Numbness & pain... How long does it last?

TornadoDeva
TornadoDeva Member Posts: 6
edited October 2018 in Pain

Hello ladies,

I am 3 days post-op BMX with tissue expanders. I am not expecting a miracle but would just like to get a general idea of how long the numbness, swelling, and pain, specifically near the armpit, lasts after surgery. I had about 100ccs put in my expanders per my request. My husband is here with me this week but I'm very nervous about taking care of my 6 and 8 year old next week by myself.

Any advice would be most appreciated.

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  • Kjelftr
    Kjelftr Member Posts: 18
    edited October 2018

    Hi,

    Welcome, I’m glad you have help this week. I was pretty useless for about 2 weeks. I was able to back off pain med during day after 2 week and by the end of the month I was completely free of meds. I still have numbness under my armpit, down my tricep and a little on my back( BMX with tissue expanders on 08/30) I had 27 nodes removed. uGH!

    Rally your tribe and get more help for the weeks ahead. Start a food train and lean on those who have offered to help. This is a marathon. You’ve got this! Be strong and remember if your husband does it differently, it’s okay... it just his way.

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  • PurpleCat
    PurpleCat Member Posts: 358
    edited October 2018

    I'd like to know too. I had a lumpectomy 4 weeks ago, then SNB 2 weeks ago, and have been really surprised at the pain. The nerves are going bonkers for several inches in all directions from the SNB site, and there are too many unpleasant sensations to describe, even itching. I know it's normal to feel pain, I just didn't expect it to be so troublesome 2 weeks later, and would tolerate it better if had some clue when it might improve, or at least when it's reasonable to ask for physical therapy, gabapantin, etc. When I think that it might not feel better before I add radiation side effects to to the game, I just want to cry.


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

    I wish I had a pleasant answer for you. The numbness is, to some degree, permanent. I have regained some sensation around the edges, but the center and nipples and underarms are still numb.

    The swelling took a pretty long time to go away. I had drains for only six days, but the swelling was all over. I would say it was much improved by 4-6 weeks.

    The best news is that the pain gets better fairly quickly. I was off any narcotic medication by two weeks and able to drive then. I did take Tylenol at night to help get comfortable.

    My kids were older than yours (youngest was 10) - but I understand that concern. My husband took off two weeks. I didn't need much help the second week.

    This is just my experience and everyone is different. I felt that starting PT the second week helped as well. Keep focusing on the improvement day by day. I hope you'll soon be much better.

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