Ouch! Ihope it will start to ease soon. I had a right side mastectomy and removal of an implant which was put in over 40 years ago to cosmetically fix a depressed sternum, basically ribs that side go in not out, so I had a pothole for a chest. I found the pain was worst in my back behind my shoulder blade, and in my armpit. all the nerves were messed up, and its coming back to life in fits and stats, Im 9 weeks post op. I had reconstruction done the same operation, Although the initial wounds have healed, Im scarred, and sometimes the scar I have which goes nipple to armpit is tender. Initially, I had dead nerves in my left arm and dead fingers in left hand, nurse reckoned that was because it was a long operation and I was sort of laid out in a cross shape on the operating table, so it upset the nerves. sensation has returned left side. operated side is very hit and miss sensation though, but I do get pain in the breast chest and under arm if I reach out or down with my arm outstretched, like everything is tight.  I dont know if anyone has shown you the exercises you might be able to start soon, but although uncomfortable, they can prevent some problems like frozen shoulder, I did them gently but regularly, the nurse gave me a hardback folder of cancer information which contained info about exercises, and they were manageable. It was from breast cancer care and called primary breast cancer, I recommend it. Your breast nurses may be able to advise about managing the roll up dressing, it sounds very annoying.  There may be reasons why you have your seroma fluid drained instead of having drains in, so ask what the options are.  Im sure they will discuss it with you but make sure to ask if you need anything to help avoid arm or hand swelling (a friend used to have to wear a long compression glove to prevent it swelling)   Perhaps they could cut out a section under the armpit if its a nuisance?  just a thought, ask your nursing team.  good luck, and keep us updated, all best wishes for a quick improvement x

Hi Poland - thank you for your reply and I hope that you are fully recovered (and all nerves regained) soon. I have got the exercises and have been doing them - since posting this question I have learned that the exercises help to limber up and ease the pain - bit of a double edge sword 'hurts to do them/hurts if don't' lol. I think I just want a miraculous and speedy recovery to go back to 'normal' however, I am learning that I maybe need to find a new 'normal' now. 

Hi Jax

im taking Zapain tablets on prescription but they don't do a thing. The breast care nurse said because it's nerve pain I should have been prescribed Gabapentin. What did you take?

xxx

Hi Frances - I have not heard of Zopain. I was prescribed codeine and I took them alongside paracetamol and ibruprofen. I stopped the codeine after the first week though as I wa scared of getting addicted (and I also really wanted a glass of wine and didn't want to risk it with codeine lol). I then stayed on paracetamol and ibruprofen taking both together (but not everyone can take ibruprofen) - pretty much full dose of 8 of each a day. It sounds more than just nerve pain - have you googled 'cording' as it may be that as that can be very painful - I had it in one arm but luckily the cord was quite thin. Keeping my fingers crossed that your pain begins to ease xx

Hi Jax

thank you for your advice. It helps

xxx

How do you feel now? I had a mastectomy and lymph node biopsy done on 23rd March and still feel the same now as I did on day 1. Taking painkillers regularly but pain in armpit is awfu and tight on chest.  Hope you are starting to feel better now because perhaps that means I will too! 

Hi Sukie

im still in a great deal of pain. Very tight on the chest and nerve pain mainly. Ordinary pain killers don't work on the nerve pain. I'm taking a strong codeine/paracetamol. They make me sleepy that's about all. I can't do the exercises because it's too painful. I hope things improve soon for you and me. I'll keep you updated 

xxx

I contacted my doctor yesterday and he prescribed amitriptyline which is meant to help with nerve pain. I have to take 1 at night and they seemed a bit reluctant to prescribe as they can give funny side effects. I will try one tonight.  I am taking codeine as well but not regularly as they make me sleepy too. Perhaps we are being impatient patients? And expecting too much too soon? 

Hi, just wondering how you are feeling now? Any improvement? I am still struggling with the pain. 
I hope you are well x

Hi Suki, I still have the pain in my arm and chest. These pains are mostly nerve pains. It's a horrible feeling. I have got to have radiotherapy in a few weeks but I must do the exercises so I can raise my arm straight up. 
 

how are you doing? Have you got to have more treatment? It's a worrying time with the Coronavirus 

xxx

I have the same pains as you I think - and it doesn't seem to be improving at all. If anything, it feels a bit worse today. 
I have been very fortunate to only have needed a mastectomy rather than any other treatment as well so my heart goes out to you and anyone who has to try and tackle anything else especially now with the added complications of CV. 
I really hope you are able to get your pain under control and your movement back so you can get on with the next step. I have a friend who is currently going through chemo and her strength and positive attitude is an inspiration. I wish I had half her resilience as my inability to cope emotionally with the comparatively little bit I have been through is scary. 

Take care, keep in touch. 
xx

Hi, the pain seems to get worse as the day goes on. I'm still taking codeine and paracetamol, not that it works. 
 

keep in touch

xxx

Hi, the pain seems to get worse as the day goes on. I'm still taking codeine and paracetamol, not that it works. 
 

keep in touch

xxx