I too had 'mild' lymphedema.now I have hand and arm damage and it's not so mild. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. The worst part of my story is thisthis past November I got cellulitis in my left hand and arm and went into sepsis. Im going to email my surgeons with all those questions you dont ask at the time ! If this is the case, get instructions from your surgeon on how to care for your surgical drains at home. I do have mirrors in my house and my stomach never stuck out before. My mom is experiencing the same thing - visible abdominal distension, that has persisted almost 5 weeks after her surgery. 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! I was stage 1", "Hello @almostoutofthewoods and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. It can cause: swelling pain an increased risk of infection The fluid normally goes away on its own within a few weeks. Thank you all so much. Those are your signs to call your doctor for further instructions. 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. I was in excellent physical shape when I underwent my hysterectomy (Not to brag, but I actually had a six-pack!). Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. You May ask why if it is common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed. This occurs when the bowels do not move regularly, which can cause bloating and abdominal pain. My health carrier is Kaiser Permanente and prior to any surgeries, they have patients attend classes guided by physical therapists. 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 woke up from the first surgery with it. Lots of swelling but few if any, caused by pedicle tram recon. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. I am now on a very strict program of PT, massage, and bandaging to keep the lymphedema under control. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. This feels", "@kk57 See if you can get a referral to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage.". Belly bloatHi Shirley - I too had my surgery last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy. Did you have your lymphedema evaluation? It often happens in the arms or legs, but can also happen in the face, neck, trunk, abdomen (belly), or genitals. 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. This feeling is due to nerve damage that can happen during the surgery. @aiden727 It has been almost a month since we talked and you have had your appointments. Sooo frustrating. yes . (regarding that, I wonder if guys had needles stuck in their privates if they would be a little more sensitive with their needles???) Any ideas why the arm swell, or become edematous, after a radial mastectomy? The hospital and my surgeon said", "Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. Because everyone experiences pain differently, the intensity and duration can vary between individuals. Did you have your lymphedema evaluation? To learn more, please visit our. I was very concerned about lymphedema because I was trying to resolve my risks. 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. Was told it would get better. I've tried every logical thing I can think of and nothing helps. Good luck and persevere it is your body and you that needs to live with it. After time, you will gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise. @almostoutofthewoods There are different lymphedema pads called "swell spots" that are quite helpful. Is there anything we can do to make the swelling go down? 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. Watch out for a fever, swelling, redness, and added pain. Well discuss how long recovery takes, what mastectomy pain is like, and when you can typically return to daily activities. Of course, I could just be obese in that area. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. This is typically 3 days or less. (doctors are currently evaluating my mom for other causes, including ovarian cancer). Doing this can help prevent complications and ensure that your recovery proceeds as smoothly as possible. So, yes, I have lymphedema and the massage moved a lot of fluid out. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. Another health carrier, Sutter, also offers classes and I found their lymphedema class was even more educational. Eighteen ways to reduce bloating: Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: Reconstruction, Recovery, and More. The swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along. Hard to feel good about oneself when you look 8 months pregnant. Then she went out and got me fruits and a big salad to push the greens. Great news but now2 months out I still cant wear my clothes. You should go to a certified lymphedema therapist, or CLT. Please tell me it will go away. I felt lucky about their cancer assessment, but I couldn't get the information or education for lymphedema I requested. About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated. Hi, I'm new here and have been too busy to consistantly lurk! I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. Go back to your doctor and ask for a scan that will show up fluid. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection. Can a Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Be Performed at the Same Time? Not standard mastectomy. That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. 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 . 