Lumpectomy and SLNB

Hi Janey, I had a variety of strange aches and pains after surgery, but you might want to give your nurse a call just to double check it with them. Best wishes 

Hi thank you.  I called the nurse today but they didn’t seem to recognise the pain I was describing.  I’ve googled lots and found some similar descriptions of ‘nerve’ pain.  It’s early days so I’ll give it a bit longer and keep doing my exercises x

Hi Janey25 , that sounds very familiar even though for me was 5 years ago! My nearest analogy that I could think of was like a carpet burn. So weird. Seemed to last a while but it did go eventually. Definitely keep doing the exercises, again my arm mobility took a good while to come back completely, but it did. And of course always check with the breast clinic if it’s worrying you. Love and hugs, HFxx

Yes I had this in my armpit and back. It was nerve pain.  Like you, the nurse I saw at my postop check up didn’t seem to recognise what I was talking about. I am amazed at this. I asked to see a doctor at my postop checkup because it was very debilitating, and the doctor prescribed me some gabapentin, which worked for me. From what I understand of nerve pain, standard painkillers, such as paracetamol don’t have any effect, but there are some medications which can be prescribed which can bring some relief. I think you have to push for it though in my experience. Mine did subside, and after a few weeks I was able to stop taking medication. 

Thank you so much for replying.  Yes carpet burn is a perfect analogy!  It’s such a relief to know it’s not just me - I was even more worried when the nurses didn’t recognise what I was describing.  The SLNB is definitely causing more pain that the breast but I think it’s because under the arm is an awkward place xx

Thank you for your reply I really appreciate it.  So good to know it isn’t just me!  I have noticed  that the painkillers don’t touch it !   I will definitely mention Gabapentin at my follow up alough that isn’t until the 8th Jan.  The waiting for results is awful xxx

Would you consider going through your GP for some nerve pain relief? Just thinking that 8th of January is a long time to wait when it is such an unpleasant and difficult sensation to live with. X

Hi could I just ask if you had any side effects from the Gabapentin ? x

It made me feel a bit spaced out and detached so I consulted the doctor about reducing the dose until I found the right balance.  You have to up and down the dose very carefully and gradually and with medical guidance. For eg 900mg per day were prescribed, but I only needed 600 mg per day and eventually reduced to 300 mg a day.

Thank you - I only asked because I know my husband used to take it a long time ago and he said it had given him hallucinations and bad dreams.  I rang the ward today and they said I can go back on Monday to see them if it’s still the same so I think I’m going to do that.  Not driving is an issue though as I live in my own .