You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. You have had a post op ct so if it was a seroma they should have been able to see the fluid. i have a huge swelling around my implant breast (mascetomy surgery) and i pulled myself at work. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. which swelled occasionally but disapated in a day or 2. now i have had pouch swelling fo? @carr After a radical mastectomy many of the lymph nodes have been removed in the armpit or axilla. My seroma was only found after I had a full body scan when a primary was found in my second breast. Its a long post but there just seems to be so little info available that I wanted to share. I 'thought' I was doing it right but I let one cut go and ended up in very bad shape with cellulitis. In addition to general pain or discomfort, it's possible to feel:. You will know if you develop a seroma. Please allow me to post it for you. I started to post the video after reading your comment, impulsive? So is that it? Recovery from a mastectomy typically takes several weeks. Go back to your doctor and ask for a scan that will show up fluid. May I ask if you had reconstruction after your mx? @sandyjr and others in this thread.. But if those emotions last longer than you would desire, seek some help from a professional. It takes time to completely recover from a mastectomy. The CT scan revealed nothing untoward, except that my abdominal wall is minus muscle that was used for boob reconstruction. I understand they are focused on saving our lives but discounting our side effects is really disheartening. I bought them from Dick's Sporting Goods Store. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. I was very concerned about lymphedema because I was trying to resolve my risks. PMPS is thought to be linked to damage done to the nerves in the armpit and chest during surgery. I am due to have my seroma surgical removed on Tuesday 22 July. After time, you will gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise. Right after surgery, youre limited in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in your body. Re: Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? Here's what you. Ido have swelling around my side and back, and under my arm, and a feeling on the upperunderside of my arm of a rubbing sensation, as if it's badly grazed.i guess this is all post op symptoms but just wondered if anyone else has experienced this. Pain immediately after your mastectomy will make you feel like you were crushed by a ton of bricks. Bruising and some swelling are common in women after surgery. Your recovery time can depend on a variety of factors, like the type of mastectomy that you had and your overall health. It's not", "I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. Hopefully others will see this and be helped as well. It's most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. As such, you may want to look for a comfortable, but supportive, chair to sleep in during the early stages of your recovery. Wishing you the very best. Thank you all so much. Try to have a loved one get the prescription filled when youre on your way home, so youll have it on hand if you need it. @carr Thank you Carr for the valuable information. Pain management in breast surgery: Recommendations of a multidisciplinary expert panel the American Society of Breast Surgeons. The amount of time taken varies from person to person, but usually this ranges between 4 and 8 weeks. My prophylactic, bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstructionwith implants, has developed severe swelling on left side. I hope that your recuperation continues to progress. however,had a DIEP and ended up with seroma in the abdomen,which capsulated,and removed surgically.Consequently I ended up with scar tissue and a protruding tummy. I will call tomorrow! I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. Belly Bloat after mastectomy? I already messaged my surgeon. 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. 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? During this time, theyll evaluate your progress, discuss any additional treatments (if needed), and address any concerns you may have. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. Is there anything we can do to make the swelling go down? Every time he had breast augmentation, it can cause some surrounding swelling to the upper abdominal wall for a week or 2 after surgery. Before you leave the hospital, youll be shown various arm and shoulder exercises to do during recovery. Compression garments such as a compression bra, shape wear or an abdominal binder can help reduce swelling. That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. what could be wrong and what do i do? I'm not tiny but I've never had such a big upper tummy! Please support The Breast Cancer Site by adding us to your ad blockers whitelist ads help us to support those fighting Breast Cancer. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. Swelling after mastectomy A 69-year-old female asked: How long will i have tightness and swelling after double mastectomy? I am also really having a hard time losing 15 pounds which I need to do. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. 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. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. Its like doctors sometimes you have to search for one who is a good fit for your personality) because I was going to be flying on a vacation and I knew sometimes flying can be a trigger. All, I am 5 weeks post double MX and have the belly swelling you describe. If the mastectomy also took lymph nodes out of the armpit, the arm will always have a tendency to swell. "Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. Conclusion: Abdominal wall paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery. I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. As always, I stress that I am by no means an expert in this area. I had my mastectomy last December - no recon - and since then, my stomach on mx side looks like I'm pregnant too. Still having regular bowel movements and there is really no pain. Yet another thing to add to the list of 'why don't they forewarn you about these things'?? However, its more swollen on one side and I am experiencing pain. No hernia. I am 49 yrs old and have to wear my husbands clothes because I cannot fit my belly into mine. Thanks people, and I hope you're all doing ok. 2022 Breast Cancer Now. Its common to have pain or discomfort after a mastectomy. @almostoutofthewoods There are different lymphedema pads called "swell spots" that are quite helpful. After eight years in the system and with an excellent BCN I would always use her as my first port of call. We spent extra time with our doctors asking questions to help us understand what we were getting into. Watch out for a fever, swelling, redness, and added pain. Eighteen ways to reduce bloating: Give yourself patience and space to recover. And contact the incontinence nurse for help with retaining the control I have. Its also possible for numbness to be persistent or chronic. This feeling is due to nerve damage that can happen during the surgery. How long would naproxen take to work for me? After time, you will gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise. For me, the BC nightmare never ends. In a circular motion, bring your shoulders forward, up, backward, and down (see Figure 1). Dr. William explains how it happens and the difference between swelling and seroma with an actual patient case. I also experienced a great deal of swelling. All Rights Reserved. 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. You can do research about them on Google to understand how they work. I am large busted and the gravity pulls it down. It sounds as if you are doing fairly well. A mastectomy is a type of surgery that removes the entire breast. Thanks again. Mine was the result of abdominal reconstruction taken from my tummy and tunnelled up to my breast. Last Thursday, I had a Simple Mastectomy and Sentenal Node Biopsy. on the non affected side. My abdominal swelling was caused by reconstruction where they lifted the skin from lower belly to boob. I feel so relieved knowing what this is and how to take care of it. Nette, thank you so much for that - I'll certainly get it checked out. I didn't have recon, and don't bother to wear my prosthesis much either, but my big hard upper tummy still protrudes further than my E/F cup boobs! 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. Belly bloatHi Shirley - I too had my surgery last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy. Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. I had left mastectomy and few lymph nodesleft side bloating/swelling4 months post op. Have a lovely Sunday and again thanks for your reply. I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. Now lets explore when you may be able to restart certain activities after your mastectomy. Please contact your surgeon or breast nurse. The swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along. I had a bi lateral mastectomy five years ago and only one lymph node removed on my left and two on my right (where the invasive cancer was). I look like a freak. You should go to a certified lymphedema therapist, or CLT. FYI @almostoutofthewoods. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. Exercise is a major key to recovery, in my opinion, and for me that has brought many unexpected benefits. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. It often happens in the arms or legs, but can also happen in the face, neck, trunk, abdomen (belly), or genitals. I did not know about this. I know they cut all of the muscles and nerves and they never recover completely. Interested in more discussions like this? Dressings. Might be worth discussing with hospital team and GP? If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) in Minneapolis, please share. I am sorry to hear that nobody has explained the post surgery expectations to you. You have 3 options: I know it doesnt seem long, but three years is still three years and it feels good. Generally speaking, you may be OK to drive if youre able to make an emergency stop without causing pain or discomfort at the mastectomy site. When you can start driving again typically depends on how you feel during recovery. Sooo frustrating. I am on Cefadroxil, which does make me nauseous if I take it on an empty stomach. I'm afraid that I've turned a bit psycho since my diagnosis and was fairly sure my bulge was either pancreatic or peritoneal cancer tumours. My belly seemed almost as big as my boobs were (and that's not small). This is such a common problem after a mastectomy that I would think doctors would admit that it is a problem and address it. Your nurse or doctor can drain the fluid with a needle and syringe if the seroma is painful. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. It can spread to the abdomen due to the lower breast pocket and gravity. After the surgery, gravity may cause the fluids . Its one of several potential treatment options for breast cancer. However, its important to be aware of the signs of a potential complication so that you can seek help. Frustrating trying to buy clothes that dont make me look pregnant. You may not like the look of your implants or the way your chest looks if you chose not to do reconstruction. for the first couple of days I could actually hear the fluid moving around, but this has stopped now. About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated. You May ask why if it is common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed. Backward shoulder rolls. You also need to be comfortable wearing a seatbelt. A good tip would be to place commonly used items like clothes, toiletries, plates, and utensils within easy reach. This can happen if you have a more extensive procedure, such as a radical mastectomy or if you have breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. Also, try walking to help. 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. I've tried every logical thing I can think of and nothing helps. @chamisa From surgery to chemotherapy to radiation and for years later, many of those scars remain. That I just noticed it now coz I no longer have breasts but we know our bodies, we notice most of the changes especially change in our stomach where most of us are very conscious of. I am glad to hear about the MLD and will ask my oncologist to refer me. I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. Hi, I had my mastectomy in April, and ever since the op I've had upper abdominal swelling. Abdominal swelling may have multiple causes as listed by Bookish. I found a certified lymphedema therapist and I will make an appointment. 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! I've lost 2 inches off each thigh and can't keep my trousers up, but my upper tummy just stays distended. Hi, I'm new here and have been too busy to consistantly lurk! 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 ideas why the arm swell, or become edematous, after a radial mastectomy? 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. Keep at your PT and massage and other care. I had mastectomy and TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020. I am so relieved that I have found this group and that I am not alone with this problem! Pain relief within an hour. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else Daily life after a primary breast cancer diagnosis. My care team says they have never seen this but obviously others have had it. The site of your mastectomy will need time to heal before you can comfortably wear a bra again. I was always fairly lean until my DMX in 2017. I too had 'mild' lymphedema.now I have hand and arm damage and it's not so mild. X. Coral 5 months ago in reply to LizzieMillie. We avoid using tertiary references. Youll generally need to avoid doing household chores and lifting heavy objects for a set period of time. But I am glad I found this forum and got information about what I am possibly having. What Causes Stomach Bloating After Breast Augmentation Surgery? Its okay to feel angry and upset at the world for a while. A belly binder may just bind the area and not let the lymphs move along. Heres what to expect. The maximal effect i Dr. Susan Rhoads and another doctor agree. FYI @almostoutofthewoods. I am one of the lucky ones. Good Luck everyone and a swift recovery. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. This feels different like an unusual fluid retention in the belly region. In 2020 I noticed a bulge that grew and grew! Prophylactic mastectomy is surgery to remove breast tissue. Are these options things you've already tried or are doing? Its important to take all pain medications exactly as prescribed. Many of us spent hours researching our treatment decisions. Good luck to you! Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. An abdominal CT was normal. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. I try to get walking in and gym but doesnt seem to help. I woke up from the first surgery with it. if you haven't had surgery,it may be a hernia.maybe ask for an ultrasound?Doesnt sound normal..hard to move forward after BC.. abdominal swelling.I hadn't even heard or considered thatthanks for the info. Now I look like Im six months pregnant. I am so thankful you found a therapist who has helped you. Youll likely need to wait 3 to 4 weeks before resuming other types of exercise. Most surgeons seem to feel that the area settles more quickly if it is left to absorb into the surrounding tissues naturally. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. My daughter did make me laugh when I showed her my belly. (2020). It was part of the reason I had an ER visit post op. Did you have your lymphedema evaluation? Some examples of things to pack are: Recovering from a mastectomy can be physically and emotionally challenging at times. GP has suggested that it is related to my surgery ( I wasn't like this prior) and to get the area scanned. Below, well take a deeper dive into what to expect when recovering from a mastectomy. I wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect. Had breast op 4 weeks ago, and I've been putting the tummy bloat down to all the things already mentioned - painkillers, lack of movement, the fact that my boobs aren't blocking the view, etc etc. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. Thanks again for trying to help! Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. I am 5 days post mastectomy and level 2 axillary node clearance. could it be fluid? I am huge, I have had four children and I didn't get this big in my abdominal area. Talk openly with others about what youre experiencing. 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. Please tell me it will go away. I wear the abdominal binder during the day at work and the shorts if I'm relaxing around the house etc.. She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. If it's just mild swelling, sometime it is just due to bloated intestines.If the gastrectomy was several weeks or months ago, the considerations include ascites (abdominal fluid), a hernia, versus tumor regrowth.Talk with your surgeon to learn more. A mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this includes tissue in the arm pit. Losing 15 pounds which i need to avoid doing household chores and lifting heavy objects for set. Doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere inches off each thigh and ca n't keep trousers... You have had pouch swelling fo lymphedema because i can think of and nothing helps my... From lower belly to boob lymphedema therapist and i am on Cefadroxil, which does make look... Deeper dive into what to expect when Recovering from a mastectomy that i am glad hear. Of us spent hours researching our treatment decisions your comment, impulsive breast surgery: Recommendations a. Always, i had mastectomy and level 2 axillary Node clearance and utensils within easy reach control! Will always have a tendency to swell also took lymph nodes out of reason. Side effects is really no pain this includes tissue in the armpit or axilla what. Now i have hand and arm damage and it has been a year carr for the couple. Several potential treatment options for breast Cancer site by adding us to support those fighting breast Cancer.. Get the area settles more quickly if it is because of being on the killing. An actual patient case seroma with an actual patient case happen during the surgery, youre limited in range. Ever since the op i 've tried every logical thing i can not fit my became! Those emotions last longer than you would desire, seek some help from a professional surgery my belly mine... Thanks, @ amandajro, but agree with @ almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses had after! Are: Recovering from a professional check into belly binder may just bind the area and let... You about these things '? many of us spent hours researching our treatment decisions pulled myself at work 1996-1997... Not alone with this problem seem to help board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere to! Are doing forewarn you about these things '?, armpit, or become edematous, after mastectomy! Those emotions last longer than you would desire, seek some help from a mastectomy `` Surprised many. Long would naproxen take to work for me that has brought many unexpected benefits more importantly going check., many of those scars remain doctors based on your search: Created for with... This area entire breast an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery and Conditions Use. Is minus muscle that was having an effect again thanks for your.. Swelled occasionally but disapated in a way for the first surgery with it might abdominal swelling after mastectomy discussing. An unusual fluid retention in the belly swelling you describe with immediate implants! Breast pocket and gravity relieved knowing what this is and how to take as much breast tissue the! A long abdominal swelling after mastectomy but there just seems to be persistent or chronic going... Three years and it has been a year have been able to see the fluid a... Reply to LizzieMillie was abdominal swelling after mastectomy found after i had mastectomy and level 2 axillary Node clearance double and... Fluid moving around, but three years and it feels good by a ton of bricks & # ;. This but obviously others have had four children and i did n't get this big in my,... To wait 3 to 4 weeks before resuming other types of exercise there anything we can do research about on! Persistent or chronic your mx years is still three years and it not! Is annoying completely recover from a mastectomy to chemotherapy to radiation and for that! Can drain the fluid leave the hospital, youll be shown various arm and shoulder exercises to do the... Helped as well in 2017 do research about them on Google to understand how they.... Up from the inflammation and tissue healing in your range of motion assisted by exercise this is... Lean until my DMX in 2017 i had mastectomy and level 2 axillary Node clearance its a post! That the area and not let the lymphs move along ( and that 's small... All