arm numbness

arm ouchies
Hello Ginger.
I had the same surgery twice (both sides at different times).
First of all, the pain will subside into 'twinges' that hit you at unexpected times, but not bad really. Then eventually the 'twinges' will go away for the most part except maybe when you lift something too heavy or such. My first surgery was 22 years ago and I still get em.
Secondly, some of the numbness will probably be permanent. However, it will eventually become completely a non-event and you will think, eh..so what.
As to the exercises, you need to talk to your surgeon about the 'official' ones he recommends, but for the most part I think they are pretty standard: Walk your fingers up the wall as high as you comfortably can with your elbow locked a few times each day. Try to geeently increase you path a little higher each time. Also, hang a jump rope over a closet door and hold each end with each hand. Use your good arm to pull your sore arm higher and higher...geeently, remember.
Also, lie on your back with a broom stick in both hands lying on your thighs. Now, raise the stick up and over your head (eventually)...if you can't go that far at first, that is normal. They slowly lower the stick back down. Keep elbows straight and locked.
It is good to keep everything moving, but if you over do it you may set yourself back, so curb your go-get-em attitude for awhile and be kind to yourself.

numbness
Get your DR. to order physical therapy for you NOW. You can end up with frozen shoulder syndrome and scar tissue if you don't start exercising. You timing is about right to begin some of the stretches, and if you have a nurse practitioner working with your surgeon she can help. But START SOON! My numbness is just now wearing off beind my arm and surgeries were May 16st and May 21st. Lumpectomy first, then an axillary dissection. Nerves are severed, but they do grow back for the most part. Get educated on lymphedema and how to avoid this. It can be a real problem for all of us.

luck to you.

zahalene said:

arm ouchies
Hello Ginger.
I had the same surgery twice (both sides at different times).
First of all, the pain will subside into 'twinges' that hit you at unexpected times, but not bad really. Then eventually the 'twinges' will go away for the most part except maybe when you lift something too heavy or such. My first surgery was 22 years ago and I still get em.
Secondly, some of the numbness will probably be permanent. However, it will eventually become completely a non-event and you will think, eh..so what.
As to the exercises, you need to talk to your surgeon about the 'official' ones he recommends, but for the most part I think they are pretty standard: Walk your fingers up the wall as high as you comfortably can with your elbow locked a few times each day. Try to geeently increase you path a little higher each time. Also, hang a jump rope over a closet door and hold each end with each hand. Use your good arm to pull your sore arm higher and higher...geeently, remember.
Also, lie on your back with a broom stick in both hands lying on your thighs. Now, raise the stick up and over your head (eventually)...if you can't go that far at first, that is normal. They slowly lower the stick back down. Keep elbows straight and locked.
It is good to keep everything moving, but if you over do it you may set yourself back, so curb your go-get-em attitude for awhile and be kind to yourself.

arm ouchies
I liked what you said in your posts. I had breast cancer in 2006. I did most of the exercises you mentioned and they helped a lot. It took a year and a half for the numbness to completely leave my arm. The only numbness I have is the scar. I didn't do reconstruction. But I do still have to stretch the muscles under my arm everyday. With time it's getting less. You give good advice, keep it up!
Suzanne