Bost BMX Swelling

SAOIsenberg

Hi everyone - I'm almost 3 weeks post BMX. Had immediate reconstruction with saline implants and Alloderm. All went smoothly w/surgery - had some post-op hiccups but all my drains were out w/i 10 days of surgery and I was healing great as of my last f/u with PS (last week). 

For the last 2 days, though, I've had swelling in the area under my arms where my bra hits - sort of feel like there is a wide theraband stretched around this area. It's pressure, and while you can see some swelling, it's not in pockets or extreme. Far worse at night and much better during the day.

When I called my PS Thursday, her NP said that it sounded normal, that I'd probably overdone it on Wed. - I have been playing it SO safe w/activity - the only thing I can think of that I did differently is that I did bend more at the waist to pick stuff up on Wed. Not much, nothing heavy at all. It was better during the day yesterday, but then bad again last night. Better this a.m.

I'm hoping this is just a natural course after surgery, but I am, of course, worried about truncal LE. Next f/u w/PS is next Wed. I decided not to call again Friday a.m. b/c it was so improved.

Anyone have a similar experience or have insight?

Thanks so much!

Sarah 

snorfia

I'm new to this, having had a UMX (no recon) in early June, and I've heard from different sources that post-surgical swelling can last up to a year and resolve itself, although you would still be at risk for lymphedema.  I'm 4 months out and still have swelling, and wear compression during the day on my hand, arm, and trunk.  I don't wear any LE garments at night, but I have more pain at night if I don't wear compression during the day.  The swelling is already much better than it was.

 That being said, early is the time to get treated if you have swelling.  It's one of those things in which a little prevention can save a lot of trouble later.  Your bra could be blocking lymph flow, you could have scar tissue developing that would do the same thing, maybe you're just fighting a virus and it's putting extra strain on your lymphatics.  A Certified Lymphedema Therapist can evaluate how you are healing, and give you ways (exercises, light massage, garments) to reduce the swelling as well as prevent more.  Sometimes the therapist can move fluid that you didn't even know was there!  It may be worth having an evaluation, since a good therapist can both educate and reassure you.