Abdominal Swelling following muscle sparing TRAM

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Hello Ladies,

I have posted before on this subject, but am now getting desperate for answers or to hear from anyone else who has been affected in this way - I feel like the only person in the world with this problem :frowning:
I had a muscle sparing tram in June 2010 and have had probelmswith my tummy from day 1. It is swollen and very rounded, and feels as if it is bloated all the time. It gets worse if I am on my feet for a long time and worse when I eat a a normal meal size quantity of food. Consequently I have lost over 2 stone in weight as I only need a small amount of food before I feel full, but my tummy is still not shrinking.I am supposed to have had a tummy tuck but tummy is larger than before!!!

I have had ultrasounds, CT scans and my PS is telling me there is nothing wrong. He thinks it may be weak muscles and have been told to exercise or a reaction to the mesh. He has offered to remove mesh but doesn’t want to and I don’t want to go through this if it is only a possibility. ABdo scar has healing wonderfully and I don’t want to put myself or my family through another possibily unnecessary op. He says he can’t do any more. I have been seeing a physio to get a proper programme of excercises for abdo muscles but so far is not making any difference. I KNOW THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG , but I just don’t know where to turn and it would be great if someone else out there has had been through this and come out the other side.
Am thinking of getting a second oopinion privately but can only afford a consultation so am wondering if it is worth it. Also feels like I am betraying my PS (silly I know!) as in all other apsects of treatment he has been wonderful.

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Hi Ladies

I just thought I’d update you on my situation in case anyone else is experiencing similar problems.

I have now had a second opinion with another PS. She has told me that what I am experiencing is a recognised side effect of this op, and 25% of ladies having this op get this problem (hooray I’m not the only one in the world!)Although only a small part of muscle is taken, this is enough to cause abdominal problems like this. There is a solution - another op to realign muscles and more mesh to strengthen, but no guaratees that this will work, but it won’t make things worse at least.

I feel really angry that my original PS did not explain this to me - I feel he must have been aware, and that I was not warned before op.He made me feel like I was making this up or it was all in my head, if I’d at least known before the op I would have been prepared for what has happened.

This op is ‘sold’ on the basis you will get a tummy tuck, but please beware ladies you may end up with a tummy bigger than it was previously.

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Hi curlygirl
Glad you at least managed to get some answers, but really sorry you had such a struggle to get them.
I had mx with no recon so have no idea what you have been through.
Whatever you decide to do, I reall hope things go well for you.
xxx

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Hi Curlygirl,

Glad I read this. I’m seeing the plastics nurse next week to go over my options and am leaning towards TRAM flap. Got a big stomach already so REALLY don’t want it any bigger. Will defo talk to them about it.

Jo X