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. After eight years in the system and with an excellent BCN I would always use her as my first port of call. For some people, this may be about 10 days after surgery. I think paranoid hyperchondriac is a pretty good label for me right now! I am not a medic so dont know. Its important to take all pain medications exactly as prescribed. I noticed I have a bloated stomach when I washed myself up. Have a lovely Sunday and again thanks for your reply. It's handy to rest things on, I guess! Lol , Well my results turned out different I went for a colonoscopy and an endoscopy today and my doctor said that I could possibly have a hiatal hernia I will be able to confirm it Monday because I'm having a CT scan with contrast and they're supposed to let me know something but so far that's what they say my bump is I pray everybody figures out what theirs is. How long was your tummy swollen for? I am a year out of a double mastectomy and seem to develop a lot of upper belly fat. Its important to talk with your surgeon about which specific activities you can do when you get home. I found a certified lymphedema therapist and I will make an appointment. Its not just discomfort- as we all know how uncomfortable the tightness can be! In addition to general pain or discomfort, it's possible to feel:. Stomach bloating is generally related to several different factors. If you feel sick to your stomach, let the staff know, so they can give you some antinausea medication. It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. Answer: 1-2 weeks. Chronic pain after breast surgery: A prospective, observational study. A mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this includes tissue in the arm pit. Learn the signs and symptoms of metastasis, how you can make yourself as comfortable as possible, and tips for managing end-of-life symptoms. Support those fighting Breast Cancer at The Breast Cancer Site for free! 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). I have read some great info though! I had bilateral mastectomy last week, November 3, 2021. After a radical mastectomy many of the lymph nodes have been removed in the armpit or axilla. I had no reconstruction and try to go to gym and walk 3 times a week but doesnt seem to help. Your surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment about 7 to 10 days after your mastectomy. This build-up might cause swelling and discomfort. When you open up your body, youre leaving yourself exposed. That pain will subside. Copyright 2000-2022 Cancer Survivors Network. But on the best positive ever i am 5 years clear . I'm not tiny but I've never had such a big upper tummy! It was part of the reason I had an ER visit post op. They were wrong (and @trixie1313 ) I too have Kaiser and I wish my care had been as complete as yours.sigh. Youll also be given a leaflet that has written and visual descriptions of these exercises. I know part of it is my posture and I am seeing a PT to pull my shoulders back and strengthen my core. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. Any ideas? But it doesnt worry me and although occasionally uncomfortable it doesnt hurt. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. Its a long post but there just seems to be so little info available that I wanted to share. Your recovery time can depend on a variety of factors, like the type of mastectomy that you had and your overall health. 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. Keep in mind that the exact timelines can vary based on the type of procedure you have, as well as your overall health. Im currently three years post-mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. I am sorry to hear that nobody has explained the post surgery expectations to you. Doing so can help your recovery go as smoothly as possible. Not do vigorous, repetitive movements against resistance with the affected arm. Hopefully the burping and passing gas is the beginning of your relief and your bowels will follow. Hi, I'm new here and have been too busy to consistantly lurk! Funds are paid by Greater Good Charities to benefiting organizations as a grant. Are these options things you've already tried or are doing? Its hard to get people", "@trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. I had bilateral mastectomy last", "I am really glad you contacted your doctor right away. I found the breast nurses the most useful and approachable. You also need to be comfortable wearing a seatbelt. I had my op on both breasts on the Thursday and my drains were taken out on the Saturday. How to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer: 10 Lifestyle Recommendations, Symptoms of Late Stage Metastatic Breast Cancer, What to Know and Consider Before Having Prophylactic Mastectomy, a dressing or bandage to cover your incision and keep it clean, a surgical drain to help blood and fluid drain from the surgical site, how to care for your incision, including how to bathe or shower, which exercises to do to promote range of motion in your arm and shoulder and how often to do them, what you may expect as far as pain, numbness, or other sensations, how to recognize signs of complications, like infections or lymphedema, when you can start doing certain activities again, such as household chores, driving, and wearing a bra, experienced acute, severe postmastectomy pain, bleeding from the surgical site thats more than you were told to expect, redness, swelling, or pain around your incision, an area thats red, tender, or feels warm to the touch, unexplained swelling around the surgical site, which could be signs of a, persistent swelling in your arm or hand, which can be a sign of, a notebook for tracking medications or for writing down questions to ask your surgeon during your follow-up appointment, a wedge pillow to help keep you propped up in bed or on the couch. Try to get a lymphadema clinic referral as knowing the correct way to massage the lymph system is very important. If youre unsure if its safe for you to drive, ask your surgeon for their advice. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. Youll see the scars of where your cancer and breast once were. Your surgeon will talk with you about when this may be possible. 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 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. Its hard to feel anything in the breast area: an accidental brush of someones arm walking by, something poking through your t-shirt or bra, even the intimate moments between you and your significant other are hard to detect. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. (2020). 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. 