Arm use after BMX

I didn't use my arms for 2 weeks. I scootched rather than pushing myself up with my arms. I was told to limit arm use for two weeks so the lymphatic system could heal.

My BS said "no restrictions" as well. When he told me that and that I can take a shower, it felt good, so I never questioned it. Right arm pit where nodes are removed is numb, painful to touch like a burn sensation. Cannot move this arm up more than 90 degrees. Left arm almost full motion, if it wasn't for the breast incisions pulling a little...JP drains still here too, so that limits my arms movement or bending over somewhat. Tomorrow (day 9) my first BMX post-op visit, maybe the JPs will come out? Keeping my fingers crossed to findings in the pathology report, but I will ask him about the arm movement, lymphatic system healing question. I suspect like most other surgeons, he only cares about the clean removal of the breast tissue and no infection part...just my impression.

5/26 update -Nodes are negative, yey! JPs are out today, yey! Prophylactic removal of left breast was a good call because it showed pre-cancerous cells. Margins in the right are "close", some skin has to come out, back to OR we go. Might need chemo, hoping for the best, will see MO soon to determine further treatment.

Regarding the nodes and early arm movement and lymphedema, my BS said to take it slow, watch comfort level. Did not answer my lymphedema risk question. I can't do much anyway, lots of swollen and painful areas below the armpit, like a side boob. BS said it will subside with time. Bending down puts pressure on incisions, so I am mindful of that.

tsoebbin - I was totally freaked out about the "T-Rex" implications after BMX... so I rented a fully-electric hospital bed for a month. What a lifesaver! I have a Tempurpedic mattress (like swimming in Jello) and didn't have a recliner I could sleep in without someone maneuvering the handles for me.

I had excess pain due to some aggressive recon procedures done at the time, and the stupidity of not taking my pain meds regularly. The hospital bed gave me complete independence in bed, plus the comfort of adaptability. HOWEVER, the majority of women here do just fine with loads of pillows in their regular beds or recliners.

(For my Exchange surgery, I finally had a nice recliner to sleep in, and I put an extension on the handle so I could use it.)

As for everything else, it took time to figure out which muscles had been cut (pectorals and anterior serratus) and how that affected things like opening the fridge, or a window. Those were the times when I wished I'd paid more attention to developing my "Core"...

Here is the thing to remember - all these limitations are TEMPORARY. If you follow your surgeon's guidelines (and you will definitely pay for it if you don't), and you get good nutrition - 100 grams of protein daily if you can handle it - and find ways to accomplish other tasks (daily hair drying and straightening is highly overrated), you will be fine in a few weeks.

DH said he was amazed at how quickly I was able to regain strength in my arms and become independent again.

Wishing you the best!

p.s. Yes - our motto for TEs is "Low and slow is the way to go." Some women can take big and fast fills, but why? Avoid the potential pain and just take what your body is able to handle. It's not a race.

My surgeon said that I should use my arms immediately after surgery, just no heavy lifting. I have BMX with no recon at this time. Looks like each surgeon has their own post-surgery thoughts for their patients. Can you ask your surgeon what their opinion is?