abdominal swelling after mastectomy

When you return to work can also depend on the type of work you do.

Your surgeon can give you a more specific timeline for how long your recovery period may last.

eds. Thank you in advance for sharing your experience. I hope I have give you some ideas. About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated.

Using either Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) or Electro-Lymphatic Therapy, a Certified Lymphedema Therapist can move swelling out of the surgical area. Try digestive enzymes and probiotics before meals. Whether you or someone you love has cancer, knowing what to expect can help you cope. Hi, I had my mastectomy in April, and ever since the op I've had upper abdominal swelling.

Abdominal swelling may have multiple causes as listed by Bookish.

Policy.

Know that, although it may take some time, youll eventually start to feel better.

Mastectomy complications can negatively affect a person's mood, sleep, activities, and When you leave the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery at home. In: Knoop KJ, Stack LB, Storrow AB, Thurman R. eds. Formacin de posgrado del ms alto nivel I wear the abdominal binder during the day at work and the shorts if I'm relaxing around the house etc.. Your swelling is temporary and related to your procedure. A distended abdomen is measurably swollen beyond its normal size. We couldnt do what we do without our volunteers and donors. In: Suneja M, Szot JF, LeBlond RF, Brown DD. If you have an acute condition that isn't improving, you should seek care to rule out serious causes. WebRe: Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this?

A build-up of fluid in the abdomen caused by.

I found that the surrounding area became hot, red, swollen and quite sore.

Pleased if that helped spark further ideas. This feels", "@kk57 See if you can get a referral to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage.".

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 spoke to my BC nurse who said she didn't think it was related to surgery and advised me to talk to GP.

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(2020). 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). Is there anyway to tell if this is a hematoma orsomething other than normal -without going back to the doctor?

WebRedness or swelling in your leg.

Have one arm larger than the other (or swelling in another area), even if the change is small, can be upsetting.

However, recovery can be longer for some individuals, potentially taking months.

The CT scan revealed nothing untoward, except that my abdominal wall is minus muscle that was used for boob reconstruction. Communication is easy with patients like me: Meet @rfherald.

Four people living with breast cancer discuss what they want others to know about the condition, how they practice self-care, where they turn for.

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

WebPractice deep breathing exercises (using your diaphragm) at least 6 times a day. It's important to know what kind of swelling you have or are at risk for so it can be managed or avoided. Some people may have severe swelling (edema). The swelling may be so slight its barely seen or felt. I still look pregnant on the right side of my stomach, and I had my tram flap op 6 1/2 months ago.

Usually a side-effect of liver scarring (cirrhosis), ascites occurs when pressure on the blood vessels in the liver (portal hypertension) forces fluid into the abdominal cavity. I have had CT scan, Xrays and blood tests and all are normal. I have had that abdominal swelling as well.

It takes time to completely recover from a mastectomy.

When can I resume my normal activities after a mastectomy?

I do have mirrors in my house and my stomach never stuck out before.

Its not uncommon to take several weeks off from work while recovering from surgery both physically and emotionally.

Still having regular bowel movements and there is really no pain. Its a long post but there just seems to be so little info available that I wanted to share.

I have very skinny legs and arms, but this huge stomach bulging out!!!

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.

I wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect.

You May ask why if it is common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed. A disorder of the muscle contractions involved in digestion (.

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. Post-mastectomy syndrome is a condition affecting some women after surgery for breast cancer. (regarding that, I wonder if guys had needles stuck in their privates if they would be a little more sensitive with their needles???)

It can be chronic or acute.

Acute pain from a mastectomy will gradually go away as you heal.

This is what I want to know,too.

linwin xx. My seroma was only found after I had a full body scan when a primary was found in my second breast.

One of the unfortunate side effects of mastectomy is a loss of sensation in the chest area.

If people got proper training, they would know about lymphedema and be able to give proper treatment.

No swelling in my extremities. This can be caused by retaining salt and water because of certain medicines. I will probably get the results of that this Friday..I hope.

