How soon can LE show up?

dlcw

Hi - hoping to get some advice on a symptom I have...had a MX on Monday of this week with full axillary dissection and still have my drains in.  I have a tremendous amount of pain and soreness on the underside of my forearm extending up to my elbow - nowhere near the incision in my arm pit.  Not sure if it could have been injured during the surgery or if this could be a sign of LE?  How would I know for sure if it was LE? 

Thanks for any advice!

dlcw

mrsnjband

Hi dlcw,

Your pain sounds like mine.  I don't know for sure but I think the pain is from the node dissection.  My pain is on the underside of my arm down to elbow.  My pain has lessened some over time but it has never gone away.  I hope that isn't your case, be sure to talk to you doctor about it.  NJ

FireKracker

It is kinda early to tell but do tell your dr.If it does continue check out the I hate Lymphedema thread.there are some wonderful experts on Lymphedema/edema.I wish you the best. huggggggggs K

dlcw

Thanks - maybe if it continues I will call the doc tomorrow - not scheduled to see him again until the 19th but maybe can get in earlier.

dlcw

kira66715

dlcw--it's really unusual for LE to show up so early--and right now you have a lot of post op swelling, and a drain still in. I would imagine the arm pain is due to irritation of the nerves from surgery.

There is advice from a great LE therapist to limit the overhead stretching for the first 10-14 days as the delicate lymphatics heal--she says to not raise your arm above shoulder height.

Good idea to call the doctor and make sure it's not some sort of trauma or infection.

Let us know how you're doing

Kira

dlcw

Thanks kira - perhaps I am trying to do too much as I've been trying to stretch my arm quite a bit.  I have more swelling today in the area where my shoulder meets my trunk - and my forearm is more painful today than yesterday....have a call in to the surgeon's nurse for advice.  My drains are not doing much so I wonder if they are clogged and maybe that's why there's more swelling?  Hopefully she will have some advice.

dlcw

kira66715

dlcw--could to check in, and stay hydrated, and put the arm up on pillows if you can.

Kira