many questions

moose92

I've had a double mastectomy and 18 lymph nodes removed from my right side, 15 positive. This was on 12/27/11. I still have alot of pain in my right arm and can hardly move it. Most of the pain is in my shoulder. Everyone else have this pain in the arm for this long? What causes lymphedema? Is it painful? I have a expander in my right side, can this be causeing the pain?

kira66715

Moose, lymphedema is caused by lymph fluid not draining properly--it can cause swelling and symptoms of pain/aching/numbness/tingling. With the lymph node removal and mastectomy, you are at risk.

I'd really recommend that you get evaluated by a qualified lymphedema therapist, and hopefully there's no lymphedema, but you can get good information--and many LE therapists are PT's and could evaluate your shoulder as well. You'll need a referral from one of your doctors.

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

From what I read on the reconstruction forum, expanders can be very uncomfortable.

The bottom line is that you shouldn't be suffering, and you could benefit from a lymphedema therapist's evaluation.

Please let us know how you're doing.

Kira