Arm movement after UMX

Yusi15
Yusi15 Member Posts: 4
edited August 2018 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Hi all! I had a mastectomy with 20 lymph nodes removed from my right side on 7/18 almost 4 weeks ago. I was wondering how long before you're allowed or able to lifer your arm completely? I'm only lifting it up to my shoulder and I still feel quite some tightening and pain. I've read here that recovery time varies but mostly gets better after 2 months. Is this pretty much accurate? I'm so anxious to feel somewhat back to normal again. Thanks in advance for any input.

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  • Castigame
    Castigame Member Posts: 752
    edited August 2018

    wish you speedy recovery first and foremost. 2 months sounds about right w caveat. you have to work at it. since everything is tight, you should exercie in a very slow and deliberate manner. for example, move your arm to any direction say 3 degrees up, hold for 3 sec, move 3 degrees more, hold a few sec, 3 degrees more hold. move up as high as you could and repeat move and hold when you lower your arm. i gained 100% range of movement after 6 mos but I had double mastectomy.


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  • Yusi15
    Yusi15 Member Posts: 4
    edited August 2018

    Thank you so much Mimi for your response. I will definitely try the exercises you mentioned.

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  • OCDAmy
    OCDAmy Member Posts: 873
    edited August 2018

    Ask you PS about getting PT. It really helped me.

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  • DodgersGirl
    DodgersGirl Member Posts: 2,382
    edited August 2018

    Yusi15– I had cording and had to go to physical therapy for s short time to break up the cording.

    Wish you well

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  • Yusi15
    Yusi15 Member Posts: 4
    edited August 2018

    thank you ladies. I have an appointment with my PS tomorrow so I’ll be asking about the PT.

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  • DebAL
    DebAL Member Posts: 877
    edited August 2018

    Yusi, PT really helped me. Also, with your lymph node removal you probably qualify for a lymphedema screening. Only certain PTs are qualified but it can be done at the same time as your PT visit if u can get with the right therapist. If for some reason your PS will not write for the consult consider asking your surgeons office to call it in for you. Keep us posted please!

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  • bootsie7
    bootsie7 Member Posts: 114
    edited August 2018

    Yusi...I had left mastectomy 8/1/18. My surgeon has ordered PT. I researched and found a lymphedema specialist in my area and she is wonderful. I feel getting my PT by her will give me the chance to avoid lymphedema and cording. She explained what to start with and equally important vwhat not to do just yet. See her 3x week and do the exercises at home.She also does light massage to the area. :) Hope you can start PT and see results soon.

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