Lymphedema, possible bilateral wrist surgery

LRN715
LRN715 Member Posts: 34
in Breast Cancer #1
Has anyone with lymphedema had any type of arm surgery? It's a big possibility I have bilateral carpal tunnel, and the thought of wrist surgery is scaring me. I wear an arm sleeve daily to keep my hand forearm from swelling. Any ideas on how I am going to handle this. I was told no needles, no BPs, and I may be needing an EEG with needles.

Comments

  • jessiesmom1
    jessiesmom1 Member Posts: 915 Member
    #2
    Post-mastectomy SHOULDER surgery
    As a result of my right mastectomy in 2/2010 I developed adhesive capsulitis in my right shoulder - also known as frozen shoulder. I did not get physical therapy earlier enough and ended up needed surgery. This was an "open" surgery and not a laparoscopic surgery. I was fortunate not to develop lymphedema after the surgery. It has been nearly 18 months since the shoulder surgery, too. I continue to be careful about having blood drawn from that side and no blood pressure is ever taken on that side. I know all too well what a pain it is when you cannot move your arms or hands properly. Your post-surgical care may be a bit different from most but hopefully if you keep on top of it the symptoms can be managed.

    Good luck.

    IRENE
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    #3
    :-/
    I was told the same thing. I originally had a lumpectomy on the side that now has lymphedema, when I had a recurrance in the good breast I requested they take both and they highly suggested I not do that for fear of creating massive problems with my left arm, shoulder and hand all of which has lymphedema issues. After much soul searching and consult with my onco and surgeon and went with only having mastectomy on good breast and leaving well enough alone on the the lymphedema side. I would suggest talking to your onco and a lymphedema specialist to get the best and safest options available to you.

    My best to you,

    RE
  • LRN715
    LRN715 Member Posts: 34
    #4
    RE said:

    :-/
    I was told the same thing. I originally had a lumpectomy on the side that now has lymphedema, when I had a recurrance in the good breast I requested they take both and they highly suggested I not do that for fear of creating massive problems with my left arm, shoulder and hand all of which has lymphedema issues. After much soul searching and consult with my onco and surgeon and went with only having mastectomy on good breast and leaving well enough alone on the the lymphedema side. I would suggest talking to your onco and a lymphedema specialist to get the best and safest options available to you.

    My best to you,

    RE

    Thank you for your replies.
    Thank you for your replies. What I really need to know though is I probably will end up having some type of surgery on the arm with lymphedema.....a great possibility of carpal tunnel surgery. Has anyone had this and if so, what were your results with the lyphedema....I take great care of my arm otherwise, but this is scaring me.
  • cinnamonsmile
    cinnamonsmile Member Posts: 1,187 Member
    #5
    I recently had a carpal
    I recently had a carpal tunnel test done. My neurologist had two parts to the test. The first was a test that did not require needles, only a shock to a few designated points at about the elbow downward. I did not get the testing done that required the needles. I am not sure if it was because the first test was negative. However,even though I don't have LE (I think I may have a very mild case but do not have any registered LE therapist in a three mile radius), I was not going to let him do the second test anyway.

    Last summer I had to go to the er because I was taking a walleye off a treble hook and got the hook jammed in my finger so far the end didn't come out. There I was with a fish hook in my finger (minus the fish that had been attach at the same time as me, lol), telling the staff that there are no bps or needles in my arms. I did have to get two lidocaine shots in the finger to numb it.

    I would express your concerns to your neurologist, oncologist (if you have one), and LE therapist about any upcoming surgeries. I imagine you have already discussed it with them.

    I know someone else has brought this up recently. I am not sure if it was on here, or on the Lymphedema Discussion board at breastcancer.org.

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