Seroma/lymphoedema in abdomen

[Jillsta_fab]

Had tummy tuck and breast reconstruction 18months ago,despite 2 lots if aspirations and 2 further surgeries,have seroma which has loculated and encapsulated in abdomen....now seeing Lymphoedema nurse for MLD...yet to receive any,but am hoping this may help.Anyone else have this chronic problem?

[aepyornis]

Not having an exactly similar problem but from I saw on different forums, MLD seems helpful for seromas as well. I hope it works for you. Do you have a prescription for several sessions?

I am also taking Selenium as a supplement (200 mcg/day) and I feel it helps but I know that some people do not stand it very well.

[Jillsta_fab in reply to aepyornis]

what does Selenium do,and where can you buy it?yes,have 6 sessions lined up.

Thanks for replying

[aepyornis in reply to Jillsta_fab]

Selenium is apparently good for edema and helps reduce it . I have read that magnesium is, too. Here is were I found the advice. It is on a website for rare adipose disorders (I have one) but the studies for selenium was made specifically for lymphoedema:

lipomadoc.org/lipedema.html (point n°3).

I have found it for much cheaper than what is quoted here (gosh!) from Burgerstein, in pharmacies. It is in 50 mcg pills and I take 4 over the day.

Good about the 6 sessions, you will see if it makes a difference (sometimes you get one or two and cannot really tell).

[MathilaM]

Hello I had exactly the same surgeries as you in December 2014 and it kicked off my primary lymphoedema of the pelvic / abdomen area. Scans showed I am missing lymph vessels and nodes in the pelvis so basically it was the surgery that tipped it off. I haven't had a seroma and there is nothing to drain unfortunately. I am unsure if my reply is helpful, I don't understand the link between a seroma and lympheodema as my understanding was a seroma can be drained and isn't permanent. I find MLD helpful but it only lasts a few hours. Good luck

[Jillsta_fab]

I don't really know the difference.....and I may not have lymphoedema.....howver,willing to give it all a go....what surgery did you have?My seroma is permanent,despite aspirations and 2 lots of surgery.The more I know,the more I don't know !!!!

[MathilaM]

I had a breast reduction and threw-in abdominoplasty as rationalised whilst I was having one surgery, may as well address my mummy tummy. Ironically though the surgeon missed the divarication and now the lymphedema is pushing out through it and causing pain.

[Jillsta_fab in reply to MathilaM]

Pushing through your tummy....?are you having any treatment ?

[MathilaM]

Sorry my explanation of pushing through it wasn't ideal, the swelling is internal so the divarication is where my muscles are at their weakest point so I get pain when I am swollen along the divarication as it pushes against the weakest area - my divarication can change from being 2 fingers wide to 3 or 4 depending on how swollen I am. The risk of infection and also further damage to my lymph system means surgery isn't an option at the moment, though I am seeing a surgeon at a lymph clinic to assess. I do reformer pilates twice a week to strengthen my abdominal muscles. I find walking (and doing made-up pilates / yoga moves) in water when I am really swollen helps. A lady on this board suggested it (to which I am eternally grateful). I have started measuring pre and post low impact water activity and I can lose 2 - 3 cm by spending an hour doing this. Measurement is subjective but I definitely see a difference.