Could it be cording?

Options
chrissilini
chrissilini Member Posts: 313
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Had my first freak out post surgery and all of this ugliness. I'm 7 weeks post op, bmx with te's. Everything has been going well and I'm healing fine, or so I thought. I noticed over the last few days that when I stretch out my arm that had the SNB I was feeling some pain and pulling on the inside of it. I just chocked it up to my job. I'm a CT Tech and have to slide and move a lot of patients at times. I thought I just pulled wrong. Well, last night as I was getting ready for work, I work 3rd shift, I noticed the pulling getting worse with noticable swelling. My first thought was blood clot so I decided to stop in the ER on my way to work. They did an ultrasound that was negative for clot. Yay! The doc didn't think it was lymphadema but didn't really have an explanation. Thought maybe I injured it unknowingly. I've got a call into my BS for followup so we'll see what she thinks. What do you think? I've read the info on here about AWS and that's what it feels like to me. Bummer.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Faye33
    Faye33 Member Posts: 180
    edited January 2012

    I developed AWS about 4-5 weeks after my BMX on the side I had the SNB, as well.  I noticed it when stretching my arm out.  I felt pulling from my armpit, down my elbow and into my wrist when it was at it's worse.  I also had "webbing" in my armpit.

    I saw a PT and she gave me some stretches to try, but she said to discontinue them if they didn't help or aggrevated things.  I found the stretches did not help, but the AWS resolved over time.  I've had two reconstructive surgeries since then and my AWS acts up after every surgery.  My last surgery was in August, and I still have some pulling in my elbow.

    I hope you get it figured out.  It certainly sounds like AWS to me, but it is best to get it checked out like you are doing.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MiniMacsMom
    MiniMacsMom Member Posts: 595
    edited January 2012

    Kira and Benny, the local got to gals will pipe in soon I hope with their recs.. but whenever in doubt go see a lymphedema specialist.  They are the ones who will know more than a PCP.  From what I have learned, Lymphedema is not covered much during med school, so most docts are not comfortable with it, or even think about it :(  Anyway,  someone else with more AWS experience will pipe in soon!  Big Hugs.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cshechter
    cshechter Member Posts: 1
    edited January 2012

    It does sound like axillary web syndrome, but with manual therapy and stretching by a breast cancer rehabilitation therapist, it can be resolved. Ask your doctor for a referral to a specialist and if you need any information at all, please feel free to contact me: cynthia.shechter@nyprw.com

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited January 2012

    Cynthia, I know your intentions are good, but one of the rules of the board is that we don't give medical advice and no advertising.

     Chris--here is a link to the AWS page on stepupspeakout

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

    And, how to find a qualified therapist

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

    The fact that you're having pain and swelling, it sounds like an evaluation would be a good idea, any of your doctors can refer you.

    Kira

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • chrissilini
    chrissilini Member Posts: 313
    edited January 2012

    Thanks for the info. I did have an appointment with my bs today. It is cording and I have a referral for PT. So, hoping this gets cleared up soon. It's not unbearable but I know it needs to be taken care of.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories