Pain and weakness in hand

LeapFrog39

It's been five years since I've had the bi-lat mastectomy it's been two years since my reconstruction and in the last 6 months I've been noticing that my hand, on the side that I had the radical mastectomy, is much weaker and now in the last month or so I have pain across the top of my hand when I try to grip things or pick up anything heavy...like a stoneware pan or even just gripping a door knob. that hand also just aches some times, mostly in the pointer finger.  I'm wondering if it's related to nerve damage from chemo or nerve entrapment that has developed since the surgery.  

even with insurance I can't really afford to go to the doctor. I just don't know if I should let it ride, keep doing the manual lymph massage and wear the compression garments, maybe trying targeted exercises....and see if it gets any better.  

anyone had this kind of trouble this far out from surgery?

Jennie93

Leapfrog...  Are you taking tamoxifen or one of the A.I.s?   That sort of pain is a fairly common side effect from these meds.  

LeapFrog39

no. my cancer was hormone negative. I'm not on any medication.

LeapFrog39

nothing?

Jennie93

Hmmm, now I'm not a doctor, but have dealt with some of these things, and to me that kind of pain sounds more like carpal tunnel or tendonitis of some sort.  My gut feeling is it's probably not related to MX or chemo.  Do you have any coverage for PT?  They could maybe help, but it's expensive.   :-(

LeapFrog39

yep. Insurance isn't what it used to be. I'm still paying for the last surgery. ugh!  

Thanks.