Post Op Surgery

Hello Kel. 

Did you have full node clearance? What pain relief are you taking?

Pain relief is a good thing. So many people see it as the enemy. It allows for a a better range of movement which allows you to do the exercises required. They will also allow for more comfortable sleep. If you are anything like me I can't function well without sleep.

Laying more propped up helped spread the weight for sleeping on my side. Don't be afraid to have an afternoon nap or a lie in if possible to catch up. 

Be kind to yourself it all takes a while just because they sent you home doesn't mean you are fit and well.

Gentle hugs.

Great reply from Silverberg I’d just add, take regular pain relief as the effect is a bit cumulative during the day. Time your prescribed doses so you take the last at bedtime. 

Try extra pillows, perhaps get someone to put a cushion or pillow under the head of the mattress if you find that being propped up a bit is helpful, it often works better than just having to battle too many pillows! 

I had sentinel node removed prior to my first mx, that gave me more trouble than the mx with implant reconstruction, deftly enough! 
hugs xxx

Hi silverberg 

Yes full node clearance was done.  I'm taking paracetamol every four hours.

Thank you this has really helped, I just felt along as I wasn't told or prepared as to what to expect after surgery and the information in my pack says 'in general most women will be up and about the first day after surgery' and I was thinking my god it's been over a week and I'm still in pain......I'm so weak.

Thank you

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Morning Kel. 

This is not ment to worry you! It is a heads up really. Fluid can still build up after full node clearance even if / despite the drain being removed. 

I had three incidents of leaks after surgery. I was examined by a consultant surgeon who dismissed me as a hysterical female. He declared me a fluid free. I sat up on the bed and fluid poured out like a waterfall. Don't you love the way nurses do the eyeroll when doctors are proved wrong. 

What I'm saying is fluid can build up, it can cause pain. Please don't hesitate to ask to be checked. This is a new experience for you and you don't know what to expect. The worse things that could ppen is the nurse rolls her eyes at you

Just a little comparison. On the painkillers I was on codeine. Not paracetamol. No wonder you still feel pain. I was on painkillers for about 4 weeks after. In fact my surgeon encouraged it . She said take your painkillers so you can push through with your arm exercises. And I did. Call your GP see if you can get stronger ones. Don't suffer, you will only be on them for a short time. 

Good luck 

Hi

I got my husband to get me some codeine over the pharmacy counter and now they are moaning that I should only be taking them for 3 days.

I'm still in so much pain.  The numbness and fire sensation is unbearable im so uncomfortable  

I'm trying so hard to do my arm exercises but im now worried im not advance in the progress as I should be, I can only manage the basic exercises.

I'm just worrying now and I still haven't got my results of the mastectomy and Axillary Nodes Clearance

Kel, there is no time limit or stages for your exercise, please don't get hung up on that. As long as your trying to move it . My goal was to TRY and lift my arm above my head. Some days I did and some I didn't and had to work it. When I brush my teeth in the morning I used to put my arm up on the wall and do a little stretch. Who is telling you to only take painkillers for 3 days. Basic exercise is fantastic. Please don't put up with any discomfort that you don't have to. If you're GP won't help call you breast cancer nurse. 

I haven't asked my GP as I thought over the counter codeine would help, I just had in my head that the doctors wouldn't give me any stronger.

Its the women behind the counter that keeps saying 3 day!!!!

I will call the doctors and ask them tomorrow.

Thank you for your advise this has really helped.

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Hi lovely, yeah she's got no Idea what you are going through, please let us know how you get on and when you call for an appointment make sure you tell reception you have breast cancer and they should definitely get you an appointment in the same day. If they don't help definitely call your breast cancer nurse. Just to let you know, you can definitely just call your breast cancer nurse to chat about your worries. They don't mind. Sending hugs 

Will do, thank you xx