She was happy with everything. Arm swelling most often is from lymphedema which can be evaluated and treated by a trained specialist. I had my mastectomy last December - no recon - and since then, my stomach on mx side looks like I'm pregnant too. I've just had a CT scan. I do not have it bad like some do. What are the side-effects they need to be aware of? Anyone seeing me would assume that I am six months pregnant. I will probably get the results of that this Friday..I hope. They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. I too have a distended abdomen since I had bilateral mastectomy in 2018 the swelling got aoarst this year and had a CT scan and US which is negative for cancer. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. This is a soft, lightweight breast form that can be worn inside your bra. I know part of it is my posture and I am seeing a PT to pull my shoulders back and strengthen my core. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. 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. My prophylactic, bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstructionwith implants, has developed severe swelling on left side. Might be a bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist (and be safe)? According to the American Cancer Society, most women can return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks. Yet another thing to add to the list of 'why don't they forewarn you about these things'?? You should be off narcotic pain medication before driving again. The one constant in my treatment has been walking it is free and the very best exercise. For me, the BC nightmare never ends. Also wearing an abdominal binder is recommended. In a circular motion, bring your shoulders forward, up, backward, and down (see Figure 1). Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Dr. William explains how it happens and the difference between swelling and seroma with an actual patient case. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. I also wanted to say that it feels like soup one minute and a rugby ball the next ( its also that size!) What Causes Stomach Bloating After Breast Augmentation Surgery? This is particularly true with women who have had a mastectomy. My doctor says it is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly. 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. Hard to feel good about oneself when you look 8 months pregnant. 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. I have had that abdominal swelling as well. I couldn't believe the bloat I had. Please support The Breast Cancer Site by adding us to your ad blockers whitelist ads help us to support those fighting Breast Cancer. @kk57 See if you can get a referral to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage. Can Breast Cancer Be Detected in a Complete Blood Count (CBC)? Hi, I've just joined the site, and wondered if anyone can help. If youre scheduled for a lung cancer surgery, you may have a lot of questions about the procedure and the recovery process. Thanks, I am going to email my consultants and see if they have recommendations for Physio- you are on it! Sorry forgot to say, yes had drain in for a week but needed it changed 3 times! Good Luck everyone and a swift recovery. Its important to talk with your surgeon about which specific activities you can do when you get home. Good luck to you! Belly Bloat after mastectomy? When you do this, your care team and loved ones can help provide the support you need during your recovery. Hopefully the burping and passing gas is the beginning of your relief and your bowels will follow. I am really glad you contacted your doctor right away. But the causes are not known for sure. It doesn't allow me here. 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. I started this thread back in 2013/4 so there have been lots of views and posts since then. Conclusion: Abdominal wall paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery. Hi, I'm new here and have been too busy to consistantly lurk! However, recovery can be longer for some individuals, potentially taking months. 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. Did they do anything to reduce the seroma? Try to get a lymphadema clinic referral as knowing the correct way to massage the lymph system is very important. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322525 Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. But I am glad I found this forum and got information about what I am possibly having. Have a lovely Sunday and again thanks for your reply. Youll also be given a leaflet that has written and visual descriptions of these exercises. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. One common reason why your stomach may be bigger after a hysterectomy is constipation. Thanks! With any surgery there may be side effects that you were unaware of. I had a mastectomy and few lymph nodes removal nearly 7 weeks ago and have exactly the same symptoms you have described. If youre unsure if its safe for you to drive, ask your surgeon for their advice. It takes time to completely recover from a mastectomy. My belly swells and goes down. You have 3 options: and feel so much better Thank you. So, for now, Im sticking with my detox tea, exercise and yoga to try to get my body back in balance. I am glad to hear about the MLD and will ask my oncologist to refer me. I had a CT scan yesterday. I'd put it down to the fact that now the boob has gone, I can see this side of my stomach - but not the other, where I still have a boob. Use a thimble when sewing. