The recommendations after mastectomy cover many different aspects. The main focus of female patients is what they should do to avoid lymphedema. They are also given instructions on how to maintain proper posture and when to go for a checkup. They are also informed about the possibility of using a psychologist to deal with this situation. What else should women after mastectomy know?

After mastectomya woman's life changes dramatically and some of these changes are definitely positive.Breast removal surgeryoften means significant progress in the fight against breast cancer, but on the other hand, this procedure often makes the patient feel somehow stripped of her femininity. The operation, unfortunately, does not complete the entire treatment process. After the procedure, it is necessary to follow the recommendations received from medics. By adhering to them, not only is it completely cured of breast cancer, but also to ensure the best possible quality of life for the patient.

Recommendations after mastectomy: pain relief

After the mastectomy - as after other surgical procedures - patients may struggle with pain of varying intensity.

Some women suffer less, others more. However, you should always remember to take painkillers as prescribed by your doctor.

The following preparations can be mentioned after mastectomy :

  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ketoprofen)
  • and opioid painkillers (e.g. tramadol).

Painkillers should be taken before you start to feel pain. However, it should be remembered that these drugs should not be abused. This can have many serious consequences, such as :

  • renal dysfunction
  • Is there an increased risk of bleeding.

Recommendations after mastectomy: prevention of lymphedema

The basic recommendations after mastectomy include various actions aimed at preventing the occurrence of lymphedema. It can occur especially when lymph nodes have been removed during surgery, which may result in impaired lymph flow.

Lymphedema aftermastectomyis a rather persistent and disruptive problem, the symptoms of which may include:

  • swelling of the upper limb
  • or restriction of her mobility.

Post mastectomy recommendations include:

  • Avoiding load on the upper limbon the side of the body where the breast was amputated.
  • Patients are advised toavoid wearing both heavy and light objectsfor long periods of time (especially in the straightened upper limb position).
  • A woman after a mastectomy should pay attention to her sleeping position . It should not lie on the side of the operated limb. It is advisable that the hand on this side is raised while sleeping.
  • Patients are recommended to self-massage , during which they can stroke, knead, rub or pat individual areas of their upper limb.

You can also reduce the risk of lymphedema after mastectomy by avoiding:

  • sudden movements of the upper limbs,
  • wearing oppressive clothes or items (e.g. bracelets or watches),
  • hot baths,
  • sunbathing,
  • injuries,
  • cosmetics or cleaning agents that contain substances that irritate the skin,
  • pressure on the operated side of the body while driving (patients are recommended to use soft pillows that can be placed under the seat belt).

A woman after mastectomy should inform about such an operation during visits to various doctors. It is inadvisable to measure blood pressure on the upper limb on the operated side or to collect blood from vessels located within it. Patients should also not be given any injections or medications into this part of their body.

It is worth emphasizing that the prevention of lymphedema should last for a long time. This problem may occur even several months after the mastectomy has been performed.

Recommendations after mastectomy: rehabilitation

Patients should be rehabilitated after breast removal . Starting the appropriate exercises as soon as possible is to accelerate their return to full fitness.

Exercises can be performed in the first 24 hours after the surgery and may consist of gently shaking the upper limb, as well as clenching the hand into a fist or making circular movements in the wrist.

The intensity of the exercises should of course be adjusted to the current condition of the patient, thereforeit is also safest to seek help from a qualified physiotherapist.

Recommendations after mastectomy: breast prosthesis

It is recommended to usebreast prosthesisafter your mastectomy. Thanks to the prosthesis, the patient's self-confidence and sense of femininity may improve to some extent.

Breast prosthesis after mastectomy is important not only for psychological but also he alth reasons. Thanks to its use, it is possible, for example, to maintain the correct posture.

A breast prosthesis can be purchased at many specialist stores. It is worth mentioning here that patients do not have to bear the full cost of its purchase.It is possible to reimburse the prosthesis by the National He alth Fund once every two years .

In order for it to be really possible, it is necessary to have an order. Such a document can be issued by both the primary care physician and the surgeon or gynecologist.

Recommendations after mastectomy: checkups

Post-mastectomy management includes not only measures to prevent postoperative complications, but also other steps to keep the patient he althy. After breast removal, a woman should be under the constant care of a doctor.

It is recommended to perform breast self-examination once a month. Every 3 months the patient should be examined by a doctor. It is also advisable to have a mammogram on a regular basis (preferably every 12 months).

Above is obviously described the situation in which the patient remains in a good condition. When she notices any disturbing symptoms, she should immediately consult a doctor.

Recommendations after mastectomy: psychological care

Mastectomy is one of the most life-changing surgeries. Breasts are recognized by many women and many men as one of the basic attributes of femininity. Therefore, the loss of one (or both) breasts is a source of many unpleasant feelings for most patients. Women may feel incomplete, it happens that they lose their self-esteem and self-confidence.

The mere fact of contracting breast cancer is a very serious burden for the patient's psyche. For this reason, it is recommended that patients after mastectomy receive psychological care.

By working with a specialist, you can avoid depression or anxiety disorders. In addition, the psychologist is able to help the patient overcome many different fears and unpleasant feelings that may arise in connection with the surgery to remove the breast.

  • Mastectomy -types, course, complications
  • Mastectomy in the treatment of breast cancer. How does breast amputation work?
  • Types of breast cancer. Treatment depends on the type of breast cancer

Category:

Female diseases