Forum Discussion
Flaneuse
8 years agoMember
Severe shoulder pain after mastectomy
I'm 17 days on from mastectomy/ expander insertion on left, and excision of papillomas on right. After the lovely drugs of the first couple of days wore off, I've had constant and severe shoulder and shoulder-blade pain (left side). Has anyone else had this?
7 Replies
- FlaneuseMember@Sister Thank you. I'm heading off to two appointments today - one of which is with the oncologist to plan chemo etc. - and I have just taken a Targin and packed some Endone in my handbag!
- SisterMemberI didn't have any expanders but stil got told to stop being brave by the surgeon - if you need it, take it. We'll talk about it afterwards.
- FlaneuseMember@Mollygirl Thank you for your comments. @primek @SoldierCrab Thank you for your experiences and for the information. I've been trying to cut down on pain relief but I think I need to stop trying to be brave.
- primekMemberThis explains why very well.
https://www.verywell.com/tissue-expander-pain-causes-and-help-guide-430394 - primekMemberThe stretch of your pec muscles also pulls across your back. Keep doing the exercises given and keep up regular pain relief. I was expanded quickly (3/4 at time of surgery ) I needed panadol osteo 8 hourly and tramadol (I couldn't take endone) mine was uncomfortable for 5 weeks. I used lots if pillows to get me slightly tilted so iff my back. If worried talk with your hreast care nurse. I got additional pain relief from my GP.
- Molly001MemberI had a right mastectomy no recon. I had some shoulder pain after surgery that I found to be caused by the way I was sleeping. Once I could comfortably sleep on my right/tummy it was like heaven and releif was immediate. Unfortunately the pain came back tenfold with radiotherapy to the point my radio oncologist sent me for exrays, which found nothing much. It only lasted a few days but was excruciating in my collar bone area. Hope it goes soon.
- SoldierCrabMember@primek
Can you help with this ?
@Flaneuse have you joined the Breast Reconstruction group ?
http//onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/1-choosing-breast-reconstruction