SLNB pain
Hi and happy holidays (or at least coping holidays—whatever we can muster at this point, I think),
I just wondered if anyone had any thoughts or remedies or experiences to help me think through my SLNB.
I had a delayed SLNB, so I got it after the mastectomy.
Well, it hurts so much more than I had ever imagined. I know that I have cording on that side from the first surgery. But there's just this heaviness on the back of my arm. It's been about 10 days—when did you start to feel better? Did you do anything to help yourself feel better?
Thanks
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Hi @lemonwedge, I had burning pain from my armpit to elbow after SLNB. The brachial plexus nerve complex sometimes gets damaged during the procedure. I used a nerve desensitization technique to help. Rub the area with different textured textiles several times a day (silky, wool, denim, terrycloth etc.); it's supposed to help get the nerves working correctly again. Nerves heal slowly. It was mostly better about a month later but it recurred after radiation and then took several months to feel better. With the heaviness pay attention to whether the arm gets a bit more swollen or your fingers get a bit numb which could be a sign of lymphedema. If that happens contact your surgeon. This occurs only about 5% of the time but you want to treat it right away if it does. I hope your arm feels better soon.
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Oh @maggie15 thank you for this!
It is super helpful! I think I will do it on my chest, too.
I will keep an eye on my fingers and swelling, too.I don't think I was fully aware of the potential for nerve issues before I did it.
Hope you are fully recovered in the nerve department!
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