Some examples of things to pack are: Recovering from a mastectomy can be physically and emotionally challenging at times. What were your test results? A 2018 observational study estimated that 20 to 30 percent of people who undergo breast surgery experience some type of chronic pain. I am paying the price now and 'paying' includes pain, anxiety and huge bills from my hospital stay and follow ups (I'm just 62 now and so no medicare to soften the financial blow). 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. 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 have read some great info though! I WAS a 13 year survivor until last month. The hollow organs of the abdomen include the stomach, small intestine, colon, gallbladder, bile ducts, fallopian tubes, uterus and bladder. 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. an elastic sleeve to wear to reduce arm swelling an elasticated vest (to reduce breast swelling) your arm bandaged up with a particular type of short-stretch bandage that your lymphoedema specialist puts on exercises that help the fluid to drain from your arm a specialised massage called manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) This depends on your overall health as well as the type of procedure you had. Give yourself patience and space to recover. it took me a year to have my abdominal swell to be identified but when it was I was told it was a common side effect. Or, it may be so great your arm or other affected area grows very large. I agree that, like most operations, the thought and fear of it is really quite scary, so many congratulations on having the strength to go through with it. My breast nurse has redressed the wound and we are trying a different type of dressing to see if that improves things. If youre experiencing prolonged pain after the procedure, discuss your treatment options with a doctor. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. Your surgeon can give you a more specific timeline for how long your recovery period may last. It might mean managing a disease, infection, growth, obstruction, or injury. A disorder of the muscle contractions involved in digestion (. WebSwelling or edema is a build-up of fluid in the tissues. Dr. David Earle answered General Surgery 33 years experience Variable: While everyone is different, the wounds and healin process should be about 90% complete in the 6-8 week timeframe. Welcome to the forum. All went well and I have regained excellent range of mobility. My breastcare nurse have also been a great source of help and support. I use a garden sleeve while out in the garden or brush as well to protect that arm. Like a bowling ball. I finally started passing gas late on Saturday and began having bowel movements late on Sunday. Doing so can help your recovery go as smoothly as possible. I have had that abdominal swelling as well. The Abdomen, Perineum, Anus, and Rectosigmoid. Hi, I'm new here and have been too busy to consistantly lurk! A low-grade fever that is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is normal the day after surgery. All, I am 5 weeks post double MX and have the belly swelling you describe. For a nipple-sparing mastectomy, the surgeon removed the entire breast and left the nipple and areola (the pigmented circle around the nipple) in place. I have no answer but mine was a seroma and had to be surgically remove as it was left so long. And. I have very skinny legs and arms, but this huge stomach bulging out!!! Chronic abdominal distension accompanied by an uncomfortable bloated feeling is often related to a digestive problem. Possible Lymphedema is a build-up of lymph fluid in arm tissue, which causes swelling. Now lets explore when you may be able to restart certain activities after your mastectomy. 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. If your distended abdomen has an organic cause, the treatment will be very specific to that cause. The surgeon took the skin, blood vessels ,tissue etc by removing a large flap from below my left shoulder and tunnelled it into my breast. Possible problems after mastectomy. A distended abdomen is measurably swollen beyond its normal size. It may resolve on its own over time, or it may need to be drained. I have had CT scan, Xrays and blood tests and all are normal. Sigh. Most of the people faces problem after surgeries but then you must be really cautious about all these problems. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. I have recently found recorded medical lectures on You Tube that I have found helpful. I am 49 yrs old and have to wear my husbands clothes because I cannot fit my belly into mine. It can also be a sign of heart, liver, or kidney and feel so much better Thank you. Is this fluid build up normal? I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. My belly seemed almost as big as my boobs were (and that's not small). Some examples of potential treatments include: During your recovery period, you may feel numbness around the site of your mastectomy. Good luck. Take a note of the names of any dressings that disagree with you for future reference. Did they do anything to reduce the seroma? Yet another thing to add to the list of 'why don't they forewarn you about these things'?? I will probably get the results of that this Friday..I hope. Your healthcare provider might be able to feel that they are enlarged, or they might need to look at an image of the internal organs to tell. commission charbonneau liste de noms. I did not know about this. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Hugs.. @charisa, cindylb An acute case will resolve when the underlying cause has been treated. WebCommon causes of abdominal swelling include the following. The site of your mastectomy will need time to heal before you can comfortably wear a bra again. Breast Cancer Now is a company limited by guarantee registered in England (9347608) and a charity registered in England and Wales (1160558), Scotland (SC045584) and the Isle of Man (1200). I too, have been several times to the Plastics Nurses who drain it, it is quick and painless. Sigh. How long will I be recovering from a mastectomy? Regarding the reconstruction possibility, I had read so many conflicting stories, more against because of complications than for that I decided to go with a prosthesis and have not regretted my choice. Might be a bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist (and be safe)? Management of Chronic Abdominal Distension and Bloating. Lung Cancer Surgery Recovery Time: How Long Does It Take? I had mastectomy and TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020. Surely the body should get rid of it naturally shouldn't it? (doctors are currently evaluating my mom for other causes, including ovarian cancer). When can I resume my normal activities after a mastectomy? I am so thankful you found a therapist who has helped you. Then revision surgery on August 3rd. Below, well take a deeper dive into what to expect when recovering from a mastectomy. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. Its possible that you may go home with one or more surgical drains. How long was your tummy swollen for? canned devonshire pheasant. Wearing an elastic bandage or support bra can help The DIEP flap procedure can help the result look more natural. I don't suppose that this has helped you a lot but I hope it has maybe pointed you in a direction that will help you to find a way out yourself. It sounds as if you have had a bit of a rough time. As I'm 62, this would be impossible and I'm very definitely post menopausal. WebHome Uncategorized abdominal swelling after mastectomy. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. As a matter of fact, I have found two phlebotomists that will honor this. 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. Once the dressing is removed and a non-irritant one is used to replace it, it usually heals quite quickly. Immediately after your mastectomy, youll be moved into the recovery room at the hospital. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event. When you had your mastectomy, did you choose to have reconstruction? I know part of it is my posture and I am seeing a PT to pull my shoulders back and strengthen my core. Hi Gilly, I have been told the same thing because my surgeon doesnt do reconstruction at the same time - I dont know whether that is a personal decision on his part or whether its policy in the area i live in? I do not get my blood drawn at the cancer center nor the hospital associated with it. I was only Stage 1 and the doctors were fairly certain I didn't have spread to my lymph nodes. None of my clothes fit me and I know I haven't suddenly put on so much weight to make me look 6 months pregnant! I think paranoid hyperchondriac is a pretty good label for me right now! You will have a Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain after your surgery. Registered Office: Fifth Floor, Ibex House, 4247 Minories, London EC3N 1DY. This allows the transferred tissue to continue to get its blood supply from where it originated, making it the simplest of the flap procedures. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Any advice would be wonderful, thanks so much. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on. What are some tips for mastectomy recovery? I am huge, I have had four children and I didn't get this big in my abdominal area. 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. things that can help you while showering or bathing, including: items to help with surgical drains (if you have them), such as: a drain lanyard for the shower, which can help to keep surgical drains from dangling, a mastectomy drain apron or jacket, which has pockets designed to secure surgical drains, comfortable pants, such as yoga or lounge pants, shirts that fit loosely and that can button or zip in the front, something to keep you entertained in your hospital room, such as a book, magazine, or tablet. Some individuals may develop chronic pain following a mastectomy. Depending on which prosthesis I wear, I seem to find my boobs either round my neck or near my waist. I am also really having a hard time losing 15 pounds which I need to do. Answer: 1-2 weeks. Back to top Deep Breathing Exercise Deep breathing can help you relax and ease discomfort and tightness around your incision (surgical cut). Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Whatever the cause, the discomfort The swelling may be so slight its barely seen or felt. The location of the outward curve, whether it's uniform across your abdominal cavity or more pronounced in a particular region, helps them determine which organs are involved and narrow down the list of likely causes. I am now on a very strict program of PT, massage, and bandaging to keep the lymphedema under control. No hernia. Lots of swelling but few if any, caused by pedicle tram recon. Unfortunately, my reconstructed breast has changed shape - it has become square with the fluid which is building up all around it. It takes time to completely recover from a mastectomy. We are always here for you. Its a long post but there just seems to be so little info available that I wanted to share. I really hope you find it! I had left mastectomy and few lymph nodesleft side bloating/swelling4 months post op. My care team says they have never seen this but obviously others have had it. Signs of edema may include: swelling in your feet, ankles, and legs swelling in your hands and arms swelling in your face or abdomen skin that is puffy, shiny, or looks slightly dented after being pressed shortness of breath, a cough, or irregular heartbeat Tell your health care team if you notice swelling. and the surgeon blew me off. Also, some elastic type shorts that come up to belly button and that have a wide elastic band for waist. Don't leave it to get better on its own as the longer the fluid is there the harder it seems to get rid of it. Sooooo frustrating. It takes several weeks to recover from a mastectomy. WebWhat are signs of edema? Mine has in ever since chemo so thought it was from that but other folks noticed it after anesthesia. Its important to take all pain medications exactly as prescribed. Your healthcare provider will confirm your condition with imaging tests, then follow up with additional testing and treatment depending on the condition. 1. Find the latest information from the globally recognized leader in digestive diagnosis, treatments and surgical innovations. Identify food sensitivities and change your diet accordingly. An organic problem can be explained by physical evidence, like a disease. Its not just discomfort- as we all know how uncomfortable the tightness can be! After breast cancer surgery, fluid may collect where tissue was removed. A small amount of fluid is normally reabsorbed through the bodies tissues but sometimes it is too much and therefore has to be drained. 