Fit For Health

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What to Expect During Recovery After a Mastectomy

A mastectomy is a surgery to remove a woman’s breast. It is often done to treat or prevent breast cancer. Many women have questions about what to expect during recovery after a mastectomy. This article will provide some answers.

Mastectomy surgery in Singapore is a serious surgery that will require significant recovery time.  Most women will stay in the hospital for 3-5 days after their surgery. During this time, you will likely experience some pain and discomfort. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help you manage this. You will also have drains placed under your arms to remove excess fluid from your surgical site. These drains will be removed before you leave the hospital.

Here’s what you can expect during your recovery process.

Days 1-2 After Surgery

You will likely stay in the hospital for one or two nights after your surgery. You will have drains in place to collect excess fluid and blood. You will also have an IV to help prevent dehydration and keep your pain under control. Be sure to drink lots of fluids and move around as much as possible to keep your blood flowing.

Weeks 1-2 After Surgery

Once you’re home, take it easy for the first few weeks. Get plenty of rest, and don’t try to do too much too soon. Your incisions will heal, and you might still feel soreness and fatigue. Try to sleep with your head elevated on pillows to reduce swelling.

You might also have swelling in your arm on the same side as your surgery due to lymph node removal. This is called lymphedema, and it can be a long-term side effect of mastectomy surgery.

Months 3-6 After Surgery

After a few months, you’ll start to feel more like yourself again. But it’s important not to take on too much too soon—your body is still healing, and you’ll need to listen to it. Many women report feeling more emotionally ready to face the world after a few months as well.

As your incisions continue to heal, you might notice some changes in sensation in the area where the surgery was performed. This is normal and usually improves over time.

With so many different types of mastectomies available, it is also important to consult with a qualified surgeon who can help you determine which type of procedure is right for you, given your unique circumstances.

Conclusion:

Recovery from mastectomy surgery is a gradual process that takes several months. It’s important to listen to your body and take things slowly during the first few weeks and months following surgery.

You will likely experience some discomfort, fatigue, and emotional changes during this time, but these should improve as you continue to heal. If you have any concerns about your recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or surgeon for guidance.

Daisy Mae Cooper: Daisy, a yoga instructor, provides yoga routines, tips for mindfulness, and strategies to bring more peace and balance into everyday life.