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Axilla and arm pain post breast surgery

Samh1
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Hi 

I had a wide excision , tumour removal & lymph nodes removed with breast conserving reconstruction 4 weeks ago today . The pain in my axilla and down my arm is quite debilitating  and it hurts even to have light touch or clothing brushing on my arm . 
I am a nurse working as an ANP in general practice and would like to go back to work before radiotherapy starts in 4 weeks .  Pain killers do not really take the pain off , and neither does the addition of amitriptylline at night . 
Have you any recommendations about this type of pain ? I know it’s common but it’s not settling so shall I just go back to work , get on with my life & try & ignore it ??? 
Thanks  in advance !! 
Sam xx 

  • Hello Sam,

    Superficial nerve irritation or damage from surgery, can take some time, often months, to improve as nerves heal very slowly.

    Other painkillers that may help are the gabapentin drug type. Your GP could start you on a low dose and increase it slowly. 

    https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/gabapentin/

    I would think very carefully about a return to work as it may mean that you using your arm alot more during the course of the day. Ideally, you need a breast care nurse steer, or advice from a physiotherapist about this. A TENS machine can help, either bought privately, with advice from a pharmacist, or some GP surgeries loan them out. Radiotherapy can also temporarily make things flare up a little. 

    Breast Cancer Now have useful information, and links to other resources about pain relief,

    https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/treatment/ongoing-pain-after-breast-surgery-lymph-node-removal-or-radiotherapy/

    I hope that this helps,

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Yours sincerely,

    Vanda

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