Forum Discussion

GenK's avatar
GenK
Member
3 years ago

Surgery recovery tips please?

So mum’s had re-excision and axillary dissection including the dye to avoid the (blank on term) areas that allow lymph flow under the arm. She stayed in hospital for 5days and is struggling at home with inflammation on the hand they injected the dye in, and some nerve-type pain at times in that hand/region, also she’s not a small lady so has to use both arms to get herself into bed properly which causes pain and discomfort. Drain still in and last time she checked with Drs (the day of discharge) they said the inflammation from injection area should ease. 
Wondering any tips from you ladies to help make it easier for mum? I can’t stay with her but I’m with her most evenings to help her into bed and remind her to take her pain meds, and community nursing checking on drain daily, a couple of her friends trying to help her and reduce the pressure on me, plus she’s not ok to go out on her own and lives alone so keeping in contact throughout the day as backup. I’ve also checked what supplements she’s been taking and reminded her about D and Zinc (she’s already got very low D and both help with inflammation, immunity and wound healing, along with protein which she’s good on), and given she hasn’t started chemo or anything yet they are confirmed as safe for her by her Dr. Any other tips though? Different stage of life but I only found out tips Re immediately after birth in the days following from other mothers, so I know others with lived experience are often more knowledgeable about these types of things than clinicians, and mum doesn’t trust the internet.
sorry for essay, just trying to figure out how to make it easier for mum during the recovery from this second op (they were 15days apart), other than reminding her to breathe through the pain flares rather than holding her breath (she’s not up to learning other pain management techniques at present). Thanks ladies and hope you’re keeping warm and not flooded this winter 🌺
  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    3 years ago
    Hi @GenK,
    I’ve just had a right mastectomy 4 days ago(I’m 67)I had a left mastectomy 12 yrs ago and that was a lot worse. I’ve had minimal pain this time- a Targin tab at night and only panadol in the day when needed. I carry my drain around in a bag,try and drink lots of fluids,just eating small amounts as I’ve been constipated. Taking laxatives at night for that.I do my arm exercises and just walk a little to prevent dvt.Otherwise I’m pretty tired and taking it easy.It’s a big op and it knocks you for six but the pain should be controlled and so I wonder if your mum is on the right meds for her? Certainly the underarm aux clearance is the worst pain of all and I didn’t need it this time because it was a prophylactic mastectomy. Deep breathing and a bit of walking is important to do. From memory,it took me about 2-3wks to get some energy back and be almost pain free. Best wishes to you and your mum.xx
  • Julez1958's avatar
    Julez1958
    Member
    3 years ago
    How old is mum?
    I am 64 and was 63 when I had the surgery.
    My surgeon said “ the biological processes take a little longer” when I said something like 
    “ I’m not the spring chicken I once was”.
    It’s a big surgery and everyone heals differently but it is true the older you get ( all things being equal) the more surgery knocks you around.
    The important things are to rest, take the pain meds, stay hydrated , eat healthy things like pots of fresh fruit and veg and lean protein and try a bit of gentle walking to get things moving.
    And follow Drs orders.
    I am not a patient person so it was hard for me but in the end I recovered and the pain and discomfort receded from my memory .
  • Jwrenn's avatar
    Jwrenn
    Member
    3 years ago
    Did she come home  with pain medication? Taking it is what I would suggest at least till she isn’t in as much pain. I took mine only for a couple of days before I went to bed so I would have a comfortable night sleep. Then I took Panadol as needed, again especially  at night cause it was uncomfortable for quite a while. Best wishes for you and your mum xx