Hi, hope you are feeling some improvement with the post surgery exercises they give you. I had the same procedure done in 2024 at the same age as you now. Left breast mastectomy, axillary clearance (20 nodes removed) and an implant done in one surgery. I did all the exercises to the best of my ability. But it got progressively worse 2 weeks after the surgery, it was painful to touch or massage and I couldn’t stretch out my left arm or lift it. I suspected that I had cording -axillary web syndrome, a common side effect of breast surgery characterised by tight, string like bands under the skin of the inner arm, sometimes extending to elbow or hand. It causes pain and limited arm movement. After talking to the breast care nurse, she advised that I see a lymphedema specialised physiotherapist. It turned out my cording was pretty severe. After a few months of treatments and arm exercises, I was able to regain much better almost normal mobility. My lymphedema specialised physiotherapist also check up on me regularly for risks of lymphoedema. If you feel it is getting worse, please consult with your surgeon, breast care nurse etc. Best wishes with your recovery!
