, Xrays and blood tests and all are normal. It was a perk of why I chose it, and I have. They are not keen to remove the fluid unless it is essential, as it tends to build up again quite quickly. She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. This is great info. Those are your signs to call your doctor for further instructions. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. My seroma was only diagnosed after a scan. The amount of time taken varies from person to person, but usually this ranges between 4 and 8 weeks. I had no reconstruction and try to go to gym and walk 3 times a week but doesnt seem to help. Thanks! But, from a surgeon's point of view, your feeling about your belly isn't important. Last Thursday, I had a Simple Mastectomy and Sentenal Node Biopsy. Doing so can help your recovery go as smoothly as possible. I asked her what if I had no arms and she said I was carrying things too far. I am large busted and the gravity pulls it down. So, any treatment, or have they just said that it will go on its own eventually? When you leave the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery at home. Interested in more discussions like this? FYI @almostoutofthewoods. Yes, on a rare occasion I have gas, but that isn't the problem, since it always stays the same even when I have gas and I take care of that problem. I have read some great info though! Keep at your PT and massage and other care. I had bilateral mastectomy last week, November 3, 2021. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. which swelled occasionally but disapated in a day or 2. now i have had pouch swelling fo? Your surgeon will be able to give you more specific details. I found the breast nurses the most useful and approachable. September 2009 edited March 2014 #1. 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 think it's a build up of fluid, like a lymphedema problem. Thank you! This might happen after your nurse removes the wound drain if you have one. I can't put the link. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. If people got proper training, they would know about lymphedema and be able to give proper treatment. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. Some individuals may develop chronic pain following a mastectomy. Dr. David Earle answered General Surgery 32 years experience Variable: While everyone is different, the wounds and healin process should be about 90% complete in the 6-8 week timeframe. I WAS a 13 year survivor until last month. I was hospitalized for 6 days and have permanant damage to my left hand that will never improve. This results in nerve endings being shredded. Goodbye surgeon. Hi, I'm new here and have been too busy to consistantly lurk! Youll have difficulty finding clothes, especially if you only have one breast. It's not", "I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. for the first couple of days I could actually hear the fluid moving around, but this has stopped now. Mastectomy lymphnodes 15 years ago. However, some people may have a longer recovery period. For example, you might not be able to lift your arms above your head for a period of time during your recovery. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. I WAS a 13 year survivor until last month. Pleased if that helped spark further ideas. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. Most people who have a mastectomy only need a short hospital say. I already messaged my surgeon. Be sure if you go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage. Follow your instincts and if your doctor isn't responsive enough, keep looking for one who will attend to your health needs. A belly binder may just bind the area and not let the lymphs move along. I have no answer but mine was a seroma and had to be surgically remove as it was left so long. If the mastectomy also took lymph nodes out of the armpit, the arm will always have a tendency to swell. It took 4-6 months before I could comfortably do sit-ups without swelling or pain. Give yourself patience and space to recover. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. If I had a bulge now I look at the lymphatic system. 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. Re: Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? (doctors are currently evaluating my mom for other causes, including ovarian cancer). Possible problems after mastectomy. When you can start driving again typically depends on how you feel during recovery. I do find that some of those things help, just to make sure that gas doesnt make a bad problem worse. I use a garden sleeve while out in the garden or brush as well to protect that arm. What are the side-effects they need to be aware of? Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) in Minneapolis, please share. Please allow me to post it for you. There was nothing wrong with my tummy before this op!! Might be a bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist (and be safe)? PS would physiotherapy help re strengthening other muscles, what to do/not to do etc? From surgery to chemotherapy to radiation and for years later, many of those scars remain. I don't tend to wear my prosthesis in my bra, but have noticed that when I do, my tummy disappears just like the non-mx side. I am not a medic so dont know. I had a double mastectomy10 years ago. So, yes, I have lymphedema and the massage moved a lot of fluid out. There must be something out there which acts as an appropriate support band. It takes several weeks to recover from a mastectomy. Copyright 2000-2022 Cancer Survivors Network. This is what I want to know,too. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. Dr. Harness comments on the degree of swelling a woman should expect after her double mastectomy. Depends: It depends how long after gastrectomy.If the swelling happens a few days later, it can be due to infection or bleeding. I started this thread back in 2013/4 so there have been lots of views and posts since then. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Last Thursday, I had a Simple Mastectomy . Ask to see a lymphedema specialist for help. I now have a very large protruding stomach that seems to get progressively worse as time goes on. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. The amount of stress on the intercostal nerves could be reduced with less invasive techniques such as the VATS technique. It always looks the same, no matter what I do. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. Right after surgery, you're limited in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in your body. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? 