Nerve pain after lumpectomy

Hi Celie, I am in a similar situation with the nerve pain, I wasn't expecting so much nerve pain either.  Did the Surgeon say how long it would last?  Best wishes

I’m 2 week from SNB and lumpectomy and i expected to be in a much better place, I’m very uncomfortable from SNB and so much nerve pain from nipple being removed for access during operation.  I’ve had results and margins not clear so back for more surgery on 23rd November, it is frustrating but lymph nodes clear and further surgery Will keep me alive so trying to be positive. 

Thanks Barbara, I’d appreciate the link to massage. Practitioner I saw today said I could do gentle massage as only 3 week post op. 

Hi, sorry you’re experiencing this too.

I didn’t actually see the surgeon today, but someone else who examined me and said the op had been successful.  (I didn’t catch her title).  I didn’t get much of an answer about the pain, only that it was normal. I’m only 3 weeks post op. I think she said could be a few months, a gradual process. Sorry I can’t remember that clearly she said so much!She also said to stroke the area where the nerve pain was to stimulate it, this would help to regain normal feeling over time. I was also advised by my breast care nurse to warm my back (not front), with a wheat bag or shower before trying to do the exercises or just to help with inflammation/bruising etc of muscles in the chest wall. Also could rub with anti inflammatory gel. 
(I can’t take anti inflammatory tablets because of asthma.)

I don’t know about you but find the pain gets worse in the evening when I’m trying to relax. During the day I found wearing a tighter sports bra helped to stop the friction from clothes and movement so it was more bearable.  
If you talk to your breast nurse about any of these suggestions she would be able to say if this would be appropriate for you and your situation. Hope this helps. Good luck x

Hi, sorry to hear you have this nerve pain too. It feels almost unbearable at times doesn’t it. You must be feeling bad that you need further surgery. Sending a hug. Like you say stay positive and good luck they get it all with your next op. X

Hi, I agree. I’ve been on Gabapentin for sciatica, it worked brilliantly for that. I’ve been slowly trying to reduce the amount I’m taking so I don’t get withdrawal symptoms. I don’t really want to increase it again unless I really have to as it has taken me months and months to reduce. I’ll see how I go. Thanks though, glad it’s helped you. 

Here it is Celine.  https://www.google.com/gasearch?q=self%20breast%20massage%20florida%20proton%20how%20to%20on%20youtube&tbm=&source=sh/x/gs/m2/5#ip=1
Breast massage really worked for me.  I was faithful and did it daily.  Still do it almost every day even now.  Hope it works for you too. 
Hugs

Barbara

Thank you so much Celie, I'll definitely try those things.  Very good luck to you too x

Yes, I was warned by the pharmacist to reduce slowly over a period of time and not to stop too quickly. 

I spoke to the Macmillan Nurse who was my Key worker at this stage. Mine was very sore she told me to keep alternating paracetamol and nurofen 4 hrly . I did this for 2 wks and then could reduce it. Mine was bruised and swollen. Work on the arm exercises and gentle massage. My surgeon recommended bio oil. My arm movement wasn't great to beging with. Sleeping was difficult, the heart shaped cussion helped. I had all the lymph nodes removed and wide local excision in Dec last year. I still do some exercises to prevent cording, not a lot though. Hope you are getting the support. The help us there at this stage for you, ring them or ask to see them. Or see your GP if not. Hope that helps? How long it lasted I would say at it worst 2 to 4 wks. Most operation sites improve after 6 wks.