Extended abdomen after tummy tuck, constant pain

Posted by sunshine18. Laurie @sunshine18, Dec 1, 2019

June 2017 went in for diep flap surgery. Reconstruction surgery from breast cancer. Surgery could not be done. They did a tummy tuck . Ever since my abdomen looks like I am 9 months pregnant. Have had gastro complete work up. Upper and lower Gi showed surgical clips in lower abdomen. Did not know I had them. Been to many Drs. Plastic surgeon who did this always says there’s nothing wrong. I am in pain 24/7 . Just found out about the clips a few days ago. Being referred to Mayo. Any feedback please. Thank you

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.

@sunshine18 Welcome to Mayo Connect. We are not doctors, but fellow patients/family members/caregivers who can offer information, support and comfort based on our own experiences. The discomfort you are feeling must really take a toll on you physically, mentally, and emotionally. There is a discussion under the group "Visiting Mayo Clinic" that you might find useful. It deals with tips to have to help you get the best interaction with a new specialist.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/your-tips-on-how-to-get-off-to-the-best-start-with-a-new-specialist/
Which campus of Mayo Clinic will you be heading to for consult? We hope you will ask us whatever questions you have, and we can have people post their responses.
Ginger

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Hi @sunshine18, I'd like to bring @jspencer into this discussion as she may have some thoughts to share. Laurie, did the gastro workup find anything else beyond the surgical clips? Will they be removed or are they permanent?

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@sunshine18 - what a horrible feeling for you! I don’t have any direct answers except for my own experience with breast reconstruction many years ago. I was offered the abdominal flap which would give a more normal appearance. However, it could not be done because I did not have enough fatty tissue - hard to believe nowadays.. Later on I talked to women who had the procedure and regretted it because they use superficial abdominal muscles. This will eventually cause a bloated, loose appearance. I obviously don’t know what you went through. It is possible that the staples could irritate nerves. Someone should be able to find an answer for your pain. Please let us know how your visit goes!

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After multiple surgeries for Ulcerative Colitis, I have many adhesions. This is just scar tissue internally from your surgery. Many times, these can block or twist causing discomfort. A Dr. should be able to feel/ detect them. Then treat them according. You should NOT have to suffer long. Go to another Dr. until you feel better.

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@whipper1957

After multiple surgeries for Ulcerative Colitis, I have many adhesions. This is just scar tissue internally from your surgery. Many times, these can block or twist causing discomfort. A Dr. should be able to feel/ detect them. Then treat them according. You should NOT have to suffer long. Go to another Dr. until you feel better.

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Hi @whipper1957 and welcome to Connect. I noticed that you wished to post a URL to web resources with your post. You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe. Clearly the link you wanted to post is not spam. Please allow me to post it for you.
- About Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/inflammatory-bowel-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353315

Ann, how were your adhesions treated?

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