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Newbie3312's avatar
Newbie3312
Member
5 years ago

Arm nerve pain post surgery

Hi everyone. Just wondering if anyone has had problems with nerve pain in arm after lumpectomy? I had surgery two days ago and they removed 5 lymph nodes but said they didn’t touch any nerves but the back of my arm and armpit are numb and I get horrendous random pain down my arm at random times and all from different movements... was maybe after any suggestions to help ease this (apart from icing?) until I see surgeon next week? 
Thanks 😊
lumpectomy
pain
surgery

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  • kezmusc's avatar
    kezmusc
    Member
    5 years ago
    Hi @Newbie3312,

    All pretty normal.  The numbness can take months to repair.  3 1/2 years post and I still have a numb spot around the scar area.  The weird electric shocks are your nerves trying to refire and repair.  That will go over time.  Make sure you do the exercises they gave you.  Especially the ones above your head (terribly painful at the start I know) but imperitive to get full strength and range of movement back.

    All the best lovely.
  • Tinks's avatar
    Tinks
    Member
    5 years ago
    Dear @Newbie3312, it’s early days and numbness and pains are quite normal although can very very uncomfortable! Numbness back of arm is very common, I still have that 8 months later but some of the other numb areas got better, it’s hard to take a few Nodes without hitting a small nerve that is connected to the back of the arm.

    Rotten shooting pains are a bummer cos they take you by surprise. There’s a lot of healing going on in the arm tissues and nerves can get irritated and they dont like it!!

     Try upping your pain relief a bit, avoid over stretching early on, ice packs or cold packs may still help. 

    Hope this helps

    lots of love Tinks xx
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    5 years ago
    Dear @Newbie3312
    Numbness in the area where lymph nodes have been removed is pretty normal but I can’t advise on pain in the arm. Try as one might, and I am sure surgeons do, it’s hard not to mangle nerve endings in node removal. Might have to be pain relief till you see your surgeon next week. Best wishes.