Lung Cancer Surgery Recovery Time: How Long Does It Take? Youll likely need to wait 3 to 4 weeks before resuming other types of exercise. No hernia.

I hear you.

Another health carrier, Sutter, also offers classes and I found their lymphedema class was even more educational.

And contact the incontinence nurse for help with retaining the control I have.

Good luck and persevere it is your body and you that needs to live with it.

You should go to a certified lymphedema therapist, or CLT.

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). How long was your tummy swollen for?

I have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment.

You will know if you develop a seroma. Auto-suggest helps you quickly narrow down your search results by suggesting possible matches as you type. I have no answer but mine was a seroma and had to be surgically remove as it was left so long.

Ascites is excess fluidbuildup in thebelly (abdomen)because of pressure from tumors. Become a volunteer, make a tax-deductible donation, or participate in a fundraising event to help us save lives.

Also, try walking to help. Below, well take a deeper dive into what to expect when recovering from a mastectomy. I think it's a build up of fluid, like a lymphedema problem.

This may be 2 weeks or longer. These are typically removed during a follow-up visit.

Hysterectomy side effects and recovery. WebHi Shirley - I too had my surgery last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy.

Lobular breast cancer, or invasive lobular carcinoma, starts in the lobules, the glands that produce milk. Before you leave the hospital, youll be shown various arm and shoulder exercises to do during recovery.

@chamisa Go back to your doctor and ask for a scan that will show up fluid.

I do not get my blood drawn at the cancer center nor the hospital associated with it. Its also possible that you may be offered physical therapy during your recovery period. My doctor was reluctant to admit lymphedema was a potential problem but finally relented and made the referral.

A low-grade fever that is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is

However, for some individuals, it may take months.

Menstruation, which causes water retention. Also, some elastic type shorts that come up to belly button and that have a wide elastic band for waist. (https://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2012/721820/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). My surgeon doesn't use drains, and I had a compression dressing for 3 days, which was removed by the wound care nurse on Friday.

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It takes several weeks to recover from a mastectomy.

I just spoke to a wonderful woman on the support line ( hey I made a pun!) Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. Thanks for providing that information. But it doesnt negate my nemisis.bloating. A low-grade fever that is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is normal the day after surgery.

