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khill72's avatar
khill72
Member
4 months ago

Pain meds post mastectomy

Hi everyone, I’m 2 weeks post mastectomy and wondering how long you needed your pain meds for? I’m still taking 2 Panadol & 1 Neurofen every 8 hours & still getting pain/tightness in arm/chest is this normal or should the pain be easing off now? I have my follow up appointment with surgeon tomorrow 
  • Hi @khill72
    I had to take pain meds for 6 weeks after my mastectomy , initially was in endone then moved to panadine forte then finally Panadol.
    i don’t normally take painkillers but my pain was bad.
    i actually got quite down about it at the time but now its just a distant memory.
  • Your question is probably a little difficult to answer as we all react differently. 
    As @Julez1958 said she struggled, I remember it at the time and finally came good and as she said now a distant memory.  Me, personally I had no issue and only had the occasional panadol when I came home.  I stayed in Hospital for 6 days and had the drains removed before leaving.
    Hopefully it has calmed down for you now and you have had your follow-up appointment with your surgeon.
    Take care and Best wishes
  • Yep, as @iserbrown  says, Everyone's pain threshold is different  - so while some may not be on pain meds for very long, others can be on for many weeks.  The main factor, is the amount of surgery that has been done.  You don't want to come off them too early, as @Julez1958 says, consistent pain can really make you 'feel quite down' and your recovery may be affected (plus sleeping!) 

    All the best for your appt with the surgeon today.  You'll have a much better idea of your 'treatment game plan' xx