Could this be lymphedema 9 years after surgery?

CLC
CLC Member Posts: 1,531
edited June 2020 in Lymphedema

Hi everyone. I used to be a regular on the discussion boards but I haven't signed on in YEARS. I had my mastectomy in 2011 with no issues after. This spring, I started noticing occasional swelling in my fingers and wrist. Then pain in my shoulder. Serious pain, stabbing down in my torso and radiating down my arm. The rheumatologist said the X-Rays showed arthritis in the other shoulder but she diagnosed it as arthritis anyway. I can barely raise my arm above shoulder level without excruciating pain. I'm not buying the arthritis diagnosis.

Could this be lymphedema? I had one lymph node removed in 2011 and not a single issue since. With the pandemic, I was suddenly teaching remotely and always at my computer...and voila. The swelling is so slight that it is only noticeable because my ring only fits half the time, but the swelling includes my torso now.

As I recall from my days here, the women on the LE boards knew more about LE than most doctors, so I am coming to you all for your input.

Thanks so much for any insights you may have.

Claire

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Comments

  • Morwenna
    Morwenna Member Posts: 1,063
    edited June 2020

    Hello Claire

    I am a physiotherapist and certified lymphedema therapist in Calgary, Alberta.

    Lymphedema can certainly present 9 years or more down the road. However, it rarely presents as acute pain and not really in the joints.

    In your case, with only 1 (assuming sentinel) lymph node taken, and if you didn't have radiation therapy after that, the risk of developing lymphedema would seem to be very low.

    Arthritis can certainly present in shoulders, elbows, wrists and hand joints and in your case does sound the more likely explanation.

    If you have new swelling in your torso, have you had any imaging of that area? Do you have any new lumps or swelling in the axilla?

    It might be that you need to interrupt your sessions at the computer more often, be very aware of your posture, especially when working, and do a regular exercise program at home to get everything moving.

    Hooe that helps.

    M

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  • Krose53
    Krose53 Member Posts: 148
    edited June 2020

    Your symptoms sound similar to frozen shoulder in some aspects Look it up and see if you think is applies to you.

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  • CLC
    CLC Member Posts: 1,531
    edited June 2020

    Thank you, Morwenna!! It does help a lot. I wasn’t sure about the pain and LE, but the swelling made me not discount it. Your response is greatly reassuring. The rheumatologist has ordered physical therapy for me. Fingers crossed. Thanks so much for your feedback

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  • CLC
    CLC Member Posts: 1,531
    edited June 2020

    Thanks Krose53! Will do.

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  • CLC
    CLC Member Posts: 1,531
    edited June 2020

    Krose53, you’re right. It sounds a lot like frozen shoulder. I really appreciate the feedback. It looks like physical therapy and steroids are the right track. Reassured that this is not likely LE.

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