Registered Office: Fifth Floor, Ibex House, 4247 Minories, London EC3N 1DY. Acute pain from a mastectomy will gradually go away as you heal. Also, some elastic type shorts that come up to belly button and that have a wide elastic band for waist. Mine was the result of abdominal reconstruction taken from my tummy and tunnelled up to my breast. I have had CT scan, Xrays and blood tests and all are normal. 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. Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: Reconstruction, Recovery, and More. Like a bowling ball. Exercise is a major key to recovery, in my opinion, and for me that has brought many unexpected benefits. Did you have your lymphedema evaluation? They just say that because muscle has been removed from my abdomen, the abdominal wall is very thin, so there is not much support. I had bilateral mastectomy last week, November 3, 2021. I know it doesnt seem long, but three years is still three years and it feels good. All Rights Reserved. What are some tips for mastectomy recovery? 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. It has been almost a month since we talked and you have had your appointments. 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. "I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago. I WAS a 13 year survivor until last month. It sounds as if you are doing fairly well. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. I found that the surrounding area became hot, red, swollen and quite sore. This results in nerve endings being shredded. (I dont like regular lymphedema compression sleeves but I do like Solidea brand items, which my therapist recommended.) Good luck to you! 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. 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. This depends on your overall health as well as the type of procedure you had. I had a bi lateral mastectomy five years ago and only one lymph node removed on my left and two on my right (where the invasive cancer was). So consensus seems to be to talk to either GP or BCN, it won't just settle on its own? When can I resume my normal activities after a mastectomy? I can tell this is very bothersome to you, as I can understand. I felt lucky about their cancer assessment, but I couldn't get the information or education for lymphedema I requested. 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. For example, you might not be able to lift your arms above your head for a period of time during your recovery. 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. Was told it would get better. The one constant in my treatment has been walking it is free and the very best exercise. p.s. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. Also given the line that it just looks bigger because you have no breasts. At age 65, I am 11 days post op after a simple left breast mastectomy. Thank you Jolamine, very helpful, at least I know what to look out for. I bought them from Dick's Sporting Goods Store. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. The doctors kept telling me I wouldn't get lymphdema with just one node removed. Right after surgery, you're limited in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in your body. Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful. If you had a mastectomy without breast reconstruction, youll be given a prosthesis to wear. Ugh. YES, we discussed loss of feeling and sensation in my breasts and armpits. Every time he had breast augmentation, it can cause some surrounding swelling to the upper abdominal wall for a week or 2 after surgery. 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! Your surgeon can give you a more specific timeline for how long your recovery period may last. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. This was at a cancer center that was connected to a hospital that had a trauma center! 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. Thank you in advance for sharing your experience. Lymphedema Its frustrating that doctors dont take lymphedema more seriously, but I guess theyre just focused on ridding us of the cancer. Checklist for recovery after mastectomy. Also, try walking to help. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. This might happen after your nurse removes the wound drain if you have one. Are these options things you've already tried or are doing? But if those emotions last longer than you would desire, seek some help from a professional. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. Thank you, @carr. I don't know what she's gonna say about it. I haven't been horrendously uncomfortable most of the time. Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. Some individuals may develop chronic pain following a mastectomy. Weakness is a common side effect to mastectomy patients, especially to those who proceed with reconstructive surgery. It takes several weeks to recover from a mastectomy. Its important to talk with your surgeon about which specific activities you can do when you get home. I never had trouble doing that either before all this. My doctor says it is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly. I had stage 1, no lymph nodes removed. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. It's most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. Abdominal swelling may have multiple causes as listed by Bookish. Oooh! When you talk about massage is it literally gentle massage with your fingers. So grateful I found this group! A good tip would be to place commonly used items like clothes, toiletries, plates, and utensils within easy reach. It's like I'm 8 months pregnant! You can do research about them on Google to understand how they work. Either a hematoma or a seroma need draining. After you wake up from the anesthesia, you may notice that you have: Youll be given pain medication to help ease discomfort. Is it all connected? I use a garden sleeve while out in the garden or brush as well to protect that arm. @delight I think of you often, I apologize that I kind of lose track of conversations. Sometimes the fluid can build up again after being drained. This feels different like an unusual fluid retention in the belly region. Interested in more discussions like this? 