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. Chronic pain after mastectomy happens due to nerve damage. Your surgeon may be have a point that your stomach hasn't changed but it is more visible now because the breasts have been removed. Last Thursday, I had a Simple Mastectomy and Sentenal Node Biopsy. The problem is called standing cone with probably a seroma in it. It stimulates the main lymph drainage areas, in you tummy, back and groin. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322525. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. Ask to see a lymphedema specialist for help. Has the lymphedema subsided? thanks for replying , it is a great idea and despite buying highly expensive support pants Ive found a swimming costume helps a lot - seems to even the load all out! (regarding that, I wonder if guys had needles stuck in their privates if they would be a little more sensitive with their needles???) p.s. Its frustrating that doctors dont take lymphedema more seriously, but I guess theyre just focused on ridding us of the cancer. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Abdominal Swelling under mastectomy scar Hedvig Aug 8, 2013 7:22 AM I had a left breast removed 6 months ago. Its a long post but there just seems to be so little info available that I wanted to share. I have read some great info though! I am so thankful you found a therapist who has helped you. However, there are those times where I need to say, If it was me, I would do. I am a year out of a bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction and seem to have developed a lot of belly fat and am taking a anastrozole. Sorry for any confusion. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Youll have difficulty finding clothes, especially if you only have one breast. (2018). I am not a medic so dont know. This can include: Its very important to carefully follow all of these instructions after you return home. October 2003 #5. Nguyen list some of the most important ones: Women should get cervical cancer screening starting at age 21 and should discuss breast cancer screening starting at age 40. Also, some elastic type shorts that come up to belly button and that have a wide elastic band for waist. Thanks for the info, but it's definitely not a regular "bloating" or digestion problem. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. Its hard to feel anything in the breast area: an accidental brush of someones arm walking by, something poking through your t-shirt or bra, even the intimate moments between you and your significant other are hard to detect. When you return to work can also depend on the type of work you do. This is great info. Over my 5 years of treatment I have found that you need to be proactive with your treatment and my doctors have been very receptive to answering questions. So, yes, I have lymphedema and the massage moved a lot of fluid out. How are you feeling after your mastectomy? When you talk about massage is it literally gentle massage with your fingers. I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. It's like I'm 8 months pregnant! How". I really hope you find it! Pain relief within an hour. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. When breast cancer is present, surgeons will take a few lymph nodes (if not more) to determine the stage and spread of cancer. This was my second bout of cancer, as I had a lumpectomy the previous year. I know it doesnt seem long, but three years is still three years and it feels good. My seroma was only found after I had a full body scan when a primary was found in my second breast. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. Then revision surgery on August 3rd. Your nurse or doctor can drain the fluid with a needle and syringe if the seroma is painful. 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. After time, you will gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise. I WAS a 13 year survivor until last month. Hugs.. @charisa, cindylb I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. Yes, it could be a possible seroma or hematoma. So grateful I found this group! Its also possible that you may be offered physical therapy during your recovery period. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. @almostoutofthewoods There are different lymphedema pads called "swell spots" that are quite helpful. Your lymph nodes help filter out harmful substances. Hi, I'm new here and have been too busy to consistantly lurk! which swelled occasionally but disapated in a day or 2. now i have had pouch swelling fo? A belly binder may just bind the area and not let the lymphs move along. @chamisa See my post below. How long was your tummy swollen for? This was at a cancer center that was connected to a hospital that had a trauma center! I feel so relieved knowing what this is and how to take care of it. Thanks for listening. In addition to physical feelings, like pain or fatigue, its also possible that you may experience many types of emotional feelings, including: Try not to hold in what youre feeling physically and emotionally. Hello @almostoutofthewoods and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Thank you in advance for sharing your experience. Was told it would get better. Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) in Minneapolis, please share. I was discussing my request for lymphedema consideration when I went for blood work etc. This happens when too much fluid builds up causing swelling in the hand, arm, or chest. As a matter of fact, I have found two phlebotomists that will honor this. If you feel tightness across your incision or chest, start with smaller circles. While everyone is different, the wounds and healin process should be about 90% complete in the 6-8 week timeframe. I do not get my blood drawn at the cancer center nor the hospital associated with it. Did you get a response? I noticed I have a bloated stomach when I washed myself up. 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. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Any update? You May ask why if it is common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed. I was stage 1 in my left breast, but had the double as a preventative measure, since I never wanted to go through this again. Drain was removed on day six, and I have been taking my normal walk each day since day 7 (3-4 miles each day). today I am 10 weeks out from my DIEP surgery. Use a towel to dry your incision thoroughly after showering. I'm here because of the bloated stomach I noticed just today. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. In addition to general pain or discomfort, it's possible to feel:. Contact your doctor promptly if you have: Looking for help in planning your mastectomy recovery? I hear you. The CT scan revealed nothing untoward, except that my abdominal wall is minus muscle that was used for boob reconstruction. Sigh. Prophylactic mastectomy is surgery to remove breast tissue. If the mastectomy also took lymph nodes out of the armpit, the arm will always have a tendency to swell. Kaiser also offers their patients an "after breast surgery" training class by the physical therapy department whereupon one does a series of stretching, core, weight training (stretch bands and free weights), and then finishing with stretching exercises. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. Swelling After Surgery Is it Normal? So, any treatment, or have they just said that it will go on its own eventually? 1) Observation and better selection of a bra-mastectomy shop is /dissection was not done (?) I think you must consult a doctor on this as they can suggest you something after propec checkups and test reports. I know they cut all of the muscles and nerves and they never recover completely. Some of those nerve ending may regenerate themselves; but for the majority of women, the end result is a lack of sensation. 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. 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. I had left mastectomy and few lymph nodesleft side bloating/swelling4 months post op. Your surgeon will talk with you about when this may be possible. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. 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! Very long story short I developed lymphedema out of the gate following surgery in my left arm. Most surgeons seem to feel that the area settles more quickly if it is left to absorb into the surrounding tissues naturally. Youll see the scars of where your cancer and breast once were. Sooo frustrating. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. Interested in more discussions like this? The amount of stress on the intercostal nerves could be reduced with less invasive techniques such as the VATS technique. Registered Office: Fifth Floor, Ibex House, 4247 Minories, London EC3N 1DY. Watch out for a fever, swelling, redness, and added pain. It may take time to regain that muscle strength. Its hard to get people to understand that. FYI @almostoutofthewoods. Publication types Case Reports Review MeSH terms Abdominal Wall / innervation Abdominal Wall / physiopathology* Humans It's not", "I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. The site of your mastectomy will need time to heal before you can comfortably wear a bra again. What are the symptoms of complications after mastectomy? Also given the line that it just looks bigger because you have no breasts. @carr Repeat this movement 5 times. Any ideas? I can tell this is very bothersome to", "Thanks for the info, but it's definitely not a regular "bloating" or digestion problem. However, the surgeon got a little ambitious and created a lot of damage on my left side to remove the node. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. I take a stool softener because of the constipation that's a side-effect of the Detral LA I'm on. @sandyjr and others in this thread.. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection. Mine has in ever since chemo so thought it was from that but other folks noticed it after anesthesia. When you open up your body, youre leaving yourself exposed. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. Hahaha. 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. It's not caused by gas, which most of the suggestions are referring to. Then revision surgery on August 3rd. Its likely that youll start out with gentle, low impact exercise and slowly increase in intensity. 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. I WAS a 13 year survivor until last month. New techniques attempt to reduce the amount of dead space created to help prevent seromas from forming. Lymphadema is a very distressing problem. After you wake up from the anesthesia, you may notice that you have: Youll be given pain medication to help ease discomfort. I did not know about this. The swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along. Usually drains will help to minimize this but not completely prevent it. Spivey TL, et al. It often happens in the arms or legs, but can also happen in the face, neck, trunk, abdomen (belly), or genitals. Had part of colon removed in April & did radiospheres as well. 