Ultra sensitive skin after SLNB

Hi Sue, not sure what that is, but could be sign of an infection and think you need medical advice.  Do you have a temperature?  Nerves mending are like little electric shocks and although they are a bit painful, they only last for an instant.  As its a Sunday, recommend contacting NHS 24 for further advice. 

Hi, thanks for your reply. It’s been numb in that area since the surgery but the last couple of days it’s got sensitive and sore.  I don’t have a temperature but I will contact my BCN in the morning. 
 
Sue x 

I had this after surgery and nerve pain under arm was quite acute. It did ease off with strong pain killers. I still 10 months on get little jabs as I think radiotherapy has caused some nerve reaction I finished it in June. I am going to ask Onco nurse when she rings next week about it . Hopefully it will settle down for you still early days . If worried seek advice x

Hi Mumma3, I am sorry you are going through this.  If you hadn't said it was 10 days post op I would of wondered if you had the same as what I had..... I can honestly say the surgery site hardly caused 'any' pain - I was so, so surprised however, the site of the SLNB was horrendous - it was calm and pain free and then little by little a type of stinging pain started (a pain that is hard to describe) it was what I imagine acid on skin would feel like - it was stinging so bad and when I would get to the point of thinking I can't stand this .... it went! It did this for a few days and then settled down...... I don't think you are meaning this....

I wonder if you have 'nerve' pain - the area could be numb from the operation and with time and healing it may ease - I think some of the  nerves will have been stretched or even cut - so these will cause pain especially during the healing process - probably sending little electrical signals around the body as they start to try and working again.

I think contract your Breast Care Nurse - in the meantime keep an eye on the area for 'red skin' warmth/hot skin with or without swelling as these are signs of infection. 

Thanks so much for your replies.

It is like a stingy/ burning feeling but like you said, so hard to describe. The same as you,  the surgery sites have not been too bad just a bit of discomfort but this has got gradually worse over the week. 
I think you are right about the nerves healing as I think when I was out and about earlier for a walk and got cold it was definitely worse, then settled again when I got back inside and warmed up. 

I feel reassured that it should settle down soon but I will mention it to the nurse. 

It’s such an emotional rollercoaster isn’t it and I think I got myself worried when I was reading about lymphoedema. I’m doing my exercises regularly and it’s early days yet. 

Janemb - I hope your recent nerve reaction soon settles too. 

Hi, I’m experiencing the same, sore from nipple to back all through the armpit, it feels like I’m wearing clothes made from sandpaper! I’m 10 days post op. Did yours resolve? Thanks x

Hi Marisa297, I had 2 ops oct annd Nov  and I too found it felt like sandpaper on my arm. Even now the sandpaper effect has gone but I still have an odd sensation like the feeling of a golf ball under my arm. Whilst it’s not painful it’s just uncomfortable. Sometimes it’s more noticeable than others. I was told it can take up to a year for the sensation to go but for some it never really goes but you find you get used to it. 
Hoping the sandpaper effect goes soon for you. 
Wishing you the best for your journey

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x