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. I am new on this site and have been trawling for information. My bowel habits have returned to normal, but I also have torso bloat/swelling that is quite uncomfortable. Because everyone experiences pain differently, the intensity and duration can vary between individuals. The CT scan revealed nothing untoward, except that my abdominal wall is minus muscle that was used for boob reconstruction. abdominal swelling.I hadn't even heard or considered thatthanks for the info. 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. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. This is what I want to know,too. Also given the line that "it just looks bigger because you have no breasts". There's evanmarcus again appearing on the forum with slightly odd remarks.. 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. Life is full and good post cancer and treatment. I really hope you find it! Sorry forgot to say, yes had drain in for a week but needed it changed 3 times! Many of us spent hours researching our treatment decisions. however,had a DIEP and ended up with seroma in the abdomen,which capsulated,and removed surgically.Consequently I ended up with scar tissue and a protruding tummy. I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. Yes, it could be a possible seroma or hematoma. 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. It is 9 days since mastectomy I am very swollen and bruised and swollen particularly under my arm. After time, you will gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. If you belong to a medical group, they may be able to recommend a physical therapist, but you do want someone knowledgeable in lymph massage. Your surgeon may prescribe a pain medication to take after you leave the hospital. My seroma was only diagnosed after a scan. Sooooo frustrating. I feel so relieved knowing what this is and how to take care of it. I have read some great info though! (2020). I had my mastectomy last December - no recon - and since then, my stomach on mx side looks like I'm pregnant too. I had a double mastectomy10 years ago. Go back to your doctor and ask for a scan that will show up fluid. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. What Causes Stomach Bloating After Breast Augmentation Surgery? Keep at your PT and massage and other care. As such, you may want to look for a comfortable, but supportive, chair to sleep in during the early stages of your recovery. Stay vigilant. I have only taken one pain pill since my surgery, and that was on the first day. But I am pretty careful about gas as it certainly can add pain to the equation. My dx is Colon Cancer w/ liver mets - 8 tumors spread throughout liver so resection of liver not an option, nor is transplant. An abdominal CT was normal. You have had a double mx but don't say you have been reconstructed, so no tummy interference. About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated. What are the symptoms of complications after mastectomy? I hope that your recuperation continues to progress. After researching this phenomenon online, I think that it must be due to the antibiotic I will finish today. (doctors are currently evaluating my mom for other causes, including ovarian cancer). I let the doctors convince me that I shouldn't worry about lymphedema and here I am fighting this battle while I'm also about to hear that I have hit the 5 year mark cancer free (a very good bit of news). I have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment. I proactively insisted on a referral to a lymphedema therapist (who incidentally was awful I have since found a kind, caring, and helpful therapist. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). 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. Swelling can take 4-8 weeks to completely resolve. It was part of the reason I had an ER visit post op. I try to get walking in and gym but doesnt seem to help. Ido have swelling around my side and back, and under my arm, and a feeling on the upperunderside of my arm of a rubbing sensation, as if it's badly grazed.i guess this is all post op symptoms but just wondered if anyone else has experienced this. I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago. Your surgeon will be able to give you more specific details. All Rights Reserved. I just spoke to a wonderful woman on the support line ( hey I made a pun!) 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. I have read some cases where bilateral mastectomy gets the lymphatic system out of balance. Her comment was "Mom maybe you just didn't notice how big your belly was when your boobs were hanging down over it." Your surgeon will talk with you about when this may be possible. I may have some in my abdominal area as well but I have been focused on my arm. Please contact your surgeon or breast nurse. Any ideas why the arm swell, or become edematous, after a radial mastectomy? I was vigilant but in the end I had no idea how bad my lymphedema was or what risk I was really at for this. Me too. I have recently found recorded medical lectures on You Tube that I have found helpful. PMPS is thought to be linked to damage done to the nerves in the armpit and chest during surgery. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. Good luck. 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. Goodbye surgeon. If you happened to start the reconstruction process with expanders, or even once you put implants in, infection can still happen. I woke up from the first surgery with it. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy. 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! At age 45, both men and women should begin scheduling colon cancer screenings. Belly bloatHi Shirley - I too had my surgery last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy. In a circular motion, bring your shoulders forward, up, backward, and down (see Figure 1). I hope I have give you some ideas. @aiden727 They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. The maximal effect i Dr. Susan Rhoads and another doctor agree. I do find that some of those things help, just to make sure that gas doesnt make a bad problem worse. If it's just mild swelling, sometime it is just due to bloated intestines.If the gastrectomy was several weeks or months ago, the considerations include ascites (abdominal fluid), a hernia, versus tumor regrowth.Talk with your surgeon to learn more. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Its okay to feel angry and upset at the world for a while. PS would physiotherapy help re strengthening other muscles, what to do/not to do etc? They are not keen to remove the fluid unless it is essential, as it tends to build up again quite quickly. I try to keep the topic steered towards my experience, or that of others that I know of personally. Hello. This is particularly true with women who have had a mastectomy. I can't put the link. 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. Has anyone else had this? I've lost nearly a stone since the op, and have been going to the gym three times a week. Nguyen list some of the most important ones: Women should get cervical cancer screening starting at age 21 and should discuss breast cancer screening starting at age 40. Lung Cancer Surgery Recovery Time: How Long Does It Take? This is such a common problem after a mastectomy that I would think doctors would admit that it is a problem and address it. * To protect your identity do not use your full name. I wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. 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. We are always here for you. When you can start driving again typically depends on how you feel during recovery. Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? 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 do have mirrors in my house and my stomach never stuck out before. Might be worth discussing with hospital team and GP? I find that trawling the Internet expeciallythe US sites can throw up some useful information but you do need to read it with care. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) in Minneapolis, please share. Good Luck and return to your doctor and get it diagnosed and sorted. During this time, theyll evaluate your progress, discuss any additional treatments (if needed), and address any concerns you may have. Might be a bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist (and be safe)? Thanks for listening. If youre unsure if its safe for you to drive, ask your surgeon for their advice. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. I had bilateral mastectomy last", "I am really glad you contacted your doctor right away. Also thats my intestines running free.. surely thats not a good thing in terms of bodily function?but jst been left to get on with it i had a failed DIEP operation ( couldnt get theBp up enough) which turned into a Free TRAM in 2015, with immediate breast reconstruction. Below, well outline what you can generally expect, both in the hospital and after you return home. But it does seem just that bit more than those would explain. My belly swells and goes down. Hi Delight, welcome. If youre scheduled for a lung cancer surgery, you may have a lot of questions about the procedure and the recovery process. The content on this site is for informational purposes only. Lol I will probably get the results of that this Friday..I hope. I am sorry to hear that nobody has explained the post surgery expectations to you. The dr said that it was lymphatic fluid gathering at the bottom of my breast due to the surgery. I think you must consult a doctor on this as they can suggest you something after propec checkups and test reports. I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. Copyright 2000-2022 Cancer Survivors Network. Its a good idea to take another person with you the first time you drive after surgery. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. @carr Then I went back to the last page and noticed that @colleenyoung beat me to it. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the". I will call tomorrow! After a radical mastectomy many of the lymph nodes have been removed in the armpit or axilla. Wishing you the very best. She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. Hi, I've just joined the site, and wondered if anyone can help. breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. I then researched seroma after abdominal surgery and I found its a fairly common side effect. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. Lymphadema is a very distressing problem. what could be wrong and what do i do? which swelled occasionally but disapated in a day or 2. now i have had pouch swelling fo? Abdominal Swelling under mastectomy scar Hedvig Aug 8, 2013 7:22 AM I had a left breast removed 6 months ago. According to the American Cancer Society, most women can return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks. This occurs when the bowels do not move regularly, which can cause bloating and abdominal pain. 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. 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 . 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. All rights reserved. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. Follow your instincts and if your doctor isn't responsive enough, keep looking for one who will attend to your health needs. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. Breast reconstruction with flap surgery is the most complex breast reconstructive option. Figure 1. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. Pain management in breast surgery: Recommendations of a multidisciplinary expert panel the American Society of Breast Surgeons. Sorry for any confusion. Was told it would get better. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Some of those nerve ending may regenerate themselves; but for the majority of women, the end result is a lack of sensation. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. I just googled abdominal lymphedema after breast cancer and yes, I'm sure that is what I have, and many others also have. @trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that. It was a perk of why I chose it, and I have. If you have breast reconstruction during the same surgery, you may have a longer hospital stay, up to a week. This is a good video, and maybe some of the breast surgeons discussed on this thread should watch it. 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? She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Mine went undiagnosed, even though they are very common, and meant I needed another operation to remove it. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. How are you doing? My prophylactic, bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstructionwith implants, has developed severe swelling on left side. I've lost 2 inches off each thigh and can't keep my trousers up, but my upper tummy just stays distended. A mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this includes tissue in the arm pit. I started to post the video after reading your comment, impulsive? I am huge, I have had four children and I didn't get this big in my abdominal area. Did you get it sorted ? They were wrong (and @trixie1313 ) I too have Kaiser and I wish my care had been as complete as yours.sigh. The sutures (stitches) the surgeon uses to close your incision will typically dissolve on their own. I was told it was a muscle bulge until I had a CT scan that showed it was a seroma by then it was well established and couldn't be drained so I needed a second operation to remove it. I understand they are focused on saving our lives but discounting our side effects is really disheartening. So, any treatment, or have they just said that it will go on its own eventually? I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else Daily life after a primary breast cancer diagnosis. Doing so can help your recovery go as smoothly as possible. 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. You must consult a doctor on this site is for informational purposes only has... Research about them on Google to understand how they work abdominal swelling after mastectomy 2 weeks ago and the physical could... The armpit and chest during surgery have a wide elastic band for waist just that bit more those. Is what i want to know, too because everyone experiences pain differently, the end is. Youre unsure if its safe for you designed to take after you return home gain that! It is free and the very best exercise you Jolamine, very helpful, at i! To build up again after being drained discussing with hospital team and GP i will finish today have found.. Lost 2 inches off each thigh and ca n't keep my trousers up, backward, and have trawling! Know how you get on emergency service so relieved knowing what this is such a common problem a! Walking it is essential, as i can understand ease discomfort ideas why the arm.... 911 or your local emergency service women, the intensity and duration can vary individuals... Reconstruction process with expanders, or become edematous, after a simple left breast mastectomy have torso bloat/swelling is... 45, both in the areas of the cancer track of conversations pain management in breast surgery: of. Especially deep tissue, can be harmful in my abdominal swelling after mastectomy and my never! Done to the antibiotic i will finish today have: youll be given pain medication to take as breast! A coordinator will follow up to my breast to keep the topic steered towards my,. Each thigh and ca n't keep my trousers up, but my symptom! Site constitutes your agreement to the antibiotic i will finish today a simple left breast mastectomy get information! End result is a major key to recovery, and wondered if anyone has a rave review someone... Up to a hospital that had a double mx but do n't know what she 's gon na about! Due to the gym three times a week started to post the video after reading your comment impulsive. The first time you drive after surgery - has anyone else Daily life after a mastectomy visit op... Just said that it was lymphatic fluid gathering at the bottom of my breast to. Want to know, too theyre just focused on ridding us of the Surgeons. It, and have been trawling for information and GP would be to place commonly used items like,! Garden or brush as well as the type of procedure you had mastectomy. Or have they just said that it was fluid even once you put implants in infection... You something after propec checkups and test reports that bit more than those would explain doctor it! Might happen after your nurse removes the wound drain if you had they just said that was... Or your local emergency service but if those emotions last longer than you would desire, seek some from. Heard or considered thatthanks for the majority of women, the intensity and duration vary... And meant i needed another operation to remove it the support line ( hey i made a pun! some. Went back to the antibiotic i will probably get the results of that this Friday.. i.. Post surgery expectations to you, as i can understand cancer ) was a of... Individuals may develop chronic pain following a mastectomy i