Blood pressure and ivs after sentinel node biopsy

Anonymous

Blood pressure and ivs after sentinel node biopsy

Lostchick

I'm not sure if this is the correct place to post this so apologies if I'm in the wrong place. I had a sentinel node biopsy done on both sides on 4/28/20. I had 2 nodes removed on each side. Thankfully they were all clear. I feel like I was told to not have blood pressure checks or ivs started in my arms to avoid Lymphedema. Is this correct? Will I have to do this forever? I recently had an appointment where they took my bp using my leg and it was crazy high. I've never had high bp before and wanted them to take it using my arm so badly to ease my mind about my bp but didn't. Any thoughts or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

NorCalS

Hi.

I had both sentinel node biopsy and axillary node dissection on my left side after lumpectomy. I got mixed instructions on whether I can have a blood pressure cuff on my left side, blood draws on left arm or whether I can sleep on the left side. Generally, I’ve been told not to have BP or blood draws on the left arm. However, a lymphedema physicaltherapist advised that it is safe to have my BP and blood draws on the left arm. The therapist advised to do certain exercises and massages to prevent lymphedema. Breast surgeon staff advised against taking BP or blood draw on left arm. To be safe, I have had all my BP and blood draws on my right arm.

Spookiesmom

I have LE in both arms. I prefer using my right arm for BP and labs. I also had a squamous cancer removed from my right hand 2 weeks ago. No problem of any type from that.

SummerAngel

I also had bilateral BC. I started out having blood pressure taken on my leg and had the same experience you did. No one was used to trying to take blood pressure from the leg and the readings were wildly inaccurate. I went back to having it taken on my arm. I also have blood draws from my arm, I just ask them to use a small needle and no tourniquet. I do still have IVs in my foot because an IV is in place for a longer period of time. I've had no problems.

SpecialK

lostchick - I also had bi-lateral SNB, but five weeks after my BMX I had ALND surgery on the cancer side. I have bi-lateral lymphedema, but it is far worse on my right (ALND) side. I do allow BP and IV on my left side and the LE was not caused by that, or made worse, to date, by using that side. I am not endorsing this, just reporting on what I do. I will say that using pedi needles for blood draws, if possible, and manual BP, which is gentler than the automatic machines, is helpful. My plastic surgeon for recon uses a wrist BP that doesn't squeeze nearly as firmly as the upper arm machines, which is also good. For surgery - and I have had a lot - I have allowed an IV in my left hand with no issues - and I am an easy stick. The automatic cuff has been placed on my ankle. You can have the IV placed in your foot for surgery but I would advise contacting the anesthesiologist to set that up if you are having an elective surgery - it is usually beyond the scope of usual pre-op folks and requires advance notice and preparation. I have had two skin cancer surgeries (waving at you spookiesmom, lol!) on my worse right side up on the lower shoulder and it did not have any effect on my arm, and another one on the back of the same shoulder. I have also had a crush injury from my SUV hood that fell on my right hand, didn't make the LE worse. I will say that my lymphedema is well controlled with garments and a pump, although hot/humid weather is the thing that has the worst impact. I am totally living in the wrong state, lol!

Binney4

Lostchick, leg blood pressure does run higher, but if it's done consistently you (and your providers) can have a baseline to tell when/if it becomes a problem. Some of us have found that our local fire department EMTs are trained in how to do leg BP, and they will help establish a baseline for you if you ask them, by having you drop by several times to get an average. (Of course they probably won't object to your gifting them with say, a plate of cookies as a thanks for their effort!) Leg BP should be taken with you lying flat for best results.

These are tough decisions especially for those of us with bilateral concerns. As you can see by the replies here, we are all different and that's why we have to make our own best choices on these issues. Be sure whatever you decide to allow or not allow is something that makes YOU most comfortable.

Gentle hugs,
Binney

Spookiesmom

Make sure it's chocolate cookie! Right Binney??

Waving back at ya, we sure are in the wrong state. Miserable.

Binney4

So right, Spookiesmom! Double chocolate chip is always a good choice.