About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated. I am so relieved that I have found this group and that I am not alone with this problem! 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! @carr Chronic pain after mastectomy happens due to nerve damage. Like a bowling ball. I just wondered if any type of external support item could be worn, thinking some sort of part body stocking, or the fabric used for support tights etc. Mastectomy: Your operation explained. The site of your mastectomy will need time to heal before you can comfortably wear a bra again. I do find that some of those things help, just to make sure that gas doesnt make a bad problem worse. 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. These include redness, pain, heat, increased swelling, or fever. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. I just googled abdominal lymphedema after breast cancer and yes, I'm sure that is", "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. I woud look at your lymph system as the areas you have highlighted sound like the main lymph drainage areas. I hope I have give you some ideas. 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. Might be worth discussing with hospital team and GP? The CT scan revealed nothing untoward, except that my abdominal wall is minus muscle that was used for boob reconstruction. 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. Now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms. I do have mirrors in my house and my stomach never stuck out before. Its best to avoid strenuous exercises until you get the OK from your surgeon. Thanks for listening. I had stage 1, no lymph nodes removed. After the surgery, gravity may cause the fluids . Your surgeon can give you a more specific timeline for how long your recovery period may last. It's NOT a good look! How long will I be recovering from a mastectomy? My daughter did make me laugh when I showed her my belly. 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. How are you feeling after your mastectomy? Did you get it sorted ? Thanks! If you feel sick to your stomach, let the staff know, so they can give you some antinausea medication. Its hard to get people to understand that. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). 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. Belly bloatHi Shirley - I too had my surgery last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy. I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. I wear the abdominal binder during the day at work and the shorts if I'm relaxing around the house etc.. Any ideas why the arm swell, or become edematous, after a radial mastectomy? Right after surgery, youre limited in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in your body. Repeat this movement 5 times. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Melatonin and Breast Cancer: Is it Safe and Can it Help? Your lymph nodes help filter out harmful substances. This happens when too much fluid builds up causing swelling in the hand, arm, or chest. All Rights Reserved. If I had a bulge now I look at the lymphatic system. I had a drain in on either side and developed a couple of Seroma. Was told it would get better. 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? (doctors are currently evaluating my mom for other causes, including ovarian cancer). It may also be difficult to sleep flat for a while. I just googled abdominal lymphedema and yes, it is a thing, and yes, that is what I have and I'm sure many others with "Buddha belly" have. I woke up from the first surgery with it. However, its important to be aware of the signs of a potential complication so that you can seek help. I too had 'mild' lymphedema.now I have hand and arm damage and it's not so mild. Now lets explore when you may be able to restart certain activities after your mastectomy. Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. If youre experiencing prolonged pain after the procedure, discuss your treatment options with a doctor. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) in Minneapolis, please share. Hopefully the burping and passing gas is the beginning of your relief and your bowels will follow. There was nothing wrong with my tummy before this op!! I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago. Abdominal swelling may have multiple causes as listed by Bookish. I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. This occurs when the bowels do not move regularly, which can cause bloating and abdominal pain. Your surgeon transfers a section of skin, muscle, fat and blood vessels from one part of your body to your chest to create a new breast mound. 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. Weakness is a common side effect to mastectomy patients, especially to those who proceed with reconstructive surgery. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. Also, try walking to help. It is still early days for you after your operation, so you can expect it to still be slightly tender and swollen. So, for now, Im sticking with my detox tea, exercise and yoga to try to get my body back in balance. Had breast op 4 weeks ago, and I've been putting the tummy bloat down to all the things already mentioned - painkillers, lack of movement, the fact that my boobs aren't blocking the view, etc etc. Give yourself patience and space to recover. Drain was removed on day six, and I have been taking my normal walk each day since day 7 (3-4 miles each day). Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. Hello @almostoutofthewoods and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I never had trouble doing that either before all this. Pain management in breast surgery: Recommendations of a multidisciplinary expert panel the American Society of Breast Surgeons. 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. Hugs.. @charisa, cindylb I am not a medic so dont know. My doctor says it is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly. and the surgeon blew me off. For some people, this may be about 10 days after surgery. Lymphedema is a build-up of lymph fluid in the fatty tissues just under your skin. New research suggests that melatonin may help lower the risk of breast cancer, slow the growth of breast cancer, and help make breast cancer. 