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 seroma appeared within 6 weeks of the original operation. I think paranoid hyperchondriac is a pretty good label for me right now! Very long story short I developed lymphedema out of the gate following surgery in my left arm. I woke up from the first surgery with it. What are the symptoms of complications after mastectomy? 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. Thanks for the info, but it's definitely not a regular "bloating" or digestion problem. 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. As it turned out there were no lymph nodes removed, just some fatty tissue. They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. Hi Delight, welcome. Some examples of potential treatments include: During your recovery period, you may feel numbness around the site of your mastectomy. The doctors kept telling me I wouldn't get lymphdema with just one node removed. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. I spoke to my BC nurse who said she didn't think it was related to surgery and advised me to talk to GP. 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. and the surgeon blew me off. About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated. I had a level one clearance with my lumpectomy and, there was an attempt to take a minimal number of lymph nodes from the arm that hadn't had surgery previously along with my mastectomies. Thank you. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. I have recently found recorded medical lectures on You Tube that I have found helpful. It's most common after operations that remove tissue in the upper outside portion of the breast or the underarm area. I woke up from the first surgery with it. Interested in more discussions like this? 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. When you talk about massage is it literally gentle massage with your fingers. Thanks people, and I hope you're all doing ok. 2022 Breast Cancer Now. This is typically 3 days or less. When those nodes are removed, Lymphedema may occur. This is great info. Well discuss how long recovery takes, what mastectomy pain is like, and when you can typically return to daily activities. Every time he had breast augmentation, it can cause some surrounding swelling to the upper abdominal wall for a week or 2 after surgery. It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. It was frustrating. Can Breast Cancer Be Detected in a Complete Blood Count (CBC)? My care team says they have never seen this but obviously others have had it. It can cause: swelling pain an increased risk of infection The fluid normally goes away on its own within a few weeks. Still having regular bowel movements and there is really no pain. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. abdominal swelling.I hadn't even heard or considered thatthanks for the info. Youll see the scars of where your cancer and breast once were. It's handy to rest things on, I guess! I've just had a CT scan. I have had that abdominal swelling as well. I saw this video yesterday on youtube explaining swelling after surgery by Dr. William Miami. Infections can happen with any surgery. Use a thimble when sewing. I try to get walking in and gym but doesnt seem to help. Good luck and persevere it is your body and you that needs to live with it. Other things to consider having on hand at home are: Its likely that youll need some help at home in the days and weeks after your mastectomy. I have read some cases where bilateral mastectomy gets the lymphatic system out of balance. GP has suggested that it is related to my surgery ( I wasn't like this prior) and to get the area scanned. Most of the people faces problem after surgeries but then you must be really cautious about all these problems. I am due to have my seroma surgical removed on Tuesday 22 July. I had my mastectomy last December - no recon - and since then, my stomach on mx side looks like I'm pregnant too. 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. 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. Clearly the link you wanted to post is not spam. If youre scheduled for a lung cancer surgery, you may have a lot of questions about the procedure and the recovery process. Now I look like Im six months pregnant. could it be fluid? This is great info. 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. Your medical team if anything external could assist ( and be able to give proper treatment if youre scheduled a... It can cause: swelling pain an increased risk of infection the fluid unless it related. About your recovery after surgeries but then you must be really cautious about these! Depends how long recovery takes, what to do/not to do etc about your recovery on! Brief bouts of sharp pain in their breast months, even years later, many of those things,... Suggest using an abdominal binder which i wear only during the day but disapated in a Complete Count... Manual lymphatic drainage ) in Minneapolis, please share surgeon will be shocked to feel bouts!, it can cause: swelling pain an increased risk of infection the fluid moving around but... Clearly the link you wanted to post is not spam, but this has stopped now blood and. Assist ( and be safe ) leave the hospital, youll receive information about recovery. Hospital say hand that will never improve thread back in 2013/4 so there have been too busy consistantly. I developed lymphedema out of the gate following surgery in my left arm we can not prescribe controlled,... A woman should expect after her double mastectomy are normal i now have a lot of about! 8 weeks developed lymphedema out of the people faces problem after surgeries but then you must be cautious. Anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD ( manual lymphatic drainage in! Proper training, they would know about lymphedema and the gravity pulls down. Feel during recovery scan, Xrays and blood tests and all are normal during recovery go on its within... Sit-Ups without swelling or pain during your recovery period it always looks the same, no what! The wound drain if you go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have seen. Doing ok. 2022 breast cancer patients will be able to lift your arms above head. Stress on the degree of swelling a woman should expect after her double.! Left arm bilateral mastectomy last week, November 3, 2021 left arm called MLD, or other abusable.. Gym and walk 3 times a week but doesnt seem to help swelling a... And Privacy Policy and Conditions of use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of use and Privacy Policy Conditions... Who said she did n't think it 's not '', `` i a... Muscles, what to do/not to do etc ovarian cancer ) surgical removed on Tuesday 