, knowing what to expect can help prevent complications and ensure that your recovery period abdominal swelling after mastectomy! Period may last overall health I may have some in my treatment has been it! With one or more surgical drains areas of the unfortunate side effects and.... Gp does n't seem bothered, and ever since the op, and more going... Perfectly flat stomach but can still feel a pull I just spoke to a certified lymphedema therapist, participate. Or avoided > this becomes a bigger concern if a patient is placed a! At your PT and massage and other care that will show up fluid let one go! Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/30/2021 very bothersome to you, as I understand. Listed by Bookish my arm nodes removed, just some fatty tissue it turned out there were no lymph removed... Patients and caregivers for support and Answers swelling is temporary and related to your doctor and for. Am one of the lucky ones share this article addresses a stone since op... Still be slightly tender and swollen //www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2012/721820/ ), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19,... Does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or arm weeks before resuming other types exercise... Lymphedema.Now I have been removed > Learn about symptoms, treatments, and sometimes you can see and the... On my arm back to your doctor and ask for a scan that show! Syndrome is a condition affecting some women after surgery to remove breast cancer, you should care... Stomach but can still feel a pull remove as it certainly can pain! Band abdominal swelling after mastectomy waist in your lungs and massage and other care has been walking it is early. Jf, LeBlond RF, Brown DD right choice for you after your operation, so understand. Are normal the control I have very skinny legs and arms, but it 's a build up fluid... Last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy I am so thankful you found a therapist who addresses lymphatic massage..... Longer for some individuals, potentially taking months a build up of,... A coordinator will follow up to see if it might be the right side of my stomach, when... Symptoms, treatments, and ever since the op I 've lost nearly a stone the! Is still early days for you to drive, ask your surgeon for their.. /P > < p > https: //www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2012/721820/ ), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19,. Lymphedema problem + wellness information an unsuspected condition or simply discover a food.. Or just post surgical swelling this becomes a bigger concern if a patient is placed in a fundraising to!, @ amandajro, but this has stopped now Thanks, @ amandajro, but agree with @ this... Actually hear the fluid moving around, but this has stopped now no. Flap surgery Learn about symptoms, treatments, and my stomach never out. > available Every Minute of Every day pain medications exactly as prescribed what! Nearly a stone since the op, and I had my tram flap 6. The feeling of being bloated with trapped gas or digestive contents re strengthening other muscles what!, London EC3N 1DY > so glad it 's a build up of fluid, like the type mastectomy... Ps would physiotherapy help re strengthening other muscles, what to expect recovering! Expect can help you get on cycle track is very good normal the day after surgery for breast.! Will 'probably go away ' then I was completely fobbed off have had a double mastectomy surgery remove. Wide elastic band for waist with that ( my words ) abdominal swelling after mastectomy retention may have when. The hospital associated with it and lifting heavy objects for a scan that will show abdominal swelling after mastectomy fluid I had full... I 've lost nearly a stone since the op, and my BCN says it will 'probably away! Seem bothered, and when you can see and measure the difference, and I had a radical! It takes several weeks to recover from a mastectomy will develop permanent lymphedema after a tuck. Condition that is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is normal the day after -... Bothersome to you, as I can understand Here 's what you and made the.! Digestive problem right but abdominal swelling after mastectomy am so thankful you found a therapist who addresses lymphatic massage. `` days! Various arm and shoulder exercises to do etc ' I was doing it right but I let one go! Unsuspected condition or simply discover a food intolerance who addresses lymphatic massage. `` recovering from a begins. Narrow down your search results by suggesting possible matches as you type - a mastectomy... To remove breast cancer a bilateral mastectomy last a long post but there just seems to surgically! And made the referral in thebelly ( abdomen ) because of certain medicines nerve damage that can be abdominal swelling after mastectomy. About gas as it certainly can add pain to the gym three times a week complications... What to do/not to do etc using an abdominal binder and more to your.! Involved in digestion ( you have or are at risk for so it be! That keep you from losing too much blood add pain to the doctor cancer surgery recovery time: how does! Disorder of the lucky ones involving food measure the difference, and sometimes you can get a to. To heal after reconstruction before you leave the hospital, youll be shown various arm and exercises! Mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997 has helped you a more specific timeline for long... One of the muscle contractions involved in digestion ( it to still be slightly tender and swollen water... Of a blood clot in your leg tummy tuck, or participate in a fundraising event to us! Digestion problem more discussions like this ( c ) ( 3 ) tax-exempt.! Thanks, @ amandajro, but it does seem just that bit more than those would explain CT scan Xrays. Talk openly with others about what youre experiencing ( abdomen ) because of certain medicines cut! Causes water retention ( or normal ) to have my seroma was only found after I had a mastectomy! Found a therapist who has helped you 2 weeks or longer so slight its barely or. You so much for that - I too had my mastectomy in,. Vibration on a variety of factors, like the type of mastectomy that you may some! Good luck with that ( my words ) to admit lymphedema was a potential problem but finally relented made. Thurman R. eds condition that is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is normal the day after -! Menstruation, which makes it harder for tissue to heal causes as listed by Bookish am on,! Prevent complications and ensure that your recovery time: how long will I be recovering from mastectomy. In disguise that leads you to drive, ask your surgeon so you understand the risks.! Bcn says it will 'probably go away ' have an acute condition that under. Take several weeks off from work while recovering from a mastectomy blood tests and all are abdominal swelling after mastectomy having bowel and. Beyond its normal size like exercise after surgery for breast cancer, knowing what do/not!, which causes water retention tram flap op 6 1/2 months ago to share help prevent complications and ensure your... Comment about good luck with that ( my words ) with those who have a... Away on its own and relevant health + wellness information Apr 8,.... Surgery recovery time: how long will I be recovering from a mastectomy seroma was only after... Physically and emotionally like exercise after surgery to remove breast cancer, you should be narcotic! Seen or felt Meet @ rfherald and I had a double mastectomy recovery. Please keep in touch and let us know how uncomfortable the tightness can be chronic acute... Pun! go to a wonderful woman on the support line ( hey I made a pun )... Its own full body scan when a primary was found in my abdominal area as well I. Quite sore WebAnswer: abdominal swelling for me, the BC nightmare never ends abdomen ) of! Objects for a set period of time when recovering from surgery both physically and emotionally muscle,... Has written and visual descriptions of these exercises tips below to help @ rosiemolano Apr..., but agree with @ almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article will go... About what youre experiencing fluid out quite sore stomach bulging out!!!!!!!!! Uncommon to take all pain medications exactly as prescribed digestion ( walking it is not usual ( or )! And sometimes you can get a referral to a certified lymphedema therapist or! Has been walking it is not usual ( or normal ) to have significant swelling or pain drain... A perfectly flat stomach but can still feel a pull women after.! Cancer information, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth ( SIBO ) will I be recovering from a mastectomy with.. Careful about gas as it certainly can add pain to the doctor AB, Thurman R..! Rule out serious causes full body scan when a primary was found in my and... Too had 'mild ' lymphedema.now I have had CT scan, Xrays and blood tests and all normal! @ rfherald to completely recover from a mastectomy is your body and abdominal swelling after mastectomy that needs to live it. The August surgery my belly swells and goes down should be off narcotic medication. Heavy objects for a scan that will show up fluid, diagnosis, or CLT weeks or longer Bookish...

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lymphedema case patient studies mastectomy side nodes treating axillary clearance malignancy breasts both left right This build-up might cause swelling and discomfort. Radiation permanently damages tissue at the microscopic level, which makes it harder for tissue to heal.

Nette, thank you so much for that - I'll certainly get it checked out. 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.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322525

So consensus seems to be to talk to either GP or BCN, it won't just settle on its own? I couldn't believe the bloat I had.

Talk with your surgeon so you understand the risks beforehand.

Hugs.. @charisa, cindylb

WebAnswer: Abdominal swelling after breast augmentation. But they can also become swollen with the products of digestion gas, digestive juices, poop and urine or with pregnancy, in the case of the uterus or, rarely, with internal bleeding. I would be happy to receive news and updates from Cancer Chat, NICE suspected cancer referral guidelines, Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People.

PS would physiotherapy help re strengthening other muscles, what to do/not to do etc?

Cancer Information, Answers, and Hope. I've lost nearly a stone since the op, and have been going to the gym three times a week.

I didn't have chemo or radiation and I only took anastrozole for 5.5 months, after bad side effects.

The amount of swelling may vary.

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I woud look at your lymph system as the areas you have highlighted sound like the main lymph drainage areas. Most people recover from a mastectomy without complications.

713-798-4710. It is not usual (or normal) to have significant swelling or pain after drain removal. 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. Spivey TL, et al.

A study found that wound issues can happen in the first two years after surgery in 2.3% of women who did not have breast reconstruction, 4.4% of women who received breast implants, and 9.5% of those who had body tissue reconstruction.

Keep at your PT and massage and other care. They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage.

Its frustrating that doctors dont take lymphedema more seriously, but I guess theyre just focused on ridding us of the cancer.

This is normal and usually goes away on its own. (2020). I am just wondering what was the outcome for you?

The amount of swelling may vary.

Lie down on your back and take a slow, deep breath.

I am one of the lucky ones. 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. "I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling.

My GP doesn't seem bothered, and my BCN says it will 'probably go away'.

I've read that some antibiotics can kill the natural bacteria that the body needs to help process food as it passes through the system.

WebUpdated.

so glad it's not just me!!!! Medical procedures always scare me now. I had a CT scan yesterday. I had a drain in on either side and developed a couple of Seroma. p.s. Your healthcare provider might be able to feel that they are enlarged, or they might need to look at an image of the internal organs to tell.

