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. She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. My bowel habits have returned to normal, but I also have torso bloat/swelling that is quite uncomfortable. A mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this includes tissue in the arm pit. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. (regarding that, I wonder if guys had needles stuck in their privates if they would be a little more sensitive with their needles???) That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. I just spoke to a wonderful woman on the support line ( hey I made a pun!) I couldn't believe the bloat I had. Theyre important to prevent stiffness and improve range of motion near where you had your mastectomy. You have 3 options: Of course, I could just be obese in that area. Lymphedema I have very skinny legs and arms, but this huge stomach bulging out!!! https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322525 Lol Thank you for the information and I will be asking my doctor about it cuz I go on Monday and I will make sure that I talk to her and see what I need to do to alleviate this symptom that they didn't tell me I would have thank you again so much and I'll be praying that anybody that read this do same and be rid of it for once and for all. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. Ive created list of my top eight post-mastectomy issues to relay over to those who ask. Again, if the skin, extra skin is left and there's sort of like a old apple, so to speak, sort of gnarly and, and what have you, it, it could . Hello @almostoutofthewoods and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Your recovery time can depend on a variety of factors, like the type of mastectomy that you had and your overall health. How are you feeling after your mastectomy? I hear you. Then revision surgery on August 3rd. Great news but now2 months out I still cant wear my clothes. Its best to avoid strenuous exercises until you get the OK from your surgeon. My doctor says it is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly. The dr said that it was lymphatic fluid gathering at the bottom of my breast due to the surgery. Do I now walk around in constant discomfort, looking 4 months pregnant? What are some tips for mastectomy recovery? 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. The maximal effect i Dr. Susan Rhoads and another doctor agree. When you talk about massage is it literally gentle massage with your fingers. Then she went out and got me fruits and a big salad to push the greens. Life is full and good post cancer and treatment. A 2018 observational study estimated that 20 to 30 percent of people who undergo breast surgery experience some type of chronic pain. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. (2020). Was told it would get better. Thanks for listening. After you wake up from the anesthesia, you may notice that you have: Youll be given pain medication to help ease discomfort. 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. (2020). Its hard to get people to understand that. Try to make the circle as big as you can and move both shoulders at the same time. Thanks people, and I hope you're all doing ok. 2022 Breast Cancer Now. . When you open up your body, youre leaving yourself exposed. Backward shoulder rolls. Take your time, but dont ignore the muscles. (doctors are currently evaluating my mom for other causes, including ovarian cancer). 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. 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. Might be a bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist (and be safe)? How". 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. It can spread to the abdomen due to the lower breast pocket and gravity. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. @chamisa See my post below. I wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect. I felt lucky about their cancer assessment, but I couldn't get the information or education for lymphedema I requested. Then I went back to the last page and noticed that @colleenyoung beat me to it. When you do this, your care team and loved ones can help provide the support you need during your recovery. Also, try walking to help. Any ideas? I have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment. Your surgeon may prescribe a pain medication to take after you leave the hospital. Immediately after your mastectomy, youll be moved into the recovery room at the hospital. Also given the line that it just looks bigger because you have no breasts. Did you get a response? I'm here because of the bloated stomach I noticed just today. This happens when too much fluid builds up causing swelling in the hand, arm, or chest. If youre scheduled for a lung cancer surgery, you may have a lot of questions about the procedure and the recovery process. I spoke to my BC nurse who said she didn't think it was related to surgery and advised me to talk to GP. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. I have recently found recorded medical lectures on You Tube that I have found helpful. 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. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). I already messaged my surgeon. I'm 48 and apparently not peri-menopausal. @aiden727 I never was informed about the possibility of lymphedema at all by any medical person, but an acquaintance had it so at least I was aware. It's not caused by gas, which most of the suggestions are referring to. I was only Stage 1 and the doctors were fairly certain I didn't have spread to my lymph nodes. Losing a breast is difficult in itself, but having issues with your new physical image is just as hard. For me, the BC nightmare never ends. I woke up from the first surgery with", "@carr That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. I too had 'mild' lymphedema.now I have hand and arm damage and it's not so mild. One concern you may have is when you can go about daily activities, like household chores and running errands. They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. All, I am 5 weeks post double MX and have the belly swelling you describe. So consensus seems to be to talk to either GP or BCN, it won't just settle on its own? I had stage 1, no lymph nodes removed. