My belly seemed almost as big as my boobs were (and that's not small). Janie x. Firstly, welcome to the Forum. I've just had a CT scan. It then settled down and I had no need to return. 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! PS would physiotherapy help re strengthening other muscles, what to do/not to do etc? I am not usually cowardly, but in this instance, having had a double mastectomy, reconstruction would have meant taking two flaps from my back and I did not fancy this being done all at once! They may also feel the area with their hands or tap it and listen to the sound it makes to determine the presence of fluids, gasses or solids. 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. I will probably get the results of that this Friday..I hope. Most people who have a mastectomy only need a short hospital say. * To protect your identity do not use your full name. At age 65, I am 11 days post op after a simple left breast mastectomy. (2020). Not standard mastectomy. And. Every time he had breast augmentation, it can cause some surrounding swelling to the upper abdominal wall for a week or 2 after surgery. This can take several weeks to go completely. 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. A good tip would be to place commonly used items like clothes, toiletries, plates, and utensils within easy reach. 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. Depending on which prosthesis I wear, I seem to find my boobs either round my neck or near my waist. On the whole I manage quite well. Frustrating trying to buy clothes that dont make me look pregnant. I hope that you are recovering from your hysterectomy. This type of swelling is not the same as lymphoedema, which usually happens a few months or years later. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) I started physical therapy 2 There are many reasons why bloating and swelling occur after surgery. Its a long post but there just seems to be so little info available that I wanted to share. Edema is the medical term for swelling. Webredness, swelling, or pain around your incision pus draining from your incision symptoms of a serious blood clot, such as: an area thats red, tender, or feels warm to the touch I'm 48 and apparently not peri-menopausal. Either a hematoma or a seroma need draining. It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. I have a further appointment in 2 weeks but feel like my breast is going to pop like a balloon. I hope I have give you some ideas. I wear the abdominal binder during the day at work and the shorts if I'm relaxing around the house etc.. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. p.s. A chronic case may be treated supplementally with diuretics (for fluid), laxatives (for constipation) or activated charcoal capsules (for gas). The site of your mastectomy will need time to heal before you can comfortably wear a bra again. I think age may play a big part in the process of deciding, I was sixty five at the time so cosmetically not too worried about appearances. I have found the vibration on a cycle track is very good. That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. Now I look like Im six months pregnant. I started this thread back in 2013/4 so there have been lots of views and posts since then. Thank you in advance for sharing your experience. Follow your instincts and if your doctor isn't responsive enough, keep looking for one who will attend to your health needs. Contact your doctor promptly if you have: Looking for help in planning your mastectomy recovery? Blog > abdominal swelling after mastectomy. I am a very small frame and I am 74 all most 75 years of age. Chronic pain after mastectomy happens due to nerve damage. All, I am 5 weeks post double MX and have the belly swelling you describe. All rights reserved. i hope that's not too personal a question, it's just that i am being told to wait 6 months after my surgery before i have it, but that seems a long wait. (2020). Find the latest information from the globally recognized leader in digestive diagnosis, treatments and surgical innovations. I am huge, I have had four children and I didn't get this big in my abdominal area. WebHome. Its also possible that you may be offered physical therapy during your recovery period. As a matter of fact, I have found two phlebotomists that will honor this. When I am at home, I frequently go around without a bra or prosthesis. Hugs to all. We are so lucky to live in a country with the NHS. Also, try walking to help. It is unfortunate that you have had an allergic reaction to the dressing used. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on. 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. When you can start driving again typically depends on how you feel during recovery. I had to fight with the doctors to get care and ultimately had to take it upon myself to get PT and massage therapy (which I had to pay for myself) because they kept saying I didn't have it. My seroma was only found after I had a full body scan when a primary was found in my second breast. I have recently found recorded medical lectures on You Tube that I have found helpful. It's like I'm 8 months pregnant! She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. How can they draw fluid off with a syringe when I have an implant? You also need to be comfortable wearing a seatbelt. I had my mastectomy last December - no recon - and since then, my stomach on mx side looks like I'm pregnant too. A low-grade fever that is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is normal the day after surgery. Sigh. @carr I was 62, and might have decided differently if I were younger. Theyll start by asking you questions about your symptoms and examining your abdomen to see where it's distended. abdominal swelling after mastectomy. Webabdominal swelling after mastectomyworld cup willie rolykins. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. There's evanmarcus again appearing on the forum with slightly odd remarks.. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. Please contact your surgeon or breast nurse. Hi all. Fortunately my wound itself is only slightly affected but I have quite a lot of redness and now have noticed a blister has developed. I did not know about this. Still having regular bowel movements and there is really no pain. You will have a Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain after your surgery. I couldn't believe the bloat I had. I hope you are continuing to do your exercises as this also helps. Heartburn: Heartburn, or dyspepsia, is abdominal pain or burning along with bloating or feeling full after meals. I know part of it is my posture and I am seeing a PT to pull my shoulders back and strengthen my core. Mastectomy: Your operation explained. A distended abdomen is either an organic or a functional problem. Nette, thank you so much for that - I'll certainly get it checked out. This can include: Its very important to carefully follow all of these instructions after you return home. 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) Age certainly has a part to play in this decision. 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. The other option of taking skin from my abdomen was ruled out because of previous abdominal surgery, which has left me with a lot of scarring in this area. However, abdominal distension isnt always from digestive processes. The one constant in my treatment has been walking it is free and the very best exercise. abdominal swelling after mastectomy. For others, it may be longer. I was only Stage 1 and the doctors were fairly certain I didn't have spread to my lymph nodes. Youll generally need to avoid doing household chores and lifting heavy objects for a set period of time. It isn't working. Webabdominal swelling after mastectomypo box 27503 raleigh, nc 27611 urgent open immediately. The DIEP flap procedure can help the result look more natural. Hard to feel good about oneself when you look 8 months pregnant. alan dershowitz cost per hour; what is pak po chicken; sonamukhi powder benefits; They were wrong (and @trixie1313 ) I too have Kaiser and I wish my care had been as complete as yours.sigh. @sandyjr and others in this thread.. The worst part of my story is thisthis past November I got cellulitis in my left hand and arm and went into sepsis. So, yes, I have lymphedema and the massage moved a lot of fluid out. A small amount of fluid is normally reabsorbed through the bodies tissues but sometimes it is too much and therefore has to be drained. Healthcare providers diagnose a distended abdomen in terms of the five fs: flatus (gas), fetus (pregnancy), feces (trapped poop), fluid (from several causes) or fat. This is typically 3 days or less. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. These can become enlarged due to inflammation or growths such as a tumor, abscess or cyst. Some use silicone or saline breast implants. Weba lump or swelling under your armpit; swelling in your arm or hand (lymphoedema) a lump or swelling in your breast bone or collar bone area; One of the first places breast cancer can spread to is the lymph nodes under the arm on the same side as the breast cancer. The skin, fat, and at least one abdominal muscle are tunneled underneath the skin upward into the breast area but remain attached to their blood vessels in the abdomen. It may also be difficult to sleep flat for a while. WebSeromas tend to appear 710 days after surgery, after drainage tubes have been removed. Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: Reconstruction, Recovery, and More. Take care, Lola. Heres what to expect. Good Luck and return to your doctor and get it diagnosed and sorted. I bought them from Dick's Sporting Goods Store. GP has suggested that it is related to my surgery ( I wasn't like this prior) and to get the area scanned. Give yourself patience and space to recover. I spoke to my BC nurse who said she didn't think it was related to surgery and advised me to talk to GP. Websonicwave 231c non responsive Uncovering hot babes since 1919.. abdominal swelling after mastectomy. This is a soft, lightweight breast form that can be worn inside your bra. WebHome Uncategorized abdominal swelling after mastectomy. Eeeeek! Breast Cancer Treatment: Why Some Older Patients May Not Need Radiation, TV Host Samantha Harris Says her Breast Cancer Was Misdiagnosed for Months. My health carrier is Kaiser Permanente and prior to any surgeries, they have patients attend classes guided by physical therapists. It may be acute a sudden, unusual occurrence or chronic something that occurs and resolves itself repeatedly in a predictable way. My body is as important to me now as it was when I was younger. I personally like the fact I can no longer grab a handful of tummy skin. 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. 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