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. In some cases, numbness may be temporary and fade over time as you heal, although your surgical scar itself will often remain permanently numb. Some examples of potential treatments include: During your recovery period, you may feel numbness around the site of your mastectomy. A mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this includes tissue in the arm pit. Know that, although it may take some time, youll eventually start to feel better. Swelling can take 4-8 weeks to completely resolve. Its likely that youll start out with gentle, low impact exercise and slowly increase in intensity. Compression garments such as a compression bra, shape wear or an abdominal binder can help reduce swelling. However, some breast cancer patients will be shocked to feel brief bouts of sharp pain in their breast months, even years later. Also given the line that it just looks bigger because you have no breasts. Thanks for you input. Also, some elastic type shorts that come up to belly button and that have a wide elastic band for waist. 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. The amount of stress on the intercostal nerves could be reduced with less invasive techniques such as the VATS technique. But the causes are not known for sure. This is great info. I know it doesnt seem long, but three years is still three years and it feels good. @trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that. Breast reconstruction with flap surgery is the most complex breast reconstructive option. Below, well outline what you can generally expect, both in the hospital and after you return home. @aiden727 My belly seemed almost as big as my boobs were (and that's not small). Your surgeon may prescribe a pain medication to take after you leave the hospital. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) in Minneapolis, please share. I was very concerned about lymphedema because I was trying to resolve my risks. I think it's a build up of fluid, like a lymphedema problem. But, from a surgeon's point of view, your feeling about your belly isn't important. Since I cannot blame this on lack of exercise, constipation, cancer spread, etc., I guess I will be patient and wait for the medication to work itself out of my system to see if things improve! Youll generally need to avoid doing household chores and lifting heavy objects for a set period of time. This is such a common problem after a mastectomy that I would think doctors would admit that it is a problem and address it. 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. However, there are many ways you can set yourself up for an easier recovery. I have no answer but mine was a seroma and had to be surgically remove as it was left so long. Any update? 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 wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect. Also given the line that "it just looks bigger because you have no breasts". When you leave the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery at home. Is there anyway to tell if this is a hematoma orsomething other than normal -without going back to the doctor? Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. Chronic pain after breast surgery: A prospective, observational study. Yet another thing to add to the list of 'why don't they forewarn you about these things'?? The swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along. Brenin DR, et al. Most of the people faces problem after surgeries but then you must be really cautious about all these problems. Hi, I had my mastectomy in April, and ever since the op I've had upper abdominal swelling. 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 . I am 49 yrs old and have to wear my husbands clothes because I cannot fit my belly into mine. Watch out for a fever, swelling, redness, and added pain. I would be happy to receive news and updates from Cancer Chat, NICE suspected cancer referral guidelines, Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. A belly binder may just bind the area and not let the lymphs move along. I then researched seroma after abdominal surgery and I found its a fairly common side effect. 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! This build-up might cause swelling and discomfort. 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. Swelling, edema and ascites Swelling or edema is a build-up of fluid in the tissues. You may not like the look of your implants or the way your chest looks if you chose not to do reconstruction. This feeling is due to nerve damage that can happen during the surgery. Hello. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). which swelled occasionally but disapated in a day or 2. now i have had pouch swelling fo? As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all. An abdominal CT was normal. Lung Cancer Surgery Recovery Time: How Long Does It Take? FYI @almostoutofthewoods. I started to post the video after reading your comment, impulsive? Was told it would get better. I am glad you are paying attention to your body. 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. How long would naproxen take to work for me? Complete your request online or contact us by phone. For me, the BC nightmare never ends. That was a great article about relieving abdominal bloating. Before you leave the hospital, youll be shown various arm and shoulder exercises to do during recovery. So consensus seems to be to talk to either GP or BCN, it won't just settle on its own? Nette, thank you so much for that - I'll certainly get it checked out. Did you have your lymphedema evaluation? As always, I stress that I am by no means an expert in this area. 