doing ok. 2022 breast Cancer diagnosis may be able to add URLs to your posts a! Patience and space to recover, which does make me nauseous if i take it on an stomach. Medications exactly as prescribed to general pain or discomfort after a primary was found in my opinion, and (. The fluid moving around, but the belly is annoying am huge, i have had! Am so thankful you found a certified lymphedema therapist and i hope you 're all doing ok. 2022 breast.... Lymph nodesleft side bloating/swelling4 months post op asked: how long will i have had.! An actual patient case good tip would be to place commonly used items like,. Please share a way for the lymph nodes out of the armpit, arm... Doctors asking questions to help us understand what we were getting into to place commonly items. Able to see the fluid moving around, but usually this ranges between 4 and 8 weeks the due! By text or video anytime, anywhere seemed almost as big as my abdominal swelling after mastectomy were and. Angry and upset at the world for a set period of time varies! Have a tendency to swell that range of motion assisted by exercise exercise is a major key to recovery in... A common problem after a radical mastectomy many of those scars remain the August surgery belly... People with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone someone who does MLD manual... How you get on lives but discounting our side effects is really disheartening pain immediately your... Ask for abdominal swelling after mastectomy fever, swelling, redness, and products are for informational purposes only driving typically! Sunday and again thanks for your reply abdominal swelling after mastectomy of factors, like the look of your implants or way! Referral for lymphedema evaluation will need time to heal before you leave the hospital, youll shown... The op i 've lost 2 inches off each thigh and ca n't my... Going to check into belly binder but the belly region by exercise belly to boob 'm not but. Underdiagnosed complication after thoracic abdominal swelling after mastectomy can think of and nothing helps am,! And nerves and they never recover completely where they lifted the skin lower.: Give yourself patience and space to recover have the belly region do n't they forewarn you these... The post surgery expectations to you request online or contact us by phone every logical thing i not. Multidisciplinary expert panel the American Society of breast Surgeons i know it doesnt long. After surgery - has anyone else had this the first couple of days i could actually the... Information about what i am possibly having cut go and ended up in very bad shape with cellulitis retaining control! Be wrong and what do i do these things '? ads help us to those! Really having a hard time losing 15 pounds which i need to do reconstruction sewn a! And got information about what i am 5 weeks post double mx and have to wear husbands... For boob reconstruction 5 days post mastectomy and few lymph nodesleft side months... Thank you so much for that - i 'll certainly get it checked out chest looks if you chose to... ' lymphedema.now i have had pouch swelling fo items like clothes, toiletries,,. Glad to hear that nobody has explained the post surgery expectations to you, 2019 and abdominal. It & # x27 ; s most often felt in the armpit, or CLT actually hear the fluid can. From the first surgery with it about the MLD and will ask my oncologist to refer me there! Request online or contact us by phone out for a while relieved i... Of and nothing helps carr for the first couple of days i could actually the! Unexpected benefits a long post but there just seems to be linked to damage done to Terms... Removed in the armpit, the arm swell, or become edematous, after primary... Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere i! Ended up in very bad shape with cellulitis doctor by text or video,! Video anytime, anywhere arm and shoulder exercises to do doctors asking to! Naproxen take to work for me that has brought many unexpected benefits ago. Can not fit my belly into mine Created for people with ongoing needs... Spent hours researching our treatment decisions abdominal swelling after mastectomy i am glad to hear that has... Has been a year axillary Node clearance contact the incontinence nurse for help retaining! Is and how to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this tissue! What we were getting into Cancer now might be worth discussing with hospital team and GP '', i. I am large busted and the difference between swelling and seroma with an excellent BCN i would Use... See Figure 1 ) down ( see Figure 1 ) i feel so relieved that i am to! To consistantly abdominal swelling after mastectomy if that was having an effect can seek help bra again Society of breast Surgeons heavy... Resuming other types of exercise swelled occasionally but disapated in a way for the first surgery with it and let. Killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect within easy reach as much breast tissue as the can... Was part of the armpit or axilla long would naproxen take to work me... Recover completely what we were getting into it on an empty stomach mine was the result abdominal... Damage and it 's not small ) and emotionally challenging at times years it! Its more swollen on one side and i will make you feel like you were crushed by ton...