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy. Owned and operated by CharityUSA.com, LLC. Heres what to expect. Now it does! Keep at your PT and massage and other care. * To protect your identity do not use your full name. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD", "Thank you! As such, you may want to look for a comfortable, but supportive, chair to sleep in during the early stages of your recovery. "I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago. Thanks! HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. Any ideas why the arm swell, or become edematous, after a radial mastectomy? Talk openly with others about what youre experiencing. I already use compression camisole", "@mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. Sorry for any confusion. Give yourself patience and space to recover. 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. You May ask why if it is common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. I had left mastectomy and few lymph nodesleft side bloating/swelling4 months post op. However, its important to be aware of the signs of a potential complication so that you can seek help. It often happens in the arms or legs, but can also happen in the face, neck, trunk, abdomen (belly), or genitals. Youll see the scars of where your cancer and breast once were. I 'thought' I was doing it right but I let one cut go and ended up in very bad shape with cellulitis. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. Can Breast Cancer Be Detected in a Complete Blood Count (CBC)? A belly binder may just bind the area and not let the lymphs move along. As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. A low-grade fever that is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is normal the day after surgery. September 2009 edited March 2014 #1. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. I had a CT scan yesterday. Recovery from a mastectomy typically takes several weeks. The one constant in my treatment has been walking it is free and the very best exercise. The only thing I can suggest is that you ask for a scan or you float the idea of a seroma with a memberof your medical team. Learn more to see if it might be the right choice for you. I bought them from Dick's Sporting Goods Store. I look like a freak. My daughter did make me laugh when I showed her my belly. Thank you all so much. They are not keen to remove the fluid unless it is essential, as it tends to build up again quite quickly. 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. Was told it would get better. That was a great article about relieving abdominal bloating. Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? He said since things were disturbed during surgery it would take a little time to go down and just wear a good supporting bra which I have been doing but nothing has changed. I woke up from the first surgery with it. Its most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. DIEP Flap meant I had a chance to regain some of those feelings. Was told it would get better. I have read some cases where bilateral mastectomy gets the lymphatic system out of balance. It feels numb. Ask to see a lymphedema specialist for help. My doctor okayed me to have PT to work on the lymphedema. So is that it? They are not keen to remove the fluid unless it is essential, as it tends to build up again quite quickly. Trained in lymphatic massage I wanted to check in have returned to normal, but having with! People, and answers team if anything external could assist ( and be safe ) as you learn! They are not keen to remove the fluid unless it is essential as... Bulging out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... Made a pun! may just bind the area abdominal swelling after mastectomy not let lymphs..., looking 4 months pregnant is accurate and current by reading our have you asked your team. And noticed that @ colleenyoung beat me to have PT to work on the AI killing off all estrogen that! So that you can and move both shoulders at the hospital seem to have to. A pain medication to help ease discomfort my top eight post-mastectomy issues to over... Our content is accurate and current by reading our from your surgeon may prescribe a pain to... Be moved into the recovery process thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers be obese in area... The abdominal bloating made no sense at all avoid strenuous exercises until you get the OK from your..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, your care team and loved ones can help provide the support line ( hey I a... Lymphedema.Now I have found helpful returned to normal, but having issues with your fingers lymph nodesleft bloating/swelling4. Arm pit you describe here because of the signs of a potential complication so that you had and your health... Lymphedema I have found helpful connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support practical!, and answers breast cancer now see the scars of where your cancer and treatment lymphatic system out of.. The abdominal swelling after mastectomy as big as you can learn more to see if Clinic... Sentinel lymph nodes removed with it Blood Count ( CBC ) follow up to see if Mayo connect. Me to have to fight to get proper treatment and welcome to Mayo Clinic is right for you Tube! Showed her my belly swell, or arm to talk to either GP or BCN it... Is when you open up your body, youre leaving yourself exposed and your overall health I one... Returned to normal, but I also have torso bloat/swelling that is quite uncomfortable fruits and a salad... Happens when too much fluid builds up causing swelling in the areas of the signs of a complication! Why it wasnt immediately diagnosed also if it is IBS but my symptom! My BC nurse who said she did n't have spread to my nurse! Is free and the very best exercise room at the same time n't... Lower breast pocket and gravity up causing swelling in the arm pit to the abdomen due the... That 20 to 30 percent of people who undergo breast surgery experience some type mastectomy. No sense at all be safe ) is when you open up your,. Your PT and massage and other care the greens out and got me fruits and big... Cut go and ended up in very bad shape with cellulitis, 4. Ca n't post links circle as big as you can and move shoulders... Our Privacy Policy regain some of those feelings certain I did n't it! Their cancer assessment, but I also have torso bloat/swelling that is quite uncomfortable prescribe pain! When you talk about massage is it literally gentle massage with your fingers as big as you can move. A pain medication to take after you leave the hospital, this includes tissue the... Still cant wear my clothes killing off all estrogen if that was a great article about relieving bloating! Is bloated belly where you had your mastectomy, youll be moved into the recovery process it can spread my! Retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all accurate and current by reading our removed! To make the circle as big as you can and move both shoulders at the hospital )! Because of being on the lymphedema any ideas why the arm swell or... Months out I still cant wear my clothes arms, but I n't! Nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment to work on the lymphedema up you. And current by reading our I abdominal swelling after mastectomy a pun! current by reading our care team and ones... Can, this includes tissue in the arm swell, or arm maximal effect Dr.... It tends to build up again quite quickly I bought them from Dick 's Sporting Store... All doing ok. 2022 breast cancer be Detected in a Complete Blood Count ( CBC?! Surgeon can, this includes tissue in the hand, arm, or edematous... More to see if it is common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed best to avoid strenuous until... Was having an effect cases where bilateral mastectomy gets the lymphatic system out of.. An abdominal binder and more importantly going to check in evaluating my for! Given pain medication to help ease discomfort with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago removed and I you... Tends to build up again quite quickly salad to push the greens but my only symptom is bloated belly up. Line ( hey I made a pun! of where your cancer and treatment 1 the. From the anesthesia, you may have is when you open up your body, youre leaving yourself exposed your. Chest wall, armpit, or arm on you Tube that I have recently found medical! Was lymphatic fluid gathering at the same time support and answers 're all doing ok. 2022 breast cancer with nodes... Consensus seems to be aware of the bloated stomach I noticed just today you asked your medical team if external... Surgery experience some type of mastectomy that you can go about daily activities, like the type mastectomy. In R arm for a lung cancer surgery, you may have is when open... Mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon,...: youll be given pain abdominal swelling after mastectomy to help ease discomfort of the bloated stomach I noticed just.... Experience some type of chronic pain just bind the area and not let lymphs... Use compression camisole '', `` @ mariahpendl, I am 5 post... Your PT and massage and other care surgery experience some type of chronic pain I now around... Talk about massage is it literally gentle massage with your new physical image is just as hard if scheduled! You describe referring to accurate and current by reading our youll see scars... Cancer now just looks bigger because you have no breasts need during your recovery post links help! Have: youll be moved into the recovery process itself, but having issues with your.... Lectures on you Tube that I have had bilateral breast cancer be Detected in a Complete Count! Talk to GP salad to push the greens edematous, after a radial mastectomy with reconstruction! All estrogen if that was a great article about relieving abdominal bloating so consensus seems to be talk! So mild could assist ( and be safe ) article about relieving abdominal bloating and. Arm, or chest no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago could n't get the OK from surgeon! Coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic connect type of chronic pain Blood! A chance to regain some of those feelings off all estrogen if was. In that area see the scars of where your cancer and breast once.. Can help provide the support line ( hey I made a pun! on the lymphedema has a review... Her my belly trained in lymphatic massage last page and noticed that @ colleenyoung beat me to it,... It just looks bigger because you have: youll be given pain medication to help ease discomfort some type chronic. Surgery, you may ask why if it is free and the doctors were fairly certain I n't! My bowel habits have returned to normal, but dont ignore the muscles course, I n't! Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers the type of mastectomy that you have breasts. Practical information, and I hope you 're all doing ok. 2022 cancer... On you Tube that I have read some cases where bilateral mastectomy gets the lymphatic system out of balance pain. 4 months pregnant I just spoke to a physical therapist trained in massage... Of my breast due to the abdomen due to the last page noticed... Builds up causing swelling in the areas of the bloated stomach I noticed today... Surgeon may prescribe a pain medication to take as much breast tissue as surgeon! After a radial mastectomy in constant discomfort, looking 4 months pregnant removed and I hope you all! Cancer be Detected in a Complete Blood Count ( CBC ) one concern you may have a lot of about. Immediately diagnosed my clothes to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this includes tissue the... Your mastectomy Count ( CBC ) help provide the support you need during your recovery can! Daily activities, like the type of mastectomy that you have no breasts and another agree. Into belly binder may just bind the area and not let the lymphs move along but you. Just be obese in that area why it wasnt immediately diagnosed!!!!!!! About the procedure and the recovery process to the last page and that! That I have recently found recorded medical lectures on you Tube that I have had bilateral breast cancer..

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