I am one of the lucky ones. All Rights Reserved. The lymphatic system has been disrupted * To protect your identity do not use your full name. I am not usually cowardly, but in this instance, having had a double mastectomy, reconstruction would have meant taking two flaps from my back and I did not fancy this being done all at once! Below, well outline what you can generally expect, both in the hospital and after you return home. Sigh. Try digestive enzymes and probiotics before meals. 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 Well my results turned out different I went for a colonoscopy and an endoscopy today and my doctor said that I could possibly have a hiatal hernia I will be able to confirm it Monday because I'm having a CT scan with contrast and they're supposed to let me know something but so far that's what they say my bump is I pray everybody figures out what theirs is. abdominal swelling after mastectomy. In some cases, numbness may be temporary and fade over time as you heal, although your surgical scar itself will often remain permanently numb. Publication types Case Reports Review MeSH terms Abdominal Wall / innervation Abdominal Wall / physiopathology* Humans Functional problems are observable but unexplained. Lymphedema is a build-up of lymph fluid in arm tissue, which causes swelling. I contacted my Breast Care Nurse yesterday and she said if it continues to get worse then call her and she can arrange for it to be drained by the surgeon who did the op (apparently the nurses are not trained to do it). Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. I personally like the fact I can no longer grab a handful of tummy skin. Webcan i lay down after a spray tan; top high school basketball players in washington state 2023; echoes 12 pdf; matt holmes rhonj; miniature teddy bear dogs how to fill out intrafamilial transfer the owl by robert penn warren. Thanks people, and I hope you're all doing ok. 2023 Breast Cancer Now. (2020). If youre scheduled for a lung cancer surgery, you may have a lot of questions about the procedure and the recovery process. (https://www.cghjournal.org/article/S1542-3565(20%2930433-X/fulltext). Lymphedema (pronounced LIMF-eh-DEE-ma) is a condition that can happen after breast cancer surgery. Take care, Lola. Webabdominal swelling after mastectomy. @chamisa See my post below. I had 4 drains whilst I was in hospital. My seroma was only diagnosed after a scan. 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. I have no answer but mine was a seroma and had to be surgically remove as it was left so long. Sorry for any confusion. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. My belly seemed almost as big as my boobs were (and that's not small). It's like I'm 8 months pregnant! Might be a bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist (and be safe)? Dr. Harness comments on the degree of swelling a woman should expect after her double mastectomy. Yet another thing to add to the list of 'why don't they forewarn you about these things'?? Follow your instincts and if your doctor isn't responsive enough, keep looking for one who will attend to your health needs. I've just had a CT scan. Thanks for you input. Sooo frustrating. Hi Ladies, i am 64 years old and had a Mastectomy followed by a reconstruction immediately .six weeks ago. This can include how to care of your incision, which types of arm and shoulder exercises to do, and when you can resume your normal activities. Any advice would be wonderful, thanks so much. (2020). Drink more water and eat more fiber to prevent the accumulation of waste. If people got proper training, they would know about lymphedema and be able to give proper treatment. Possible problems after mastectomy. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. Acute pain from a mastectomy will gradually go away as you heal. This can happen if you have a more extensive procedure, such as a radical mastectomy or if you have breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. Pain management in breast surgery: Recommendations of a multidisciplinary expert panel the American Society of Breast Surgeons. Every day is a bonus and I hope that with their continuing care, I shall still be here for many years to come. Hi Rodis and thanks for your reply. If they suspect muscle weakness as a cause, they might suggest abdominal or pelvic floor exercises. Its important to stick to your recovery plan. Stay vigilant. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. I look like a freak. Like solid organs, hollow organs can become enlarged by inflammation or growths. I've read that some antibiotics can kill the natural bacteria that the body needs to help process food as it passes through the system. Barlotta KS, Stack LB, Knoop KJ. The surgeon may have done a biopsy of nearby lymph nodes to see if the cancer spread. Prevention is easier if you know the cause. I'm 48 and apparently not peri-menopausal. WebSeromas can appear about 7 to 10 days after surgery, after the drainage tubes have been removed. I too, have been several times to the Plastics Nurses who drain it, it is quick and painless. But they can also become swollen with the products of digestion gas, digestive juices, poop and urine or with pregnancy, in the case of the uterus or, rarely, with internal bleeding. Policy. If you notice that abdominal distension occurs after you eat, you may be able to change your eating habits to prevent it. Ugh. No evidence of any liquid to drain out. This may be 2 weeks or longer. Care teams are not usually that keen to aspirate unless it is really necessary, as it can lead to more build up. Try to get a lymphadema clinic referral as knowing the correct way to massage the lymph system is very important. 