Which is better warm compresses or ice

I used gentle massage with Essential Oils in carrier oils with the PT stretching exercises. I too, found the underarm to be the most uncomfortable part and even now, almost 2 years out, I still have numbness, but the unpleasant feelings have gone.

I am careful with anything hot or cold, as Straitlover said, because there isn't any real feeling there. I wish you all the best!

Hi, MarieBernice - so sorry you are dealing with this, but I have to agree with the other posters about using ice, especially on areas where nerves have been cut and compromised.

There is a HUGE possibility of frostbite in those areas - especially if any fatty layers of tissue under the skin have been removed.

I once got a sunburn through my clothes that turned my TEs a bright red. The PS said absolutely NO ice, but a cool, moist compress would be o.k.

The same would apply, I think, to heat. Nothing HOT, but something gently warm to the touch on a normal part of the body.

Sometimes it's just a matter of tricking the brain... often it has a hard time discerning two different sensations at once, and if it senses warmth, then that's what you might perceive instead of pain.

Always check with your PS first.

Hope this resolves quickly for you!

I second,calling your Dr and ask what would,be suggested and what to stay away from.  Heat and cold are used for different reasons and using the wrong one at the wrong time can cause more problems.

I would also ask what the Dr meant by "holding a lot of fluid".  That can mean different 'things.  Is it a seroma (basically a pocket of serum)?  That can be drained via a needle but may need to be drained more than once til it is resolved.  Is it edema (fluid in the tissue)?  That can not be drained in the way a seroma can as it is not in a pocket but in the tissue.  That needs the help of a LymphEdema Therapist for MLD massage and possibly compression garments.  I am not a Dr, those 2 issues I have dealt/deal with - there could be other causes/issues but you need to discuss what is going on with your Dr for clarification and how to proceed.

On a side note - as you had note as you had nodes removed.  Request a referral to see a LymphEdema Therapist for an evaluation now.  (Not just a PT but someone with education specificallly in dealing with LE - my LET guy is also an OT.)  Any time nodes are removed, LE is a possibility - even years later - so should get evaluation AND education, before it becomes an issue.  Unfortunately, not all Drs are as knowledgeable about the potential for LE.  You might want to come to the LE Forum here.

Find out what your Dr is saying/meaning and do not quit asking questions (on any subject) until YOU understand what is being,said!

Hi 1centyankee, I used an analgesic blend, for pain called Be Relieved, by Balanced Essentials. It is made here in Australia. I am sure there are similar products available in the US, I just buy the very best quality, I can. I also have Rheumatoid Arthritis, so I use it all the time, for that.

When I had my Mx, I used the oils all around the bandages, because they are antibacterial as well as for pain. I started to massage over the scar once all the tape and steri strips were removed.