abdominal swelling after mastectomy
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Follow your instincts and if your doctor isn't responsive enough, keep looking for one who will attend to your health needs. What are the symptoms of complications after mastectomy? As it turned out there were no lymph nodes removed, just some fatty tissue. If you feel sick to your stomach, let the staff know, so they can give you some antinausea medication. If this is the case, get instructions from your surgeon on how to care for your surgical drains at home. I still look pregnant on the right side of my stomach, and I had my tram flap op 6 1/2 months ago. This was my second bout of cancer, as I had a lumpectomy the previous year. Its best to avoid strenuous exercises until you get the OK from your surgeon. It's NOT a good look! I am 49 yrs old and have to wear my husbands clothes because I cannot fit my belly into mine. All Rights Reserved. 
One of the unfortunate side effects of mastectomy is a loss of sensation in the chest area. We offer a range of post-vasectomy pain syndrome treatments for these syndromes including non surgical treatments, vasectomy Activity. No hernia. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else Daily life after a primary breast cancer diagnosis. That said, it usually takes about three to six months for swelling to subside and for your breast to achieve a final shape, but it may take longer, particularly for patients who received radiation therapy for breast cancer treatment. WebPractice deep breathing exercises (using your diaphragm) at least 6 times a day. I had my mx last December and unless I wear my prosthesis I look pregnant - not a good look LOL x. Hi, thank you for responding. Sorry for any confusion. Barlotta KS, Stack LB, Knoop KJ. I had my mastectomy last December - no recon - and since then, my stomach on mx side looks like I'm pregnant too. But on the best positive ever i am 5 years clear. Following bilateral Mx I had failed implants and was completely flat.My tummy appeared to be really fat,as wasn't balanced out. .You might need antibiotics. You will know if you develop a seroma. Its important to take all pain medications exactly as prescribed. They are not keen to remove the fluid unless it is essential, as it tends to build up again quite quickly. Sigh. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. I bought them from Dick's Sporting Goods Store. You have had a post op ct so if it was a seroma they should have been able to see the fluid. Post-Op Recovery.
It takes about four to six weeks to recover from mastectomy surgery. You will know if you develop a seroma. 
After researching this phenomenon online, I think that it must be due to the antibiotic I will finish today. Hugs.. @charisa, cindylb Eat smaller amounts more slowly. abdominal swelling after mastectomy Educacin que atiende las demandas de la regin. If you had a mastectomy without breast reconstruction, youll be given a prosthesis to wear. Mastectomy: Your operation explained. 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. Lots of swelling but few if any, caused by pedicle tram recon. Chronic pain after mastectomy happens due to nerve damage. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. 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 dont like regular lymphedema compression sleeves but I do like Solidea brand items, which my therapist recommended.) See additional information. Please tell me it will go away. It might mean managing a disease, infection, growth, obstruction, or injury. Part 1 Maintaining Fitness 1 Exercise regularly. However, its important to be aware of the signs of a potential complication so that you can seek help. My lymphedema is mild because I avoid triggers, practice MLD, have a Flexitouch pump system to use as needed, know what physical exercises to do to help, know how to short-stretch bandage if necessary, and finally wear a compression sleeve during exercise or exertion. During this time, hospital staff will monitor vital signs, like your heart rate and blood pressure. Management of Chronic Abdominal Distension and Bloating. @chamisa See my post below. Theyll start by asking you questions about your symptoms and examining your abdomen to see where it's distended. Though there is no cure-all for lymphedema, here are a few simple measures to help avoid or decrease lymph node swelling after a mastectomy. Belly bloatHi Shirley - I too had my surgery last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy. Organ enlargement from inflammation or a growth. I do not get my blood drawn at the cancer center nor the hospital associated with it. A build-up of fluid in the abdomen caused by. 
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 started physical therapy I hear you. I am huge, I have had four children and I didn't get this big in my abdominal area. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. I had a mastectomy and few lymph nodes removal nearly 7 weeks ago and have exactly the same symptoms you have described. 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. Follow these instructions if you had a mastectomy with breast reconstruction, without reconstruction, or after delayed reconstruction. I couldn't believe the bloat I had. I proactively insisted on a referral to a lymphedema therapist (who incidentally was awful I have since found a kind, caring, and helpful therapist. Had been on this med years earlier and remembered that it caused severe stomach pain. We couldnt do what we do without our volunteers and donors. As such, you may want to look for a comfortable, but supportive, chair to sleep in during the early stages of your recovery. My doctor says it is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly. 
This depends on your overall health as well as the type of procedure you had. I think paranoid hyperchondriac is a pretty good label for me right now!
6 Chest, arm, and underarm (armpit) pain can all occur, and the pain is often described as dull, aching, or burning. I have no answer but mine was a seroma and had to be surgically remove as it was left so long. I woud look at your lymph system as the areas you have highlighted sound like the main lymph drainage areas. 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. Your healthcare provider may recommend a hydrogen breath test to help determine the cause of excess intestinal gas. Swelling follows gravity and WebRedness or swelling in your leg. * To protect your identity do not use your full name. I am so sorry you have gone through all of that without the doctors or nurses explaining the future possibilities. 
. As a matter of fact, I have found two phlebotomists that will honor this. Another cause of abdominal distension is fluid build-up in the lining of the abdominal cavity, called the peritoneum. Acute pain from a mastectomy will gradually go away as you heal. It's like I'm 8 months pregnant! 
All the best to you. In: Knoop KJ, Stack LB, Storrow AB, Thurman R. eds. But it doesnt negate my nemisis.bloating. Doctor dismissed this and told me to go ahead and try it anyway. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Hi, I had my mastectomy in April, and ever since the op I've had upper abdominal swelling. Functional problems are observable but unexplained. Most surgeons seem to feel that the area settles more quickly if it is left to absorb into the surrounding tissues naturally. My seroma was only found after I had a full body scan when a primary was found in my second breast. My mom is experiencing the same thing - visible abdominal distension, that has persisted almost 5 weeks after her surgery. When you leave the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery at home. WebUpdated. Bone fractures (breaks) Unexplained back pain, difficulty walking, numbness and loss of bladder or bowel control. As I'm 62, this would be impossible and I'm very definitely post menopausal. Patients typically feel the remainder of the swelling for a few weeks after surgery.
I bought the 9" abdominal binder from the medical store called Aids for Recovery. I felt lucky about their cancer assessment, but I couldn't get the information or education for lymphedema I requested. Be sure if you go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage. Below, well outline what you can generally expect, both in the hospital and after you return home. WebMaximum swelling usually occurs 3-5 days after your surgery and it will generally go away completely in two weeks and even as early as 5 to 7 days. I am due to have my seroma surgical removed on Tuesday 22 July. Can a Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Be Performed at the Same Time? Doing so can help your recovery go as smoothly as possible. Auto-suggest helps you quickly narrow down your search results by suggesting possible matches as you type. Its also possible for numbness to be persistent or chronic. One concern you may have is when you can go about daily activities, like household chores and running errands. Identify food sensitivities and change your diet accordingly. This is what I want to know,too. I WAS a 13 year survivor until last month. How long will I be recovering from a mastectomy? It can also be a sign of heart, liver, or kidney Interested in more discussions like this? Significant recent weight gain, which tends to be stored as intra WebSwelling or edema is a build-up of fluid in the tissues. I think you must consult a doctor on this as they can suggest you something after propec checkups and test Research. Talk with your surgeon so you understand the risks beforehand. I would be happy to receive news and updates from Cancer Chat, NICE suspected cancer referral guidelines, Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People. It's not", "I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling.
A distended abdomen is either an organic or a functional problem. WebPractice deep breathing exercises (using your diaphragm) at least 6 times a day. Its also common to feel a bit nauseous from the anesthesia. 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. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. A mastectomy is a type of surgery that removes the entire breast. Cancer.org is provided courtesy of the Leo and Gloria Rosen family. 
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. Treatment options might include: Medications, including over-the-counter You should be off narcotic pain medication before driving again. I had my op on both breasts on the Thursday and my drains were taken out on the Saturday. Does it go away? In 2020 I noticed a bulge that grew and grew! Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walks, ACS Center for Diversity in Research Training. Another health carrier, Sutter, also offers classes and I found their lymphedema class was even more educational. I can tell this is very bothersome to you, as I can understand. This feeling is due to nerve damage that can happen during the surgery. It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. abdominal swelling.I hadn't even heard or considered thatthanks for the info. This can happen if you have a more extensive procedure, such as a radical mastectomy or if you have breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. I think whats difficult for me is mainly -the impact of this on daily living, theres ongoing pain, the immediate need to go to the loo and the not knowing if I am gonna keep growing.. which seems minor when everyone is going through so much and fighting to beat cancer. You can help reduce your risk of cancer by making healthy choices like eating right, staying active and not smoking. The content on this site is for informational purposes only. If you have functional abdominal distension and the cause is unknown, it might take some trial and error to manage it. Diet. 
I guard my hands and arms like you wouldnt believe. 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! Ugh. Your surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment about 7 to 10 days after your mastectomy. Once the fluid was aspirated, it almost immediately felt a lot better. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this?
It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. 
Very long story short I developed lymphedema out of the gate following surgery in my left arm. Checklist for recovery after mastectomy. 
First of all, I am my biggest critic and that being said, I hear myself ask questions and sound vain, shallow. Its most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. The blood supply and nerves that provide feeling travel through breast tissue therefore, Recovery from a mastectomy typically takes several weeks. Here you'll find in-depth information on specific cancer types including risk factors, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment options. 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. Help us end cancer as we know it,for everyone. 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. WebThe work that can be done to help heal the body following a mastectomy begins with the lymphatic system. Thanks for listening. If you have an acute condition that isn't improving, you should seek care to rule out serious causes. Home care will involve monitoring the surgical wound for swelling and discharge, ensuring your dog cannot lick or interfere with the wound (sometimes by using a medical pet shirt or Elizabethan collar), and restricting their exercise until 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. Gone up several sizes despite losing weight. For me, the BC nightmare never ends. Im assuming that its my skin reacting to spring because it started when the weather started getting warmer. @carr Its common to have pain or discomfort after a mastectomy. So consensus seems to be to talk to either GP or BCN, it won't just settle on its own? I let the doctors convince me that I shouldn't worry about lymphedema and here I am fighting this battle while I'm also about to hear that I have hit the 5 year mark cancer free (a very good bit of news). Be careful not to touch or remove the steri-strips or sutures. Once the month-long class is completed, as patients we do those twice weekly at home and for me it takes about 30 minutes. Eighteen ways to reduce bloating: Be patient, get back to your normal fluid and food intake and wear come compressive garments to help. 
Sooo frustrating. I started this thread back in 2013/4 so there have been lots of views and posts since then. In: Suneja M, Szot JF, LeBlond RF, Brown DD.