Injections

Hi lucky3

Six years ago I had a sentinel lymph node biopsy in my left armpit when I was diagnosed with melanoma and was told at that time that I must avoid having injections in my left arm, blood taken from that arm and that my left arm should never be used to have blood pressure taken.

Earlier this year I had a lumpectomy on my left breast along with 2 sentinel lymph nodes removed. I was again reminded never to use that arm for any of the things I've just mentioned.

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Yes that is correct. I had my covid and flu jabs in my right arm. I am right handed and normally would have had them in my left.  You should be fine. I took paracetamol at bedtime as a precaution. My arm ached for a day or two but soon went. 

Hi,

1. I had all the lymph glands removed from my left armpit and recently had the Covid jab in my right arm and flu jab in my thigh, which was fine. You should try to protect your arm from anything which could cause lymphoedema, such as injections, blood tests and blood pressure readings. I have found that hospital staff are very good at finding alternatives when needed, so it doesn’t usually cause any problems.

• Also shaving with a razor is not a good idea as can get nicks and cuts.

Thank you 

I have just recently had blood taken out of my left arm as couldn't get a vein in my right arm I have blood taken every 2 weeks and was told that would be OK 

Thank you for replying I will take your advise and take paracetamol. 

As others have said, that is correct - no needles in your affected side arm. Alo be vigilant to any cuts and scrapes. I ten to put antiseptic cream on anything I see and if it's a cut, I'll put a plaster on it too.

I had both covid and flu boosters in the same arm with no issues on the same day, they just do them an inch or 2 apart. That's the second year I've had that. At least it only means one sore arm!

I was also told to be extra careful when gardening. To always wear gloves and long sleeves to avoid getting scratched. It does make you a bit paranoid but if it helps prevent lymphodemia I suppose we should be cautious.

Hi lucky3

I have blood taken every week ahead of chemo. A couple of weeks in a row the nurse at my doctor's practice couldn't get blood from my right arm so, in desperation, took blood one week from the not to be used left arm.

I now go to the clinic at the hospital for bloods to be taken and they have no problem taking blood from my right arm. When I told them about the nurse at the GPs taking blood from my left arm they said that she shouldn't have done that.

So my question to you is, who said it's okay to take blood from your left arm? If it's anyone other than a member of your hospital team or a nurse from the hospital phlebotomy department I'd double check that it really is okay to use that arm.

x