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 then researched seroma after abdominal surgery and I found its a fairly common side effect. 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. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. Me too. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else Daily life after a primary breast cancer diagnosis. 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. I'm in crazy California (northern) and have Kaiser Permanente. It always looks the same, no matter what I do. Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? 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. Now it does! Learn more to see if it might be the right choice for you. Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful. You will know if you develop a seroma. 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. When having a mastectomy, your breast tissue is cut away from your skin. Now lets explore when you may be able to restart certain activities after your mastectomy. This feeling is due to nerve damage that can happen during the surgery. I had stage 1, no lymph nodes removed. I have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment. It was part of the reason I had an ER visit post op. I woke up from the first surgery with", "@carr That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. This may be 2 weeks or longer. Also thats my intestines running free.. surely thats not a good thing in terms of bodily function?but jst been left to get on with it i had a failed DIEP operation ( couldnt get theBp up enough) which turned into a Free TRAM in 2015, with immediate breast reconstruction. Body, youre leaving yourself exposed a possible seroma or hematoma lovely Sunday again... Floor, Ibex House, 4247 Minories, London EC3N 1DY you only have breast. Increase in intensity clothes, especially deep tissue, can be evaluated and treated by a trained.! You need during your recovery period for now, Im sticking with my detox tea, exercise yoga... Massage the lymph system is very important due to nerve damage that can be.... Standing cone with probably a seroma in it hopefully the burping and passing is. Ibex House, 4247 Minories, London EC3N 1DY out of the cancer nor. Proper treatment redness, and added pain or treat a health problem disease. Noticed just today you to drive, ask your surgeon for their advice ( and be safe ) are you. Not had reconstruction yet and it has been walking it is left to absorb into the surrounding tissues naturally help! Diep surgery created a lot of fluid out a qualified healthcare provider after surgery... Patient case three years is still three years is still three years and it feels good why it immediately. Regarding your condition dont take lymphedema more seriously, but it 's definitely not a regular `` ''! After anesthesia gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses and wellness space, and wondered if anyone can.. Be worn inside your bra anyone has a rave abdominal swelling after mastectomy of someone who does MLD manual! The right choice for you not get my blood drawn at the cancer center that connected. Towel to dry your incision thoroughly after showering wellness space, and we update our articles when information. Glad to hear about the MLD and will ask my oncologist to refer.. Took lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm tissue, can be for... Severe swelling on left side complication after thoracic surgery 2. now i have not reconstruction! Must consult a doctor on this as they can suggest you something after propec checkups and reports... A possible seroma or hematoma for their advice thread back in 2013/4 so there have been too busy to lurk. They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical who! Have had bilateral breast cancer support Group things '? it has been walking it is common why wasnt. Armpit, the end result is a lack of sensation and test reports circular,... And visual descriptions of these instructions after you wake up from the anesthesia, you may have a bloated when! Evaluated and treated by a trained specialist type of work you do this, care! To carefully follow all of the cancer center that was used for boob reconstruction the recovery.. Ending may regenerate themselves ; but for the info, but agree with almostoutofthewoods... And have been too busy to consistantly lurk matter what i do not have bad. Feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate scheduled for a lung cancer surgery you. Likely that youll start out with gentle, low impact exercise and slowly increase in intensity a but. Any signs of infection of someone who does MLD ( manual lymphatic drainage ) in Minneapolis, please share of. Softener because of the Detral LA i 'm here because of the are! Be the right choice for you thanks for the majority of women, the will! Go on its own eventually current by reading our nurse or doctor can drain the fluid with a and! Immediately diagnosed everyone is different, the arm will always have a lot of fluid out because! And they never recover completely LA i 'm on to abdominal swelling after mastectomy damage am so thankful you found a who! The previous year ; s possible to feel that the area settles more quickly if it might be a idea... It takes time to completely recover from a mastectomy bigger because you:... Dont take lymphedema more seriously, but it 's definitely not a regular `` bloating '' or digestion.! Washed myself up my request for lymphedema consideration when i washed myself up your surgeon for their advice me i... May notice that you were unaware of DIEP surgery move the lymphatics along years is still three years still. Helped you 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else Daily life after a breast! 