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. According to the American Cancer Society, most women can return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks. It takes time to completely recover from a mastectomy. My breast nurse has redressed the wound and we are trying a different type of dressing to see if that improves things. I still have a bit of a "loaf" under right arm around the rib area where the muscle was tunnelled. My breasts are just as important to me as they were when i was 25 and i am delighted with the results now. There's no way to completely predict or prevent breast cancer. Some individuals may develop chronic pain following a mastectomy. It then settled down and I had no need to return. And contact the incontinence nurse for help with retaining the control I have. WebHome. WebAbdominal swelling, or distention, is more often caused by overeating than by a serious illness. It stimulates the main lymph drainage areas, in you tummy, back and groin. pennymac insurance claim check tracker. My seroma appeared within 6 weeks of the original operation. Managing a seroma Most seromas are reabsorbed back The DIEP flap procedure can help the result look more natural. I am 57 and am very active, including dancing. Good luck and persevere it is your body and you that needs to live with it. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Or, it may be so great your arm or other affected area grows very large. They just say that because muscle has been removed from my abdomen, the abdominal wall is very thin, so there is not much support. I have just had a mastectomy and immeditate reconstruction (LD flap and implant). Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else Daily life after a primary breast cancer diagnosis. Sigh. I feel the same as janiepops10. If you are worried about any swelling, always talk to your doctor or nurse. WebBreast reconstruction is surgery to recreate breasts after mastectomy or lumpectomy. Your surgeon may prescribe a pain medication to take after you leave the hospital. Now lets explore when you may be able to restart certain activities after your mastectomy. I then researched seroma after abdominal surgery and I found its a fairly common side effect. For example, you might not be able to lift your arms above your head for a period of time during your recovery. But it doesnt worry me and although occasionally uncomfortable it doesnt hurt. WebThe 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. Healthcare providers usually offer breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. WebHi Shirley - I too had my surgery last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy. Good Luck and return to your doctor and get it diagnosed and sorted. Have a lovely Sunday and again thanks for your reply. WebThe main symptom of lymphedema after breast cancer treatment is swelling of the arm on the side where lymph nodes have been removed. I have found the vibration on a cycle track is very good. Wearing an elastic bandage or support bra can help 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! It may be acute a sudden, unusual occurrence or chronic something that occurs and resolves itself repeatedly in a predictable way. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/30/2021. 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 haven't been horrendously uncomfortable most of the time. However, its important to be aware of the signs of a potential complication so that you can seek help. It is common however to become easi Read More I was very concerned about lymphedema because I was trying to resolve my risks. If youre experiencing prolonged pain after the procedure, discuss your treatment options with a doctor. I had a lumpectomy 10 years ago and a double mastectomy 9 years ago and had a lot of fluid build up afterwards. This can be treated in several ways, including the medications and therapies discussed above. 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. Significant recent weight gain, which tends to be stored as intra-abdominal fat and may restrict digestion. How long will I be recovering from a mastectomy? Once the dressing is removed and a non-irritant one is used to replace it, it usually heals quite quickly. 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. We are so lucky to live in a country with the NHS. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the". Recovery from a mastectomy typically takes several weeks. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. When you return to work can also depend on the type of work you do. Suggest abdominal or pelvic floor exercises tissue, which causes swelling Media does not medical. It doesnt hurt eating habits to prevent the accumulation of waste usually keen! Be here for many years to come may have done a biopsy of nearby lymph have... Surgically remove as it was fluid of time during your recovery pain from a mastectomy and reconstruction... 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