Abdominal swelling/bloating after a double mastectomy

Thank you! I just googled abdominal lymphedema after breast cancer and yes, I'm sure that is what I have, and many others also have. I found a certified lymphedema therapist and I will make an appointment. Also wearing an abdominal binder is recommended. I feel so relieved knowing what this is and how to take care of it. Hopefully others will see this and be helped as well.

I'm in crazy California (northern) and have Kaiser Permanente. My doctor okayed me to have PT to work on the lymphedema. 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. Good luck to you!

@almostoutofthewoods There are different lymphedema pads called "swell spots" that are quite helpful. A belly binder may just bind the area and not let the lymphs move along. The swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along. You can do research about them on Google to understand how they work.

I'm here because of the bloated stomach I noticed just today. I had bilateral mastectomy last week, November 3, 2021.
I noticed I have a bloated stomach when I washed myself up.
I already messaged my surgeon. I don't know what she's gonna say about it.
But I am glad I found this forum and got information about what I am possibly having. Thank you all so much.

I am really glad you contacted your doctor right away. Did you get a response? How are you feeling after your mastectomy?

Hi Delight, welcome. I noticed that you wanted to add a URL to a video. 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.

Swelling After Surgery - Is it Normal?
Dr. William explains how it happens and the difference between swelling and seroma with an actual patient case.

Same response as with the other reply here I saw. That I just noticed it now coz I no longer have breasts... but we know our bodies, we notice most of the changes especially change in our stomach where most of us are very conscious of.
I saw this video yesterday on youtube explaining swelling after surgery by Dr. William Miami. I can't put the link. It doesn't allow me here.

I started to post the video after reading your comment, impulsive? yes . Hahaha. Then I went back to the last page and noticed that @colleenyoung beat me to it. This is a good video, and maybe some of the breast surgeons discussed on this thread should watch it. Lol
I understand they are focused on saving our lives but discounting our side effects is really disheartening. I am glad you are paying attention to your body.

@delight I think of you often, I apologize that I kind of lose track of conversations. It has been almost a month since we talked and you have had your appointments. How are you doing? Has the lymphedema subsided?

Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. I woke up from the first surgery with it. Was told it would get better. Also given the line that “it just looks bigger because you have no breasts”. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all. Now it does! It was part of the reason I had an ER visit post op. An abdominal CT was normal. Great news but now2 months out I still can’t wear my clothes. I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. So grateful I found this group! Now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms.