Raising arms overhead

Spiritedcharm
Spiritedcharm Member Posts: 16
edited September 2018 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

I'm having a BMX with TE reconstruction and I was reading that I won't be able to raise my arms over my head after surgery so I would need to buy button up shirts. How long will I not be able to raise my arms? This came up after my meetings with my surgeons and neither of them mentioned anything about it.

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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited September 2018

    The arm restrictions are usually while drains are in place and for initial incision line healing. I started PT about 2 weeks after surgery and they worked with me on regaining full range of motion.


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  • Spiritedcharm
    Spiritedcharm Member Posts: 16
    edited September 2018

    Thank you

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  • DebAL
    DebAL Member Posts: 877
    edited September 2018

    spirit, it was 3 weeks before all my drains were out. With elbows in, i was permitted to keep my arms at waist level for reaching for things etc. Notvery made a great point. PT can really help so don't overlook that resource should you feel you need it. I did not use button ups but cheap stretchy tops that had a slightly bigger neck that I could step in. Stretchy camisoles you can step in work well too. Best wishes for quick healing. We are here for you!

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  • Spiritedcharm
    Spiritedcharm Member Posts: 16
    edited September 2018

    Thank you Deb. I don't know why I didn't think of stepping into them - duh. I'm sure some of my existing nightgowns would work for that

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  • DebAL
    DebAL Member Posts: 877
    edited September 2018

    spirit, yes it worked great for me! I found 3 cheap thin, long sleeved, soft ,wider neck tops that are my favorite. I still wear them..I get hot flashes at night slip my arms out through the neck. When it's over arms go back in LOL!! Then I wore my step in camisoles with just a zip up hoodie as my fashion statement if I went anywhere. Best wishes to you!!

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  • Runrcrb
    Runrcrb Member Posts: 577
    edited September 2018

    also talk to your surgeons. I did not have the restrictions that many women mention on this site. I took it easy but was pulling large tshirts over my head within days of all surgeries

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  • Jadedjo
    Jadedjo Member Posts: 469
    edited September 2018

    I was told 3 weeks myself but it's dependant on healing so I will see when it happens.Best of luck.

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  • MaddieBrie1
    MaddieBrie1 Member Posts: 122
    edited September 2018

    Spiritedcharm - my surgeons after drain removal said I could gradually stretch and "walk my arm up a wall". Like others I had larger shirts w stretchy necks or camisoles for just after surgery. Whatever I wore, made sure it was soft. I had asked for PT referral about 3 weeks post surgery 1 since I wasnt happy w my range of motion doing gentle stretching on my own. I had a 'no lift' restriction for 3-4 days just after the unilat surgery. In some ways I think it certainly depends on the surgeon what they recommend and how you heal (like others had mentioned). Definitely take it easy and listen to your body. Its not just the incisions you'll need to be aware or but also the swelling. For me personally, the swelling was (is)worse than the actual incisions. Best of luck!

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