When will my upper arm feel normal after mastectomy with axillary clearance?

My op was 10 weeks ago. Physio tells me my arm is normal. Zozo measurement ok.
I'm told nerve damage. My arm feel bigger and like something is tight around it.
I have a small amount of cording
I'm told nerve damage. My arm feel bigger and like something is tight around it.
I have a small amount of cording
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welcome to this forum , I’m sure others will jump on with some ideas.
I would contact your breast care nurse and have a chat, she may be able to recommend someone.
I have regular massages by a lymphatic masseuse which helps with my arm swelling and tightness, Daily stretches and exercises as well as dry brushing before showering, swimming is really good as well.
There are some physiotherapists that specialise in cording and Lymphoedema .
Your breast care nurse can guide you and can give you recommendations of specialists in your area.
Good luck. Xx
Nerve endings do get mashed about a bit in an axillary clearance so some short term swelling and numbness is pretty common. Like @Blossom1961, I had difficulty with roll on deodorant as my armpit clearly belonged to someone else. It’s improved with time, but a bit of feeling loss seems permanent - doesn’t affect anything although if I used hot wax I’d have to be careful, hot or cold does not register very well. But cording or any short term fluid retention may be helped by a lymphoedema therapist. Best wishes.
The other thing I hadn't been warned of prior to surgery was seromas. Apparently quite common, but very annoying.
They eventually resolve. I had mine aspirated 5 times, over the first 7 weeks post Op. I'm told there are wide variations in frequency and duration of seromas.
My BS said Pre op this was going to be unavoidable, but should not affect range of movement etc. I had seroma formation that settled reasonable quickly and cording that came on suddenly 6-8 weeks post op when on the red devil. Apparently the inflammation from the chemo is a factor.
Big hugs Tinks xx
Tinks xx
I hope you can get the help and advice you need.
Best wishes
Thanks foe everyone's advice.
I have also been told to try gentle walking on a trampoline to help with Lymphoedema. Tai Chi is really good and swimming.
I also have an arm sleeve that I wear especially when I use my arm a lot out in the garden, or travel long distance in a car.
I think for me it’s nice knowing that what I’m feeling at this stage is normal, so I’m just going with the flow and trying to do as much as I can to keep things at bay.
I had a seroma under the armpit and had it drained about 5 times, instant relief when that happens. I do tend to get fluid trapped in between my original surgery scar and my auxiliary clearance scar, due to the scar tissue. I’m seeing my surgeon next week for my 6 month check up so will ask him about that when I see him .
I also don’t have Lymphoedema as yet, I’m trying to put things in place to try and prevent it happening. My arm does feel fatter at times , I just try and do as much as I can to make myself as comfortable as I can. Once I have lymphatic massage that helps bring the swelling down quite quickly, so try and visit every 4 weeks.I found swimming doing mainly breast stroke, I couldn’t do over arm as I broke my shoulder. Haven’t been in the pool for awhile due to Covid19, so looking forward to getting back to that as soon as it is safer. Can’t wait for a lymphatic massage as well.
Take care xx
Are you on chemo too? I'm a little anxious as our COVID rules relax, and looking forward to a near normal future.
Some people at the shops just don't distance properly.
Bye XXX