Forum Discussion
Numb & painful arm post axillary dissection
hi! At the beginning of Aug I had a lumpectomy, reduction & lift and sentinel node biopsy. I recovered really well from it but the biopsy showed cancer in the sentinel node so last week I had an axillary node clearance.
Under arm is numb - which is weird but ok. But the skin between my elbow and under arm feels super sensitive, tingly and really painful - like something is rubbing on it. It gets more painful during the day.
Ive spoken to the Dr who said it was probably a result of the nerves being stretched.
But.... it’s horrible!!! Has anyone else experienced it? How long did it last? Any tips to reduce the sensation? I find a heat pack helpful but don’t want to over heat the area in case I draw too much lymph there.
I start radiation in a couple of weeks.
Thank you for any support, ideas or identification!! I just want to feel I’m not alone with this!
Under arm is numb - which is weird but ok. But the skin between my elbow and under arm feels super sensitive, tingly and really painful - like something is rubbing on it. It gets more painful during the day.
Ive spoken to the Dr who said it was probably a result of the nerves being stretched.
But.... it’s horrible!!! Has anyone else experienced it? How long did it last? Any tips to reduce the sensation? I find a heat pack helpful but don’t want to over heat the area in case I draw too much lymph there.
I start radiation in a couple of weeks.
Thank you for any support, ideas or identification!! I just want to feel I’m not alone with this!
11 Replies
- Hi @Estherch,
It is a very weird sensation after this surgery. Totally numb in some spots and super sensitive in others. Puffy, like you have a pillow stuck under there as well. Down the back of my arm was the same as you, hyper sensitive at times.
It takes a while for the nerves to get themselves in order again. I had like little electric shocks that came out of nowhere as the nerves started to refire.
Keep doing your exercises. I found doing a lot of the ones with your arm above your head helped a great deal And I do mean a lot of those exercises. Three times the amount they tell you and I also decided to hand paint a timber ceiling, That sorted it right out. LOL
It helped with the fluid drainage and strength. I had full strength back in that arm within a couple of months.
The sensations take a long time to get back to somewhat normal but should start easing of within a few weeks I am nearly two years post op. Most of the feeling is back to pretty normal. I still have a numb spot along the scar line but the rest is not too bad at all. It still a bit weird with light touch but getting better all the time.
All the best lovely.
xoxoxo