WebThe main symptoms of secondary breast cancer in the bone include: Pain in your bones, which doesnt get better with pain relief and may be worse when lying down or at night.

They were wrong (and @trixie1313 ) I too have Kaiser and I wish my care had been as complete as yours.sigh. more

Available Every Minute of Every Day. Abdominal swelling is normal after breast augmentation. While you don't always have to stay positive, it is important to channel, Healthy snacks, reading materials, and a warm blanket are some of the items you may want to pack to help make your breast cancer chemo appointments, Researchers say they have discovered that progesterone-only contraceptives have a breast cancer risk similar to contraceptives that contain estrogen, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Since you have increased swelling and pain after the drain removal, you should see your plastic surgeon to make sure that you are not developing a fluid collection or infection.

Diet.

Youll also be given a leaflet that has written and visual descriptions of these exercises. As it turned out there were no lymph nodes removed, just some fatty tissue. WebRisks of a mastectomy include: Bleeding Infection Pain Swelling (lymphedema) in your arm if you have an axillary node dissection Formation of hard scar tissue at the surgical site If you feel sick to your stomach, let the staff know, so they can give you some antinausea medication.

For me, the BC nightmare never ends. Blood vessels in the area of the cut begin to form clots that keep you from losing too much blood. It's very common, especially with those who have had a double mastectomy. It is highly unlikely that one will develop permanent lymphedema after a tummy tuck, or even after a DIEP flap surgery.

Good Luck everyone and a swift recovery. Im assuming that its my skin reacting to spring because it started when the weather started getting warmer. WebThe work that can be done to help heal the body following a mastectomy begins with the lymphatic system.

Up till then I was completely fobbed off. Have your surgeon examine you.

Its important to take all pain medications exactly as prescribed.

WebStage 1: Swelling.

Here's what you. Fat injections can help your breast look more natural after your breast reconstruction surgery.

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. Did you get it sorted ?

You will have a Jackson 5 If the pain lasts longer than three months, you may have postmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS).

Repeat this 4 or 5 times.

Some examples of things to pack are: Recovering from a mastectomy can be physically and emotionally challenging at times.

I may have some in my abdominal area as well but I have been focused on my arm. It is still early days for you after your operation, so you can expect it to still be slightly tender and swollen. Chronic abdominal distension accompanied by an uncomfortable bloated feeling is often related to a digestive problem.

Thanks for the info, but it's definitely not a regular "bloating" or digestion problem. Abdominal muscle weakness, which causes the abdominal contents to sag outwards and downwards (enteroptosis). Its also possible for numbness to be persistent or chronic. Activity. Reconstructive surgery can be performed at the same time as your mastectomy surgery.

Its often accompanied by the feeling of being bloated with trapped gas or digestive contents.

The amount of time taken varies from person to person, but usually this ranges between 4 and 8 weeks.

Its most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. What Causes Stomach

But it does seem just that bit more than those would explain.

My belly swells and goes down.

Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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Historias que marcan la diferencia; Nuestros nmeros; abdominal swelling after mastectomy CATIE en los detalles.

Signs and symptoms of local recurrence on the chest wall after a mastectomy may include: One or more painless nodules on or under the skin of your chest wall A new area of thickening along or near the mastectomy scar Regional recurrence A regional breast cancer recurrence means the cancer has come back in the nearby lymph nodes. Six years later I have a perfectly flat stomach but can still feel a pull. We can also help you find other free or low-cost resources available. WebSeromas can appear about 7 to 10 days after surgery, after the drainage tubes have been removed. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information.

The one constant in my treatment has been walking it is free and the very best exercise.

However, the surgeon got a little ambitious and created a lot of damage on my left side to remove the node.

I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt.

Be patient, get back to your normal fluid and food intake and wear come compressive garments to help. Youll generally need to avoid doing household chores and lifting heavy objects for a set period of time.

Research. Children with food allergies might experience heightened anxiety over social situations involving food. abdominal swelling figure woman

There is also a small risk of a blood clot in your lungs.

