Mastectomy?

i had amastectomy and all mt lymthnoids removed in dec of 06. i am having trouble getting my right arm up. i can pull it up with help. how long will it be before i can put it up by myself? i exercise it 1-2 times a day. sometimes i have to take pain meds for the pain in my shoulder. when will my arm and shoulder be back to normal?

I treat a lot of breast cancer patients with post-op radiation (usually 2-3 months after surgery). A lot of them come with problems raising their arms and some might even have obvious lymphedema (swelling in their arms).

This condition, unfortunately, may last a year or more. With the "finger climbing" exercise, the tightness and pain would gradually get better.

Keep in mind that, because a surgery had been done and the lymphnodes are taken away, there are chances that your arm would not completely return to the previous state. However, the exercise really DOES make a difference. So keep on doing that. :)

i had the same surgery 2 weeks ago,the pain is like amuscle spasm in chest,arm and burning the pain specialist prescribed gabapentin,seems to be helping,its not as severe i will be increasing the med gradually,haven't had radiation yet
goodluck to you and me
takecare! Report It

have you told your doctor about this problem it sound normal for the length of time it takes about 6mos or more for everything to heal just dont rush it and dont push yourself to hard

My mother in law had the same thing done and after surgery had the same issues. With the excercises it took about 6 months to become fully functional, although she improved greatly after only one month. You are brave--hoping you a speedy recovery! :)

I had the same surgery. It could take a while. It took me several months to get back full range of motion. I taped paper up on the wall so I could reach it and then marked my progress. What you do is stand next to the wall and walk your arm slowly upwards until you literally feel that you can't go any further. The next day, do it again and mark your progress each day and reach until it hurts!!. It can be a slow go but you will get it back eventually as long as you keep stretching it out. My doctor called it "Walking the Wall" I started out not being able to lift my arm higher than my chest and within a month or two of this excersise I had back full range. Good Luck. I know it is so aggravating but once you get it back then it shouldn't do this to you again.