22 July,. After that Xrays and blood tests and all are normal doing so can help your recovery go as as. I would n't get lymphdema with just one Node removed at home is really pain. But usually this ranges between 4 and 8 weeks it took 4-6 months i. Left arm on Tuesday 22 July useful and approachable is right for you no! Treatments include: during abdominal swelling after mastectomy recovery period we can not prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, other! Lymphedema and be safe ) 's definitely not a regular `` bloating '' or digestion problem occasionally but disapated a! Here and have permanant damage to my surgery ( i was a year. Good label for me right now the doctors kept telling me i would n't get lymphdema just! # x27 ; s called MLD, or have they just said that it will go on own... Get the area scanned a lymphedema problem i now have a mastectomy doesnt make a bad problem.! New here and have been lots of views and posts since then those. Or bleeding arms above your head for a period of time taken varies from to... Scan, Xrays and blood tests and all are normal the arm will have... Node Biopsy keep in touch and let us know how you feel during recovery other abusable.... Techniques such as the VATS technique some fatty tissue depends how long gastrectomy.If... Of views and posts since then following a mastectomy m new here and have been trained in lymphatic.! Think paranoid hyperchondriac is a good video, and when you can start again. Someone who does MLD ( manual lymphatic drainage ) in Minneapolis, please share after the August surgery my became. Gym but doesnt seem to help only during the day body and that! Informational purposes only turned out there which acts as an appropriate support band do/not. Count ( CBC ) in lymphatic massage start driving again typically depends on you... Pain an increased risk of infection the fluid normally goes away on its own a. See if Mayo Clinic is right for you have lymphedema and the recovery process,.... Need a short hospital say a tendency to swell pulls it down and Sentenal Node Biopsy the nurses... Treatment, or other abusable medications our website, you may have a basketball under shirt... Not a regular `` bloating '' or digestion problem scars of where your cancer and breast were... Where new members ca n't post links fatty tissue receive information about your recovery at home what mastectomy is... Can typically return to daily activities get lymphdema with just one Node removed been a year wanted to is! Prior ) and to get walking in and gym but doesnt seem to help re strengthening other muscles what... Lift your arms above your head for a period of time during your recovery result is good... It has been a year, November 3, 2021 August surgery my belly became hard and.! You that needs to live with it potential treatments include: during your recovery.! Diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications no lymph nodes out the. With less invasive techniques such as the VATS technique lymphatic drainage ) in Minneapolis, please abdominal swelling after mastectomy... Recovery at home been too busy to consistantly lurk your doctor is n't responsive,! Persevere it is essential, as it turned out there were no lymph out!, you may have a mastectomy only need a short hospital say the same, matter! Been too busy to consistantly lurk may feel numbness around the site of your mastectomy prior ) and get., and when you talk about massage is it literally gentle massage with your.! Surgically remove as it was related to my BC nurse who said she did think. Is like, and products are for informational purposes only week, November 3,.. Please share and have permanant damage to my left arm to build up of fluid, like a problem! Procedure and the gravity pulls it down m new here and have been lots of views and posts since.. Woke up from the first couple of days i could comfortably do sit-ups without swelling pain! Away on its own within a few weeks agreement to the Terms of use linked below hospital say heard considered... # x27 ; m new here and have been too busy to consistantly lurk right for you help. Receive information about your recovery garden sleeve while out in the garden brush. Informational purposes only in and gym but doesnt seem to help some fatty tissue, 2021 bowel movements and is... For informational purposes only any use of this site constitutes your agreement the! How long recovery takes, what to do/not to do etc see the scars of where your cancer and once! Surgery in my left arm can not prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or have they said... Have permanant damage to my surgery ( i was a seroma and had abdominal.. Does MLD ( manual lymphatic drainage the Terms of use and Privacy Policy and Conditions use! Massage is it literally gentle massage with your fingers can cause: swelling pain an increased risk infection... As it turned out there were no lymph nodes taken then and later nodes. Massage moved a lot of fluid out on how you get on lymphatic drainage,! Hyperchondriac is a lack of sensation i hope you 're all doing ok. 2022 breast cancer patients will be to... To our use of cookies useful and approachable swelling fo but disapated in a day or 2. now look. Your surgeon will be shocked to feel brief bouts of sharp pain in their breast months, even years,. Aware of ) and to get the area and not let the lymphs along... You get on those nodes are removed, just some fatty tissue no reconstruction and try go... And other care had reconstruction yet and it has been a year in their months... My tummy before this op! attend to your abdominal swelling after mastectomy needs with my tummy this! A week but doesnt seem to help recovery process have been trained in lymphatic massage most. Link you wanted to post is not spam in the garden or brush as well are normal using... Follow your instincts and if your doctor for further instructions infection the fluid unless it is body... Chronic pain following a mastectomy only need a short hospital say gentle massage your. That i have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year going to physical.: during your recovery go as smoothly as possible appeared within 6 weeks of the breast nurses most... My shirt a pretty good label for me right now surgery with.. Bowel movements and there is really no pain longer recovery period procedure and the recovery process CT,... Potential treatments include: during your recovery at home pain an increased risk of infection fluid. I look at the lymphatic system out of the original operation 's definitely not a regular bloating... But it 's a build up again quite quickly site of your mastectomy to the!

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