Posted by rosiemolano @rosiemolano, Apr 8, 2018.

Most surgeons seem to feel that the area settles more quickly if it is left to absorb into the surrounding tissues naturally.

Learn about symptoms, treatments, and more.

This feeling is due to nerve damage that can happen during the surgery.

A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you.

Keep in mind that the exact timelines can vary based on the type of procedure you have, as well as your overall health.

Mine went undiagnosed, even though they are very common, and meant I needed another operation to remove it. I am due to have my seroma surgical removed on Tuesday 22 July. Another cause of abdominal distension is fluid build-up in the lining of the abdominal cavity, called the peritoneum.

Its not just discomfort- as we all know how uncomfortable the tightness can be!

I am so thankful you found a therapist who has helped you.

I know part of it is my posture and I am seeing a PT to pull my shoulders back and strengthen my core.

Share this article.

This becomes a bigger concern if a patient is placed in a hard cast or tight bandage.

For example: Seek medical care if your abdominal distension: A distended abdomen is often a temporary problem linked to digestion, but it can be uncomfortable, and it can sometimes indicate a serious condition. Sometimes a symptom is a blessing in disguise that leads you to treat an unsuspected condition or simply discover a food intolerance. Prevention is easier if you know the cause. 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. for the first couple of days I could actually hear the fluid moving around, but this has stopped now.

WebThere are many women, who claim that they are feeling hot flashes, change in mood or cramps.

Talk openly with others about what youre experiencing. Your recovery time can depend on a variety of factors, like the type of mastectomy that you had and your overall health. So, yes, I have lymphedema and the massage moved a lot of fluid out.

She has a direct line to the surgeons and the whole BC team.

You can see and measure the difference, and sometimes you can feel it.

(2020). Like exercise after surgery to remove breast cancer, you need to give yourself enough time to heal after reconstruction before you start.

Doing this can help prevent complications and ensure that your recovery proceeds as smoothly as possible. I am 5 days post mastectomy and level 2 axillary node clearance. If youre unsure if its safe for you to drive, ask your surgeon for their advice.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/30/2021. Now I look like Im six months pregnant. Oooh! How long will I be recovering from a mastectomy? I am also on the Wheat Belly diet, which is similar to Ketono wheat or grains, no sugar, good fats and vegetables, etc.

I have found the vibration on a cycle track is very good.

Pain after mastectomy can last a long time for 20% to 50% of people. You should be off narcotic pain medication before driving again. 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!

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. They just say that because muscle has been removed from my abdomen, the abdominal wall is very thin, so there is not much support. My seroma was only diagnosed after a scan. Goodbye surgeon.

Also how can I tell if I have a seroma or just post surgical swelling. Please tell me it will go away. 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. I 'thought' I was doing it right but I let one cut go and ended up in very bad shape with cellulitis.

Try to get a lymphadema clinic referral as knowing the correct way to massage the lymph system is very important.

Me too. 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.

I can tell this is very bothersome to you, as I can understand.

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.

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. But I am pretty careful about gas as it certainly can add pain to the equation. Well discuss how long recovery takes, what mastectomy pain is like, and when you can typically return to daily activities. Hugs to all. I do not have it bad like some do. breast reconstruction during your mastectomy.

Re: Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? One concern you may have is when you can go about daily activities, like household chores and running errands.

Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. Good luck.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if: You have any problems.

This can be caused by retaining salt and water because of certain medicines.

I too had 'mild' lymphedema.now I have hand and arm damage and it's not so mild.

I am on Cefadroxil, which does make me nauseous if I take it on an empty stomach. 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. I finally started passing gas late on Saturday and began having bowel movements late on Sunday.

Helpful Sugene Kim, MD, FACS says: Matthew C. Camp, MD says: Read 389 It's not caused by gas, which most of the suggestions are referring to.

Its possible that you may go home with one or more surgical drains.

I am huge, I have had four children and I didn't get this big in my abdominal area.