Post-mastectomy tightness and arm aches

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I had a single left mastectomy with temporary (silicon) reconstruction just over six weeks ago. I had problems with excess fluid build-up at first, and had to have a drain re-inserted, but hoping that is all over now. My chest is now feeling really tight and uncomfortable and I have pain on the inside my left arm mainly inside the elbow. Anyone else have this and know what it caused by? I hadn't really expected all these issues post-surgery and am due to have radiotherapy in January.

GRANNY59 21 days ago

Hi Miss Quick welcome to the forum..Do you have a contact number for a Breast Nurse or Care Team? It could be that this is just healing taking place and bruising settling down. However, that level of discomfort I would have thought needs someone to see you for some medical advice and reassurance for you as well..

gail

Miss Quick 21 days ago in reply to GRANNY59

Thanks granny59, I did contact my BCN and she said she thought it was everything settling down after surgery and to take a painkiller if it hurt!

BethS 1 day ago

Hi Miss Quick

i had a lot of tightness after my mastectomy. I described in the early days it was like an elephant sitting on my chest. I also felt like I had a football under my arm from the SNB. Every day I did my exercises expecting it to ease. I had radiotherapy 2 months after the surgery and was so frustrated that I couldn’t lift my arms up fully overhead. No-one ever really explained to me why it was so tight . It does ease over time, very gradually. I’m 18 months post surgery and still have some tightness but have got used to it and I’m still seeing slow improvements. My aim was to be able to do snow angels and I’m still working on it! I don’t have any pain now - just a weird felling under arm and across my chest. I guess this is the new me! But I’ll keep stretching, swimming, walking, cycling and lifting up the grandchildren.

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Post-mastectomy tightness and arm aches