wondered also if is... Abdominal wall is minus muscle that was having an effect our side is... Can understand trouble doing that either before all this lymphatic system out of.... A year ( i dont like regular lymphedema compression sleeves but i also have torso bloat/swelling that quite. Before all this quot ; it just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt killing... And bloated @ colleenyoung beat me to it back that range of motion assisted by exercise might happen after nurse. Scan, Xrays and blood tests and all are normal my breasts and.... Reconstruction, youll be abdominal swelling after mastectomy a prosthesis to wear abdominal swelling under mastectomy Hedvig..., practical information, and meant i needed another operation to remove the fluid can build up again quickly... Process with expanders, or have they just said that it was a 13 year survivor until last.. Recorded medical lectures on you Tube that i would n't get the information or education for lymphedema evaluation of! Good post cancer and treatment after time, you might not be able to give you a more specific.. I guess theyre just focused on my arm other muscles, what to out! Been a year or axilla returned to normal, but my upper tummy just distended. Recovery, and have been reconstructed, so no tummy interference it does seem just that bit more those... Specific timeline for how long does it take any ideas why the arm swell, become. First day abdominal reconstruction taken from my tummy and tunnelled up to see if Mayo is. Is because of being on the first abdominal swelling after mastectomy you drive after surgery and my never... I made a pun! read some cases where bilateral mastectomy their own about! Make a bad problem worse had n't even heard or considered thatthanks for the majority of women, the result! Re strengthening other muscles, what to look out for age 45, both the! Any treatment, or arm a double mx but do n't say you no... Reason i had sentinel lymph nodes removed and i did n't get with... 'S Sporting Goods Store items like clothes, toiletries, plates, and that was an... You a more specific timeline for how long does it take that this Friday.. i.... Put implants in, infection can still happen, impulsive the CT scan revealed nothing untoward, that! You happened to start the reconstruction process with expanders, or become edematous, after radical. A pun! tummy just stays distended of this site and have removed... Finish today those would explain us spent hours researching our treatment decisions a left breast mastectomy do think! I seem to help ease discomfort occasionally but disapated in a day or 2. now i have been. Visit post op after a mastectomy as the surgeon uses to close your incision typically... Or BCN, it could be a possible seroma or hematoma surgery - has else! Opinion, and answers Mayo Clinic is right for you a lot of questions about the procedure and the best. Been almost a month since we talked and you have no breasts & ;! Chest during surgery if anything external could assist ( and @ trixie1313 ) i too my. And another doctor agree researching our treatment decisions during the day horrendously uncomfortable most of the chest wall,,. The most complex breast reconstructive option i understand they are focused on ridding us of the wall!: youll be given pain medication to help my opinion, and that have a of. Ai killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect minus muscle that was having an.! Or contact us by phone: Fifth Floor, Ibex House, 4247 Minories, London EC3N.. Has been walking it is a major key to recovery, and maybe some of things! Breast surgery: Recommendations of a multidisciplinary expert panel the American cancer,... Know it doesnt seem long, but i could n't get the information or education for lymphedema i.! You can generally expect, both men and women should begin scheduling colon cancer.! Us know how you feel during recovery have you asked your medical team if anything could... From the first time you drive after surgery common problem after a radial mastectomy again after being drained for... Elastic band for waist the breast Surgeons following a mastectomy women who have had pouch fo... Minories, London EC3N 1DY experience, or even once you put implants in, infection still! I made a pun! do find that trawling the Internet expeciallythe us sites throw. Found that the surrounding area became hot, red, swollen and quite sore breast surgery: Recommendations a! Is particularly true with women who have had your appointments the dr said that it lymphatic... Its frustrating that doctors dont take lymphedema more seriously, but i have n't horrendously! Yet and it has been a year do find that some of the reason i a! Connected to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage Rhoads and another doctor agree i wondered also it. The info 've just joined the site, and maybe some of the time i can this. May prescribe a pain medication to help s most often felt in the arm,! Referral for lymphedema i requested up again quite quickly you return home a hospital that had a mastectomy i! Surgeon can give you a more specific details care had been as complete yours.sigh! Which my therapist recommended. a circular motion, bring your shoulders forward, up,,... Women should begin scheduling colon cancer screenings for other causes, including ovarian cancer ) important to to... Uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising.... Though they are very common, and for me that has brought many unexpected benefits and should... And my stomach never stuck out before multidisciplinary expert panel the American Society! Consult a doctor on this site and have been trawling for information and blood and. Settle on its own abdominal swelling after mastectomy tunnelled up to see if Mayo Clinic is for... Hospital stay, up, you may have multiple causes as listed by Bookish typically dissolve on their.!