Forum Discussion

kerrip's avatar
kerrip
Member
14 years ago

Swollen arm

Can anyone suggest anything to relieve the pain? I had a lymph node clearance 2 weeks ago, but my surgeon doesn't belive in putting in drains, and as a result my I have a large swelling under my arm, which is causing my arm muscle to constantly ache. I can't do anything as everything I try to do results in a dull ache through my arm and shoulder.

I have two children 13 and 9 and want to try to spend some quality time with them, before I start chemo, but feel very restricted as to what I can do with them. Can anyone offer any suggestions?

6 Replies

  • chipmunk's avatar
    chipmunk
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Kerri

    Thats great, I bet you felt a whole lot better. You just need to keep an eye on it, as you may need to have it syringed again. But I suppose your nurse/doctor would have told you it you need to see them again.

    Hope all goes well, and keep us posted.

    Love to you Julie XX

  • kerrip's avatar
    kerrip
    Member
    14 years ago

    Thanks Ladies, visited the nurse today, who did drain the fluid and I feel fantastic, lots more freedom!

  • Joy_K's avatar
    Joy_K
    Member
    14 years ago

    Like the other replies I also had a large seroma that kept collecting and needed draining frequently. It may be a hassle to get to your Breast Care Nurse but I can say that there was absolutely no pain involved in this procedure, just relief when the 500+mls were drained on the first two occasions, gradually diminishing in amount over the next few weeks, last one was only 75ml. The needle is inserted in the area still numb from the operation, you won't feel a thing.

    Get it checked out just in case it is something else.

    With love

    Joy K

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    14 years ago

    Sounds like you need to see either your surgeon or breast care nurse to have it syringed off. It's probably a collection of fluid which is not uncommon but it needs checking incase it's something else.I had to have a chest seroma syringed off twice a week for 5 weeks post surgery.In anycase,you may find your arm/underarm sore and stiff for awhile(6wks or so?).It will gradually come good though.

                                        Tonya xx

  • Mich_x's avatar
    Mich_x
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi

    There will definitely be some pain but it sounds a little more than normal I would think but I have no medical background.  You need to see someone as soon as you can or at least contact someone.  Have you contact numbers for the  breast nurse or cancer council in your area. 

    I still have pain after my total left axillary clearance and the surgery was carried out 19/1/12,  I do have an infection in the surgery area still and have a seroma as well.

    Hope you can get some help and get it sorted.  Keep your chin up, we are here for you.

    Mich xo

  • chipmunk's avatar
    chipmunk
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi

    I think you had better see your surgeon. As you maybe still have fluid.

    I had a drain and then removed 2 weeks after surgery. But I also had to have on 3 occassions my underarm syringed to remove the fluid, as I was in pain and couldn't move my arm.

    Let me know how you get on.

    Hope all goes well and you aren't in too much pain.

    Julie XX