Back pain and tightness

Hi Judy

I have a total left vertical skin sparing mastectomy back in April and sentinel node biopsy.

Not sure if you received the BCNA DVD with post-op exercises? The first couple of weeks exercises are all about trying to stretch (gently) the area you're talking about. They are easy and customised to the kind of operation you have had and I found them very helpful.

I also returned to pilates about 4 weeks post surgery once I had the OK from my surgeon. My instructor has been working with me on the ahoulder/arm issue and it's nearly resolved now (3 months on). The only thing I seem to do is bend the left arm more than the right...like my subconscious is trying to make up for what's not there any more.

Good luck

Nikki x

Thank you ladies, this has been helpful. I will start with Physio as soon as drain is out. 

Hi JudyB,

I had my lumpectomy and axillary clearance in January.....I too had something similar along with severe neuralgia and cording in those areas. The neuralgia is caused by the severing of the nerves from the axillary clearance and the cording id caused by the disruption of the nerve channels, in which they become tight and twisted. I found ice packs helped with the neuralgia and heat packs woth the shoulder..

Mine got better after a few months of doing the exercises the nursing staff gave me to do post op (once the drain was out). It may seem to take forever, but persevere....and take your time, don't push too hard.

I also found that getting into the physio helped with the shoulder, i was given exercises to help strengthen the muscles there.

I still have the neuralgia down the back side of my arm....and had to stop physio because my mastectomy surgery was bought forward...so I have now taken a tumble back down the ladder....but I'll be climbing my way back up in no time!

Please be aware that healing is a slow process....take your time...do the correct exercises....be kind to yourself

Wishing you all the best...

I noticed similar pain days post my surgery (only had lumpectomy and sentinal node removed) and it was getting worse as days progressed.

I realised it was connected to my using that kidney shaped pillow breast care nurse gave me to help protect the wounds from arm pressing on them. What Inworked out is that the material which is very satin like was making the little strap it was holding onto slio off my shouldre all the time and I was holding my arm and shoulder in a very tense unnatural position.to stip it from slipping off the shoulder.

So I stopped using it or at least when I did use it I did not use thebshoulder strap and instead just had it under the arm and my oressed arm held it in place. Once I started that - ie reduced use and changed how I used it pain was soon gone...

Not sure if U R using that small pillow or experiencing same issue but thiught I would share this just in case...

Jel.

Hi, I had a core biopsy done just over a week ago and since Thursday I have had the worst pain, started in my shoulder blade and moved down my arm. I saw my GP yesterday and she said it was possibly from the position my arm was in. I've put deep heat on it and used a hot pack but it only eases it for a short time.