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. for the first couple of days I could actually hear the fluid moving around, but this has stopped now. My GP doesn't seem bothered, and my BCN says it will 'probably go away'. This is what I want to know,too. That pain will subside. During this time, theyll evaluate your progress, discuss any additional treatments (if needed), and address any concerns you may have. I am sorry to hear that nobody has explained the post surgery expectations to you. (2020). Take your time, but dont ignore the muscles. My belly swells and goes down. I had left mastectomy and few lymph nodesleft side bloating/swelling4 months post op. 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. @almostoutofthewoods There are different lymphedema pads called "swell spots" that are quite helpful. Below, well take a deeper dive into what to expect when recovering from a mastectomy. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322525. I had bilateral mastectomy last week, November 3, 2021. Of course, I could just be obese in that area. Although I have been told the common reply from my surgeon and family Dr. that I just didn't see it before because my breasts were there, that is total B.S. However, some people may have a longer recovery period. Like Helpful Hug Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the smallest). could it be fluid? Its also possible that you may be offered physical therapy during your recovery period. I WAS a 13 year survivor until last month. breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. I proactively insisted on a referral to a lymphedema therapist (who incidentally was awful I have since found a kind, caring, and helpful therapist. Be sure if you go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage. 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. How". Weakness is a common side effect to mastectomy patients, especially to those who proceed with reconstructive surgery. What happens after breast surgery. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. Might be a bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist (and be safe)? This is a soft, lightweight breast form that can be worn inside your bra. Its most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. My dx is Colon Cancer w/ liver mets - 8 tumors spread throughout liver so resection of liver not an option, nor is transplant. If youre scheduled for a lung cancer surgery, you may have a lot of questions about the procedure and the recovery process. I just googled support stocking for hernia lower abdomen and quite a few things came up so I'm sure if you could get referred to the right person they would know of an item which works best for your condition. The recovery from mastectomy is different for everyone. Your recovery time can depend on a variety of factors, like the type of mastectomy that you had and your overall health. This is great info. Ugh. I had a mastectomy one year ago and now i am noticing swelling and pain in my arm. Your tissue has been injured due to the stretching and cutting during surgery. I bought them from Dick's Sporting Goods Store. My seroma appeared within 6 weeks of the original operation. However, for some individuals, it may take months. Maximum 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. However, its important to be aware of the signs of a potential complication so that you can seek help. I found a certified lymphedema therapist and I will make an appointment. Doing so can help your recovery go as smoothly as possible. They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. Can a Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Be Performed at the Same Time? Thank you! This is great info. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. I am now almost 72, retired, and I don't wear a bra with forms unless I dress up, so my body resembles a man with a big beer belly. Great news but now2 months out I still cant wear my clothes. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. PS would physiotherapy help re strengthening other muscles, what to do/not to do etc? We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe. Follow your instincts and if your doctor isn't responsive enough, keep looking for one who will attend to your health needs. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the". So, yes, I have lymphedema and the massage moved a lot of fluid out. If you had a mastectomy without breast reconstruction, youll be given a prosthesis to wear. Funds are paid by Greater Good Charities to benefiting organizations as a grant. These include redness, pain, heat, increased swelling, or fever. Try to make the circle as big as you can and move both shoulders at the same time. I do not have it bad like some do. Yes, it could be a possible seroma or hematoma. To learn more, please visit our. Ive created list of my top eight post-mastectomy issues to relay over to those who ask. Backward shoulder rolls. 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. 1. 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? Learn how CBCs are used in the treatment of breast cancer. The dr said that it was lymphatic fluid gathering at the bottom of my breast due to the surgery. That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. Its common to have pain or discomfort after a mastectomy. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. 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. I had no reconstruction and try to go to gym and walk 3 times a week but doesnt seem to help. I saw this video yesterday on youtube explaining swelling after surgery by Dr. William Miami. @sandyjr and others in this thread.. Any update? Also, try walking to help. Talk openly with others about what youre experiencing. (2020). Same response as with the other reply here I saw. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. An abdominal CT was normal. I also experienced a great deal of swelling. Recovery from a mastectomy typically takes several weeks. Resolve my risks external could assist ( and be safe ) to help confirm they... 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