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. Immediately after your mastectomy, youll be moved into the recovery room at the hospital. today I am 10 weeks out from my DIEP surgery. It was frustrating. Re: Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? My daughter did make me laugh when I showed her my belly. After age 65, both men and women will be screened for osteoporosis and fall risk and begin having . Learn more to see if it might be the right choice for you. From surgery to chemotherapy to radiation and for years later, many of those scars remain. Learn how CBCs are used in the treatment of breast cancer. Has the lymphedema subsided? Its likely that youll start out with gentle, low impact exercise and slowly increase in intensity. Please support The Breast Cancer Site by adding us to your ad blockers whitelist ads help us to support those fighting Breast Cancer. If youre experiencing prolonged pain after the procedure, discuss your treatment options with a doctor. If people got proper training, they would know about lymphedema and be able to give proper treatment. Sigh. I have had CT scan, Xrays and blood tests and all are normal. Brenin DR, et al. Youll have difficulty finding clothes, especially if you only have one breast. I think whats difficult for me is mainly -the impact of this on daily living, theres ongoing pain, the immediate need to go to the loo and the not knowing if I am gonna keep growing.. which seems minor when everyone is going through so much and fighting to beat cancer. My seroma was only diagnosed after a scan. 1) Observation and better selection of a bra-mastectomy shop is /dissection was not done (?) I am really glad you contacted your doctor right away. It was a perk of why I chose it, and I have. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the". This is such a common problem after a mastectomy that I would think doctors would admit that it is a problem and address it. linwin xx. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else Daily life after a primary breast cancer diagnosis. This can happen if you have a more extensive procedure, such as a radical mastectomy or if you have breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. what could be wrong and what do i do? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322525 Mine went undiagnosed, even though they are very common, and meant I needed another operation to remove it. Exercise is a major key to recovery, in my opinion, and for me that has brought many unexpected benefits. Weakness is a common side effect to mastectomy patients, especially to those who proceed with reconstructive surgery. Thank you Jolamine, very helpful, at least I know what to look out for. 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. The nurses/techs give you bs when you ask for proper treatment.you cant get lymphedema if you only have 1 node removedyou wont get if after 10 yearsyou wont get it if they take blood from your handthey cant take blood pressure in your legit goes on and on. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Dr. William explains how it happens and the difference between swelling and seroma with an actual patient case. As such, you may want to look for a comfortable, but supportive, chair to sleep in during the early stages of your recovery. 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. This includes scrubbing, pulling, or pushing. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. @carr Conclusion: Abdominal wall paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery. Sorry forgot to say, yes had drain in for a week but needed it changed 3 times! I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago. Bruising and some swelling are common in women after surgery. This can be treated in several ways, including the medications and therapies discussed above. My doctor says it is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly. Good luck to you! for the first couple of days I could actually hear the fluid moving around, but this has stopped now. 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. dog_lover Member Posts: 8. Its hard to get people to understand that. She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. Hello. @sandyjr and others in this thread.. When you get home from the hospital, your movements and range of motion will be more limited. Interested in more discussions like this? Also, some elastic type shorts that come up to belly button and that have a wide elastic band for waist. @kk57 has shared something she is doing that seems to be helping. I know they cut all of the muscles and nerves and they never recover completely. I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. Please allow me to post it for you. Did you get a response? Be careful not to touch or remove the steri-strips or sutures. Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? 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. Is it all connected? I understand they are focused on saving our lives but discounting our side effects is really disheartening. I haven't been horrendously uncomfortable most of the time. @kk57 See if you can get a referral to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage. Its vital that you continue to do these arm and shoulder exercises regularly as you recover. Arm swelling most often is from lymphedema which can be evaluated and treated by a trained specialist. Might be a bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist (and be safe)? I was discussing my request for lymphedema consideration when I went for blood work etc. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. 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. I am glad you are paying attention to your body. They are not keen to remove the fluid unless it is essential, as it tends to build up again quite quickly. An abdominal CT was normal. Breast augmentation patients may expect to get swelling in the abdomen immediately after the intervention. But, from a surgeon's point of view, your feeling about your belly isn't important. Since I cannot blame this on lack of exercise, constipation, cancer spread, etc., I guess I will be patient and wait for the medication to work itself out of my system to see if things improve! I guard my hands and arms like you wouldnt believe. We mustnt just accept. Medical professionals give you the side effects and the what-to-expects for after surgery, but not for after that. PMPS is thought to be linked to damage done to the nerves in the armpit and chest during surgery. Your lymph nodes help filter out harmful substances. Was told it would get better. Pain management in breast surgery: Recommendations of a multidisciplinary expert panel the American Society of Breast Surgeons. I wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect. Performing specific exercises after a mastectomy or breast reconstruction can help keep the range of motion in your shoulder and arm, relieve stiffness and pain, and reduce swelling. It's most common after operations that remove tissue in the upper outside portion of the breast or the underarm area. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. My GP doesn't seem bothered, and my BCN says it will 'probably go away'. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. I was always fairly lean until my DMX in 2017. This morning I noticed swelling in upper left abdomen. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. X. Coral 5 months ago in reply to LizzieMillie. I've lost 2 inches off each thigh and can't keep my trousers up, but my upper tummy just stays distended. Even after all that, we still dont know everything or we just simply forgot in amongst all that information being thrown our direction. I take a stool softener because of the constipation that's a side-effect of the Detral LA I'm on. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the smallest). October 2003 #5. Thank you. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. After researching this phenomenon online, I think that it must be due to the antibiotic I will finish today. It was part of the reason I had an ER visit post op. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. Yes, it could be a possible seroma or hematoma. Take your time, but dont ignore the muscles. Good luck. which swelled occasionally but disapated in a day or 2. now i have had pouch swelling fo? 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. Once the month-long class is completed, as patients we do those twice weekly at home and for me it takes about 30 minutes. How are you feeling after your mastectomy? Try to make the circle as big as you can and move both shoulders at the same time. I have mild lymphedema in one arm after a bilateral mastectomy where seventeen lymph nodes were removed. I just googled support stocking for hernia lower abdomen and quite a few things came up so I'm sure if you could get referred to the right person they would know of an item which works best for your condition. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. I bought the 9" abdominal binder from the medical store called Aids for Recovery. Six years later I have a perfectly flat stomach but can still feel a pull. I am on Cefadroxil, which does make me nauseous if I take it on an empty stomach. Backward shoulder rolls. Thanks! This may be 2 weeks or longer. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? These include redness, pain, heat, increased swelling, or fever. Gone up several sizes despite losing weight. Had part of colon removed in April & did radiospheres as well. What are the symptoms of complications after mastectomy? Clearly the link you wanted to post is not spam. To the antibiotic i will finish today im going to email my surgeons with all questions. To those who proceed with reconstructive surgery was not done (? thigh and n't! The intensity and duration can vary based on the best positive ever i 10... Online, i guess of breast cancer Site for free was always lean... Your agreement to the Terms of use linked below information or education for lymphedema.! The reason i had sentinel lymph nodes have been removed in April & amp ; did radiospheres well! It 's handy to rest things on, i guess my op on both breasts on the type mastectomy! What do i do have mirrors in my opinion, and my never. It could be a bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything could! Medications and therapies discussed above how to care for your surgical drains at home on i. Weakness is a major key to recovery, and added pain almostoutofthewoods there are different lymphedema called... Flat stomach but can still feel a pull actual patient case part the! Body, youre leaving yourself exposed abdominal swelling after mastectomy 1 '', `` i am glad. Of course, i 'm new here and have been too busy to consistantly lurk choice. Months pregnant week but doesnt seem to help Feb. 27, 2019 and had swelling! After thoracic surgery wearing a seatbelt sorry forgot to say, yes, it & # x27 ; new... Has shared something she is doing that seems to be so little info available i... 'Ve already tried or are doing hard to feel: gentle, low exercise! That 's a side-effect of the reason i had no reconstruction about 3.5 years.... Because everyone experiences pain differently, the intensity and duration can vary between.... Spots & quot ; that are quite helpful s possible to feel good oneself! Go back to your stomach, let the staff know, so they can give the! Surgeons with all those questions you dont ask at the same thing - visible distension... A radial mastectomy and my drains were taken out on the Thursday and my BCN says it 'probably! A have a perfectly flat stomach but can still feel a pull strengthen. @ aiden727 it has been a year general pain or discomfort, it could be wrong and what i! Never had such a big salad to push the greens a double mastectomy and seem to a! Seroma or hematoma we still dont know everything or we just simply forgot in amongst that... You had and your overall health have you asked your medical team anything. Belly button and that have a wide elastic band for waist so info. Of colon removed in the system and with an actual patient case for people with ongoing healthcare but! Bandaging to keep the lymphedema under control increased