Hi! Like most others have said I didn't experience any pain as such but I was advised to accept any pain meds offered at the slightest tingle within the area and I feel that helped greatly.
I reduced the codeine over a few days with no issues. What was a godsend was a wee heart shaped pillow I was gifted by our local cancer charity but if you haven't got one, look up little lifts.org.uk and you can apply for a pack. This pillow went everywhere with me, tucked under my armpit to protect the area. Its still my comfort blanket now 5wks in.
I got an M&S post surgery bra & it's been fantastic! Looks like a crop top but soft supportive cups, pockets for prosthetic if you needed. Its back fastening but I've heard of others using front fastening if that's your preference. Asda seemingly also have options.
So sorry to hear that you have cancer. I had my lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node removal 4 weeks ago. Everyone is different…but if it helps, I only experience minimal pain, only discomfort. Only needed paracetamol for 2-3 doses. Was back driving within 10d and at the gym (gently) after 2.5wks. Worst bit was having to sleep on my back!
Hi, I got 2 of the M&S front fastening post surgery bra's (from e-bay as they were cheaper and the older style hook and eye fastening) . I'm still wearing them 3.5 weeks after surgery, but I was a DD cup ( probs a D now) and need the support. They just look like a sports crop top and are great. I got one on my usual size and one a cup size smaller x
I was surprised that I didn’t need to use the codeine prescribed. I was ok on paracetamol every 6 hours for 2 days then just at night. I preferred to sleep propped up with my operated side arm on a pillow. Slept quite well and was comfortable. Wore a soft bra top / sleep bra with no wires at night and post op bra in the day. I was vigilant with the exercises 3 times a day (set alarm on my phone). This seemed to help a lot too. I made sure I was hydrated and ate healthy meals. Focussed on resting but not sitting about all day - kept moving and using my arm lightly as I could. I am 60 and expected to find it harder than I did. My op was 6 weeks ago. I was back at work after 2 weeks and apart from twinges as the nerves repair I have found it really ok. The bruising was very colourful and is still there a bit. I had a little swelling that went quite quickly. Take one day at a time! I found taking progress photos helped me see the improvements. My surgeon used internal stitches and glue so it was never in a dressing which I found helpful to see the result straight away. It healed quickly and the result was much better than I had hoped. Pain is individual but I found it more uncomfortable at times than painful. Good luck.
