Is this pain lymphedema?

DMHGF
DMHGF Member Posts: 72
edited October 2019 in Lymphedema

I am 4 weeks post lumpectomy and 9 nodes removed. I had little pain after surgery and thought I was well healed. 3 days ago I had a tender spot running from my lymph scar to my elbow. The underside of my elbow was super sore. Now the pain is radiating all the way to my wrist. I can't really see any swelling. I originally thought a blood clot or something since all of my education on lymphedema says tingling, heavy and swelling. The pain is gettting more severe every day so I'm not sure what it may be. Has anyone been diagnosed with lymphedema without noticable swelling?

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Comments

  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited September 2019

    Might be a good idea to call your PCP, or surgeon tomorrow morning.

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  • DMHGF
    DMHGF Member Posts: 72
    edited September 2019

    I'm scheduled for my 2D Echo and Chemo Education tomorrow. I plan on asking someone there. I hope it's something that will pass!

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  • Yogatyme
    Yogatyme Member Posts: 2,349
    edited September 2019

    Do you have any cording under your arm? I have a similar tenderness in exactly the same place and I think it’s related to the cording. The more I stretch and massage, the better it gets. Hope this helps.

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  • DMHGF
    DMHGF Member Posts: 72
    edited October 2019

    Hi Yogatyme

    I can't feel any chording but when I called the surgeon they thought that:d what it may be. They suggested physical therapy but with starting chemo next week they reconsidered. I'd love to know what type of exercising to do with it. Suggestions? I don't know if I can massage it as it has gotten SUPER painful to even touch my arm or elbow. Does heat or cold do anything to take the pain level down?

    Thanks! I hope you are feeling better!!

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  • raleighgirl
    raleighgirl Member Posts: 98
    edited October 2019

    DMHGF,

    I had this last year, three years post surgery. It was cording. It developed when I was pregnant. After I had the baby, I saw an therapist who specializes in lymphedema. After two sessions she was able to “break"the cords through massage using a special tool. It didn't hurt at all and I felt immediate relief. As soon as I heard the “pops" from the cords breaking all of the pain was gone. If this is indeed what you have, know that there is a solution.

    Best of luck!



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  • Yogatyme
    Yogatyme Member Posts: 2,349
    edited October 2019

    DMHGF, I found that “walking” my fingers up the wall and holding for a count of 10 and repeating 10 times helped the most. Also clasping my hands behind my head and stretching arms backwards helped. My niece is a massage therapist and she massaged my arm over the weekend and the relief was remarkable.

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  • anamaeted
    anamaeted Member Posts: 8
    edited October 2019

    I have been diagnosed with lymphedema, I only have a small amount of swelling in my trunk region. I knew what it was, but had to keep telling my doctors until they noticed the swelling. I do not swell in my arm yet, only the truck region. I have quite a bit of pain in my chest and arm though. The skin is really sensitive to the touch. Sometimes just wearing a shirt hurts.


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