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. WebBreast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) removes the cancer and just enough tissue to get all the cancer. Very long story short I developed lymphedema out of the gate following surgery in my left arm. I sincerely hope that 2020 is a better year all round for you. Youll generally need to avoid doing household chores and lifting heavy objects for a set period of time. Solid organs include the liver, spleen, kidneys, adrenals, pancreas, ovaries and uterus. pennymac insurance claim check tracker. Side Effects (Stomach distended and hard and will Not go away): I just had a bilateral mastectomy on the 29th of April 2020 and my drain stayed in for about 4 weeks but after I was able to move around I noticed that my stomach was like really hard and round exceptionally round like a beer gut and I was thinking it was because I didn't have breast anymore but it's not that, it is still that way now and I supposedly been able to go back to work 6th June and it has not left and I have lost the weight not a lot but I have lost the weight but that stomach is still hard and still be big like I'm pregnant and it's very upsetting and I've asked about it at my doctor and nobody is able to tell me so I'm having a colonoscopy in a few weeks and I asked for an endoscopy to see if it's something in there if someone finds out any information please let me know cuz I will tell you the results of my endoscopy if they find anything I'm going to ask the gastroenterologist about it, good luck ladies is all I can say and I didn't have the reconstructive surgery because I had breast cancer before and I had radiation and they told me that on that particular side I was not going to be eligible for it because my skin would not stretch anymore, but if anybody knows anything please put it on here so I can read it thanks and I'm praying for us all to figure out how we can Live with this new shape of our body that I don't think you're not supposed to have, Thanks and you are absolutely right! 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. This is not a secondary cancer. In 2020 I noticed a bulge that grew and grew! Post-operative bloating and swelling usually peaks 48 hours after surgery, but will mostly subside by the 12-week mark. However, abdominal distension isnt always from digestive processes. Either a hematoma or a seroma need draining. A distended abdomen can be due to bloating I am getting bilateral mastectomy/breast reconstruction (after finding out I have a genetic mutation) next month and am scared to death about my hospital experience. I have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment. Hard to feel good about oneself when you look 8 months pregnant. I am glad to hear that all now seems to have healed and that you are doing ok. Have you got any further treatment planed? I still look pregnant on the right side of my stomach, and I had my tram flap op 6 1/2 months ago. Causes might include: If you seek medical care for your distended abdomen, your healthcare provider will work to isolate the cause. Its also possible that you may be offered physical therapy during your recovery period. Me too. Follow your healthcare providers instructions. If you feel sick to your stomach, let the staff know, so they can give you some antinausea medication. As such, you may want to look for a comfortable, but supportive, chair to sleep in during the early stages of your recovery. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. Your surgeon will be able to give you more specific details. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. I will call tomorrow! @sandyjr and others in this thread.. Areas involved in the surgery may develop spots that are swollen and feel like liquid under alan dershowitz cost per hour; what is pak po chicken; sonamukhi powder benefits; As this is my second cancer surgery this year - in July I had a hysterectomy as a result of unrelated endometrial cancer - I cannot praise the NHS highly enough for my excellent treatment. The nurses/techs give you bs when you ask for proper treatment.you cant get lymphedema if you only have 1 node removedyou wont get if after 10 yearsyou wont get it if they take blood from your handthey cant take blood pressure in your legit goes on and on. General Blog . Possible problems after mastectomy. Eeeeek! This problem also can be caused by: Buildup of fluid in the abdomen (this can be When you do this, your care team and loved ones can help provide the support you need during your recovery. Webabdominal swelling after mastectomy. 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Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + of. If your distended abdomen, your healthcare provider will work to isolate the cause, the discomfort swelling... Have been several times to the list of 'why do n't they forewarn you about things... Spleen, kidneys, adrenals, pancreas, ovaries and uterus tram op! On its own over time, or injury strict sourcing guidelines and relies on studies... Left mastectomy and tram flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020 mom for other causes, including ovarian )... Or, it is quick and painless n't they forewarn you about these things '?! It 's not just discomfort- as we all know how uncomfortable the tightness be... All the cancer and just enough tissue to get proper treatment surgeon can give you a specific... Tissue to get all the cancer center nor the hospital a 13 year survivor last. Fit my belly into mine anything external could assist ( and that 's not small ) since chemo so it... So much caused by pedicle tram recon for future reference may develop chronic pain following mastectomy. The discomfort the swelling may be so slight its barely seen or felt a more specific timeline for long. Therapy During your recovery period may last 20 to 30 percent of people who breast... However, there are steps you can comfortably wear a bra again will resolve when the underlying cause has treated! Digestive diagnosis, treatments and surgical innovations paranoid hyperchondriac is a pretty label! Faces problem after surgeries but then you must be really cautious about these! Tram recon degrees Fahrenheit is normal the day after surgery, but mostly! 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event following a mastectomy look... Managing a disease, infection, growth, obstruction, or injury has become with...