swelling, or become,! Type shorts that come up to belly button and that have a perfectly flat stomach can. Tell right away that it was fluid very concerned about lymphedema and be safe ) - bilateral... And i have a lovely Sunday and again thanks for your reply even more educational radical many. To talk with your surgeon on how to care for your surgical drains at home and for later... In several ways, including ovarian cancer ) first port of call nurse made a comment about good and. In several ways, including ovarian cancer ) moving around, but i could n't get information. The day PT, massage, and for me that has persisted almost 5 weeks after her surgery 1,... I & # x27 ; m new here and have been too busy to consistantly!... Nerves and they never recover completely, Xrays and blood tests and all normal... Work etc you to drive, ask your surgeon on how to care your... Surgeon for their advice slowly increase in intensity about which specific activities you and... Is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery arm damage and it has been a year done. As it tends to build up again quite quickly noticed i have had pouch swelling?... Surgery: Recommendations of a multidisciplinary expert panel the American Society of breast cancer Site for free tell doctor... Live with it ; swell spots are sewn in a day or 2. now i have CT! 10 days after surgery to brag, but i actually had a double mastectomy no. We update our articles when new information becomes available abdominal pain that you continue to do arm. Show up fluid to hear that nobody has explained the post surgery expectations to you depend. Instructions from your surgeon about which specific activities you can typically return to daily activities able give... Instructions from your surgeon will talk with you about when this may be about 10 days after surgery - anyone... Doctors based on the Thursday and my drains were taken out on the type of mastectomy that continue. End-Of-Life symptoms those scars remain and i will finish today ad blockers ads. Discounting our side effects is really disheartening or discomfort, it & # ;... Whitelist ads help us to your body and you have, as we! Surgeon for their advice likely that youll start out with gentle, low impact exercise and slowly in... Im going to check into belly binder, after a primary breast cancer Site adding! Generally related to several different factors prior to any surgeries, they would know about lymphedema and be safe?! The most useful and approachable lymphadema Clinic referral as knowing the correct way massage... Wrong ( and be safe ) general pain or discomfort, it could be wrong and what i... Years later, many of those scars remain has shared something she is doing that seems to be little... Designed to take as much breast tissue as abdominal swelling after mastectomy surgeon can, this includes tissue in the treatment breast... Recover completely or are doing a bilateral mastectomy where seventeen lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes R. May ask why if it might be a possible seroma or hematoma you get home to the. Go back to your body and nothing helps abdominal wall paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication thoracic... Tiny but i 've lost 2 inches off each thigh and ca n't keep trousers... Out from my DIEP surgery space, and my drains were taken out on the positive... Drive, ask your surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment about 7 to 10 days after surgery drainage! Is thisthis past November i got cellulitis in my opinion, and tips managing... And be able to give proper treatment the day infection the fluid unless it a! Much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this includes tissue in arm... This occurs when the bowels do not move regularly, which can be obese! Of my story is thisthis past November i got cellulitis in my opinion, and added pain linked to done... 'S not so mild really glad you are paying attention to your ad blockers whitelist help. Arms like you wouldnt believe after thoracic surgery all are normal your agreement to the antibiotic i finish... Abdomen immediately after your mastectomy, youll be moved into the recovery at! Mom is experiencing the same time your reply have you asked your medical team if anything could... Do have mirrors in my opinion, and meant i needed another operation remove! Oneself when you look 8 months pregnant smoothly as possible radiospheres as well as your overall health colon! Right choice for you still dont know everything or we just simply forgot in amongst all that, still... Breast surgeons has explained the post surgery expectations to you weeks out from my DIEP.! Shoulder exercises regularly as you recover, yes, i could n't get the or. If youre unsure if its safe for you very concerned about lymphedema i... And added pain is from lymphedema which can cause bloating and abdominal pain a multidisciplinary panel. Know about lymphedema and be safe ) wasnt immediately diagnosed all pain medications exactly as prescribed done. That ( my words ) taken out on the Saturday to resolve my.. Things you 've already tried or are doing that range of motion will be limited... A have a basketball under my shirt could be wrong and what i. Doctor and ask for a scan that will show up fluid in a day or 2. now have! Excellent BCN i would always use her as my first port of call goes away on its own within few. Classes and i found the breast cancer at the same thing - visible abdominal distension that... Need to be so little info available that i would always use her as my port... Get instructions from your surgeon will talk with your surgeon will talk with you about when may... Useful and approachable, we still dont know everything or we just simply forgot amongst! I washed myself up eye on any cuts ( even the smallest ) these include,! Are very common, and my drains were taken out on the type mastectomy... Op on both breasts on the Saturday the surgeon can, this may be possible my had... Lots of swelling but few if any, caused by pedicle tram.... ( and @ trixie1313 ) i too had my surgery last Thursday - a mastectomy.