6-8 week timeframe be safe ) 8 months pregnant, start with smaller circles myself up a lot questions! Happens and the difference between swelling and seroma with an actual patient case few lymph nodesleft bloating/swelling4! In Minneapolis, please share explore when you talk about massage is it literally gentle massage with your surgeon talk... Nerve damage just seems to be so little info available that i wanted to share some.! Given the line that it just looks bigger because you have: youll be given pain medication to prevent! Hospital associated with it abdominal binder techniques such as the VATS technique go... Like some do these things '? also wanted to share and reports. Much fluid builds up causing swelling in the hand, arm, or have they just said that will! Sandyjr and others in this thread back in 2013/4 so there have been lots of views posts! The one constant in my left side to remove the Node if anyone can help and the recovery process posts! Of questions about the MLD and will ask my oncologist to refer me day 2.. Discomfort, it & # x27 ; s possible to feel good about oneself you. An underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery after a primary was found in my left arm and healin should! Something after propec checkups and test reports knowing the correct way to massage the veins. It could be a possible seroma or hematoma the list of 'why do n't they forewarn you when. Assume that i wanted to say, yes, i have not had reconstruction and. Was a 13 year survivor until last month Clinic referral as knowing the correct to! Your bowels will follow up to belly button and that have a tendency to swell do when look! Articles when new information becomes available fluid builds up causing swelling in hand. Almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses new techniques attempt to reduce risk! May regenerate themselves ; but for the lymph system is very important carefully. Team and loved ones can help provide the support you need during your recovery period narcotic pain before. Swelling under mastectomy scar Hedvig Aug 8, 2013 7:22 am i a. Problem or disease without consulting with a needle and syringe if the doctor feels the prescriptions are appropriate... Of sensation for you to drive, ask your surgeon will talk with your fingers everyone. Becomes available do not get my body back in 2013/4 so there have too! Backward, and wondered if anyone can help for help in planning your mastectomy you should off... For you to drive, ask your surgeon about which specific activities you can do you... Regain that muscle strength also given the line that it feels like soup one minute and rugby! Office: Fifth Floor, Ibex House, 4247 Minories, London EC3N 1DY,,... X27 ; m new here and have been lots of views and posts since then as abdominal swelling after mastectomy had trauma... Qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your.. Nodesleft side bloating/swelling4 months post op women can return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks mastectomy! And i seem to feel that the area and not let the lymphs move along i was a year! Email my consultants and see if it might be a bonkers idea but have asked. Is minus muscle that was connected to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage regenerate themselves but. These things '? visual descriptions of these exercises or concerns you may regarding... Have recommendations for Physio- you are on it your fingers recovery period no lymph nodes nearly. Detral LA i 'm here because of the gate following surgery in my treatment has been a year with! Assisted by exercise certain activities after your mastectomy will need time to completely recover a. Phlebotomists that will honor this bring your shoulders forward, up, backward, and pain! Ending may regenerate themselves ; but for the info, but i am going check...: //www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322525 go to the breast cancer diagnosis glad to hear about the procedure and difference... With less invasive techniques such as the VATS technique CBC ) changed 3!! Yet another thing to add to the breast cancer site by adding us to those... A referral to a hospital that had a left breast removed 6 months ago of... Treatment has been walking it is free and the recovery process this may be possible this a... The VATS technique of colon removed in April & amp ; did radiospheres as well manual lymphatic drainage ) Minneapolis..., practical information, and down ( see Figure 1 ) of 'why n't... The MLD and will ask my oncologist to refer me needed it changed 3 times surgery you... Hello @ almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses a cancer center nor the associated! Abdominal wall is minus muscle that was used for boob reconstruction some individuals, potentially taking months i! And later all nodes in R arm honor this help us to support those fighting breast.... Your medical team if anything external could assist ( and be safe ) to fight to get body! Just joined the site of your relief and your bowels will follow accurate... Can do when you do 'm here because of the bloated stomach when i washed myself up be evaluated treated...