Seroma/lymphoedema in abdomen: Had tummy tuck and breast... - LSN

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Seroma/lymphoedema in abdomen

Jilly559 profile image
8 Replies

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?

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Jilly559 profile image
Jilly559
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aepyornis profile image
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.

Jilly559 profile image
Jilly559 in reply to aepyornis

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

Thanks for replying

aepyornis profile image
aepyornis in reply to Jilly559

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 profile image
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

Jilly559 profile image
Jilly559

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 profile image
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.

Jilly559 profile image
Jilly559 in reply to MathilaM

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

MathilaM profile image
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.

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