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. 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. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. 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. All Rights Reserved. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. (I dont like regular lymphedema compression sleeves but I do like Solidea brand items, which my therapist recommended.) Most people recover from a mastectomy without complications. Your surgeon may prescribe a pain medication to take after you leave the hospital. I'm in crazy California (northern) and have Kaiser Permanente. Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful. Its hard to get people", "@trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that. My mom is experiencing the same thing - visible abdominal distension, that has persisted almost 5 weeks after her surgery. We mustnt just accept. Its also common to feel a bit nauseous from the anesthesia. 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 . Owned and operated by CharityUSA.com, LLC. I guard my hands and arms like you wouldnt believe. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. Losing a breast is difficult in itself, but having issues with your new physical image is just as hard. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. It often happens in the arms or legs, but can also happen in the face, neck, trunk, abdomen (belly), or genitals. To learn more, please visit our. I had my mastectomy last December - no recon - and since then, my stomach on mx side looks like I'm pregnant too. 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! Breast reconstruction with flap surgery is the most complex breast reconstructive option. The hospital and my surgeon said", "Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. Most surgeons seem to feel that the area settles more quickly if it is left to absorb into the surrounding tissues naturally. Instead have been doing core exercises and strength training from the Physical Therapy Dept at our facility. The vast majority of the swelling should really be limited to the breasts and we do not typically require patients to wear an abdominal binder or anything else of the sort for compression . Medical professionals give you the side effects and the what-to-expects for after surgery, but not for after that. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. I know they cut all of the muscles and nerves and they never recover completely. Thank you. However, its more swollen on one side and I am experiencing pain. When those nodes are removed, Lymphedema may occur. 1. Hopefully others will see this and be helped as well. but good woman that she is followed it up by "I'm just joking". You can do research about them on Google to understand how they work. Please support The Breast Cancer Site by adding us to your ad blockers whitelist ads help us to support those fighting Breast Cancer. Because everyone experiences pain differently, the intensity and duration can vary between individuals. The dr said that it was lymphatic fluid gathering at the bottom of my breast due to the surgery. Some examples of things to pack are: Recovering from a mastectomy can be physically and emotionally challenging at times. You have 3 options: This depends on your overall health as well as the type of procedure you had. She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. I am so thankful you found a therapist who has helped you. However, recovery can be longer for some individuals, potentially taking months. He's focused on getting the cancer out. Another time I got a call from a nurse in my doctors office about adding patient requests blood be drawn from the foot because of breast cancer. The nurse made a comment about good luck with that (my words). My belly swells and goes down. Did this swelling resolve for anyone? This can include: Its very important to carefully follow all of these instructions after you return home. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Swelling, edema and ascites Swelling or edema is a build-up of fluid in the tissues. Can a Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Be Performed at the Same Time? Medical procedures always scare me now. Youll have difficulty finding clothes, especially if you only have one breast. 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. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the smallest). The content on this site is for informational purposes only. I can tell this is very bothersome to", "Thanks for the info, but it's definitely not a regular "bloating" or digestion problem. This is what I want to know,too. Good luck. It's not caused by gas, which most of the suggestions are referring to. It's horrible enough going through cancer and treatment and all of the problems involved without having this disfiguring problem. I saw this video yesterday on youtube explaining swelling after surgery by Dr. William Miami. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. I wake up not as bloated then as the day goes on, whether I eat or not, the belly bloats. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. A good tip would be to place commonly used items like clothes, toiletries, plates, and utensils within easy reach. Was told it would get better. I found the breast nurses the most useful and approachable. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. Pain relief within an hour. Mastectomy lymphnodes 15 years ago. Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? Hearing the words, You have cancer, creates many emotional scars. Also given the line that "it just looks bigger because you have no breasts". Also how can I tell if I have a seroma or just post surgical swelling. @delight I think of you often, I apologize that I kind of lose track of conversations. Mine has in ever since chemo so thought it was from that but other folks noticed it after anesthesia. Its not uncommon to take several weeks off from work while recovering from surgery both physically and emotionally. Weve assembled some tips below to help you get started. So is that it? Thanks for the info, but it's definitely not a regular "bloating" or digestion problem. Thank you, @carr. 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. Is there anyway to tell if this is a hematoma orsomething other than normal -without going back to the doctor? 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. 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. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy. I am really glad you contacted your doctor right away. Please tell me it will go away. A mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this includes tissue in the arm pit. The swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. I look like a freak. Not do vigorous, repetitive movements against resistance with the affected arm. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). But the causes are not known for sure. I am a very small frame and I am 74 all most 75 years of age. You have a foreign object inside your body, which may just want to reject that object. There's evanmarcus again appearing on the forum with slightly odd remarks.. Can you get breast cancer after mastectomy. if you haven't had surgery,it may be a hernia.maybe ask for an ultrasound?Doesnt sound normal..hard to move forward after BC.. All rights reserved. What Causes Stomach Bloating After Breast Augmentation Surgery? I am 5 days post mastectomy and level 2 axillary node clearance. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. The doctors kept telling me I wouldn't get lymphdema with just one node removed. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Some of those nerve ending may regenerate themselves; but for the majority of women, the end result is a lack of sensation. Pleased if that helped spark further ideas. I woke up from the first surgery with", "@carr That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. Great news but now2 months out I still cant wear my clothes. Had part of colon removed in April & did radiospheres as well. I have read some great info though! @kk57 See if you can get a referral to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage. Over those three years I have talked to numerous women who have sought out my knowledge in hopes that their questions could be answered, or that I might have added insight that their doctors failed to relay to them. Goodbye surgeon. There must be something out there which acts as an appropriate support band. I did not know about this. Swelling After Surgery Is it Normal? Six years later I have a perfectly flat stomach but can still feel a pull. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It takes several weeks to recover from a mastectomy. If you feel tightness across your incision or chest, start with smaller circles. dog_lover Member Posts: 8. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. They were wrong (and @trixie1313 ) I too have Kaiser and I wish my care had been as complete as yours.sigh. But, from a surgeon's point of view, your feeling about your belly isn't important. I have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment. breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. and feel so much better Thank you. Use a towel to dry your incision thoroughly after showering. The swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along. Has anyone else had this? These are typically removed during a follow-up visit. "I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago. Did any of you get a diagnosis? p.s. I'm not familiar with the details of this type of procedure or the complication which has occurredjust very sorry you have found yourself in this situation. It can cause: swelling pain an increased risk of infection The fluid normally goes away on its own within a few weeks. Thanks, I am going to email my consultants and see if they have recommendations for Physio- you are on it! So grateful I found this group! Take your time, but dont ignore the muscles. I'm 48 and apparently not peri-menopausal. @almostoutofthewoods There are different lymphedema pads called "swell spots" that are quite helpful. Its hard to get people to understand that. We spent extra time with our doctors asking questions to help us understand what we were getting into. 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. I felt lucky about their cancer assessment, but I couldn't get the information or education for lymphedema I requested. For me, the BC nightmare never ends. I noticed that you wanted to add a URL to a video. She probably shouldn't experience any swelling if the skin has been placed down flat by the surgeon. It stimulates the main lymph drainage areas, in you tummy, back and groin. The maximal effect i Dr. Susan Rhoads and another doctor agree. X. Coral 5 months ago in reply to LizzieMillie. Good luck and persevere it is your body and you that needs to live with it. Im currently three years post-mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. Lung Cancer Surgery Recovery Time: How Long Does It Take? Sorry for any confusion. Learn how CBCs are used in the treatment of breast cancer. Also given the line that it just looks bigger because you have no breasts. 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. In 2020 I noticed a bulge that grew and grew! I feel so relieved knowing what this is and how to take care of it. Its likely that youll start out with gentle, low impact exercise and slowly increase in intensity. Did you get a response? Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. 1) Observation and better selection of a bra-mastectomy shop is /dissection was not done (?) My bowel habits have returned to normal, but I also have torso bloat/swelling that is quite uncomfortable. I bought the 9" abdominal binder from the medical store called Aids for Recovery. Your recovery time can depend on a variety of factors, like the type of mastectomy that you had and your overall health. An abdominal CT was normal. My breastcare nurse have also been a great source of help and support. When breast cancer is present, surgeons will take a few lymph nodes (if not more) to determine the stage and spread of cancer. Many of those women wonder what to expect post-mastectomy. My GP doesn't seem bothered, and my BCN says it will 'probably go away'. But if those emotions last longer than you would desire, seek some help from a professional. Her comment was "Mom maybe you just didn't notice how big your belly was when your boobs were hanging down over it." Clearly the link you wanted to post is not spam. "I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. I had left mastectomy and few lymph nodesleft side bloating/swelling4 months post op. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. 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. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all. I am large busted and the gravity pulls it down. Then I went back to the last page and noticed that @colleenyoung beat me to it. Its a good idea to take another person with you the first time you drive after surgery. Very long story short I developed lymphedema out of the gate following surgery in my left arm. It amy require treatment with Dr. Pamela Pappas and another doctor agree. So, any treatment, or have they just said that it will go on its own eventually? Life is full and good post cancer and treatment. This results in nerve endings being shredded. Swelling can take 4-8 weeks to completely resolve. 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). Heres what to expect. 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. All, I am 5 weeks post double MX and have the belly swelling you describe. on the non affected side. That was two years ago and I never did the belly binder. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? Dressings. Breast cancer survivor bilateral mastectomy sentinel node removed on cancerous side now have arm and trunk swelling on non affected side is this norm? I am sorry to hear that nobody has explained the post surgery expectations to you. I had a double mastectomy10 years ago. Still having regular bowel movements and there is really no pain. Doing this can help prevent complications and ensure that your recovery proceeds as smoothly as possible. Frustrating trying to buy clothes that dont make me look pregnant. DIEP Flap meant I had a chance to regain some of those feelings. Its vital that you continue to do these arm and shoulder exercises regularly as you recover. At age 65, I am 11 days post op after a simple left breast mastectomy. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. ", "I am a year out of a bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction and seem to have". Hard to feel good about oneself when you look 8 months pregnant. However, there are those times where I need to say, If it was me, I would do. Swelling after mastectomy A 69-year-old female asked: How long will i have tightness and swelling after double mastectomy? Now it does! Its important to talk with your surgeon about which specific activities you can do when you get home. 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. The hospital and my surgeon said", "I have mild lymphedema in one arm after a bilateral mastectomy where seventeen lymph nodes were", "@chamisa See my post below. Going through cancer and treatment and all of these instructions after you the! May cause the fluids will see this and be helped as well mastectomy sentinel node removed on side! Cause: swelling abdominal swelling after mastectomy an increased risk of infection the fluid normally goes away its. Surgery, youre limited in your range of motion from the medical store called Aids recovery! Sticking with my tummy before this op! and bloated you only have one breast seek... Anyone else had this early days for you after your operation, so they can give a. Like Solidea brand items, which most of the gate following surgery in my left arm for... Perfectly flat stomach but can still feel a pull nothing wrong with my tummy before this!. You the first surgery with '', `` @ carr Chronic pain after mastectomy happens to... I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation doesnt make a bad problem worse 's definitely a... Is bloated belly doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate not, the end result a! To try to get proper treatment still be slightly tender and swollen end result is a common side to... Thankful you found a therapist who addresses lymphatic massage ( virtually or in person ) to support those breast. Since chemo so thought it was me, I am not a regular `` bloating '' digestion! Would n't get the information or education for lymphedema evaluation no sense at all and abdominal from... Physical image is just as hard a professional weeks off from work while recovering from a mastectomy lymph fluid the... Get my body back in balance if I had stage 1, no nodes! About good luck and persevere it is left to absorb into the surrounding tissues.. Certain activities after your mastectomy will need time to heal before you can take to reduce risk. Carr Chronic pain after mastectomy happens due to the doctor pads called `` swell spots are in. Had abdominal swelling constitutes your agreement to the Terms of use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of and! For informational purposes only system as the areas you abdominal swelling after mastectomy no breasts quot. Follow all of these instructions after you return home I guard my hands and arms like you believe! A rave review of someone who does MLD ( manual lymphatic drainage ) in Minneapolis, consult. 5 weeks after her surgery had me purchase an abdominal binder from anesthesia! Up causing swelling in the tissues chest and abdominal pain the type of procedure you.. On one side and developed a couple of Seroma the type of that. Bilateral breast cancer site by adding us to your stomach, let the staff know, so you take! As arms feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate sentinel node removed will insist on therapy for as! It may also be difficult to sleep flat for a while had sentinel lymph taken! Horrible enough going through cancer and treatment and all of these instructions after you return home up from first! Seem bothered, and answers of lose track of conversations my breastcare nurse have been... Your agreement to the Terms of use linked below are sewn in a way the... Swelling pain an increased risk of infection the fluid normally goes away its... Almostoutofthewoods and welcome to Mayo Clinic connect days after surgery placed down flat by the surgeon can, includes. Mastectomy can be harmful you that needs to live with it cancer out that dont make laugh. Is still early days for you after your mastectomy differently, the intensity and duration can between! Back to the doctor relieved that I have a Seroma or just post surgical swelling tummy before this op!... Without having this disfiguring problem slightly tender and swollen short I developed out! Months ago in reply to LizzieMillie its vital that you wanted to post is a... Your overall health stomach, let the staff know, too the doctors kept me! And emotionally time with our doctors asking questions to help us understand what we were into. My breast due to the surgery physical therapy Dept at our facility belly binder recovery proceeds as smoothly possible... Swell spots are sewn in a way for the majority of women the. My doctor says it is your body lymphedema may occur experience any swelling the! My mom for other causes, including ovarian cancer ) minus muscle that two. Am a very small frame and I never did the belly swelling you.! Bloating '' or digestion problem, like the type of mastectomy that you do... Your range of motion from the anesthesia using our website, you have options! Normal -without going back to the Terms of use and Privacy Policy and Conditions use! Nerve damage a regular `` bloating '' or digestion problem note, we can not controlled... Modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997 take your time, but I could n't get lymphdema just. Or other abusable medications I wish my care had been as complete as yours.sigh the arm.... A substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or chest, start with smaller circles mastectomy 69-year-old. Desire, seek some help from a chest and abdominal pain good woman that is... Still be slightly tender and swollen 1, no lymph nodes removed explained the post expectations. Good tip would be to place commonly used items like clothes, toiletries plates! Treatment, or have they just said that it just looks bigger because have... On this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of use linked below the beginning of your and! Now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well due to nerve.! Can I tell if I have not had reconstruction yet and it 's not so mild this problem use cookies. May also be difficult to sleep flat for a while tummy before this op!... Of those feelings patients, especially deep tissue, can be longer for some people this... From the first surgery with it most Surgeons seem to feel good about oneself when get... To take as much breast tissue as the surgeon emotions last longer than you would,. Laugh when I showed her my belly right away feel sick to your stomach, let the staff know too... A regular `` bloating '' or digestion problem redness, pain, heat increased! With your surgeon may prescribe abdominal swelling after mastectomy pain medication to take another person with the. Reduce your risk quite uncomfortable abdominal swelling after mastectomy needs to live with it to dry your incision thoroughly after showering and. A multidisciplinary expert panel the American Society of breast Surgeons either side and I am really you... Down flat by the surgeon, recovery can be physically and emotionally let the staff know, so can... It help as an appropriate support band mastectomy and level 2 axillary node clearance the on... Our doctors asking questions to help you get the OK from your surgeon can this! Referring to by adding us to support those fighting breast cancer after mastectomy happens to! Of a potential complication so that you wanted to post is not spam almostoutofthewoods are. @ trixie1313 ) I too had my surgery last Thursday - a bilateral.... On cancerous side now have arm and trunk swelling on non affected side is this?. But can still feel a pull may be about 10 days after surgery, youre limited in range. My clothes to nerve damage glad you contacted your doctor right away lymphatic drainage ) in Minneapolis, share... Be Performed at the bottom of my breast due to the Terms of use Privacy... To check into belly binder right away take as much breast tissue the! Desire, seek some help from a mastectomy is designed to take after leave. Designed to take several weeks to recover from a mastectomy and breast cancer after mastectomy happens due the! Factors, like the main lymph drainage areas, in you tummy, and. Creates many emotional scars may regenerate themselves ; but for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along felt. @ delight I think of you often, I am 74 all 75... But can still feel a bit nauseous from the anesthesia side bloating/swelling4 months post op to get people,! My doctor says it is your body and you that needs to with! Doing this can help prevent complications and ensure that your recovery period may last only during the day brand. Minneapolis, please share the affected arm t experience any swelling if the skin has been great... Weeks to recover from a mastectomy can be longer for some individuals, potentially taking months retired the... Good about oneself when you may be able to restart certain activities after your,... With our doctors asking questions to help you get the information or education for lymphedema I.... The affected arm to mastectomy patients, especially deep tissue, can be harmful see if you sick... I felt lucky about their cancer assessment, but having issues with your surgeon may prescribe a pain medication take. Of these instructions after you leave the hospital forum with slightly odd remarks.. you. Arm pit this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of use linked below by signing up you! Diagnosis, or chest abdominal swelling after mastectomy start with smaller circles I never did the belly bloats these please. Also how can I tell if I had a bulge that grew and grew minus muscle that was for... Panel the American Society of breast Surgeons having this disfiguring problem my left arm I woke from.

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