anxious re arm whilst in surgery

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Hi all,
I am 9 months post SNB with some minor issues with my arm, not enough to be diagnosed with lymphoedema. I am due to have symmetrisation surgery this week and am anxious that csnnula may be passed into my arm or BP measurements taken on it whilst i am in theatre or dopey post op. Has anyone specified as part of their hospital care these actions must not be carried out on the specific arm? thx in advance x LL

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Hi

I have Lymphoedema and had a GA on Thursday last week. I had to keep reminding nurses that they couldn’t use my left arm! Anaesthetics doc actually wrote it in my notes, and told me to mention it again when I went down for surgery.

All you can do is mention the risk and keep reminding them. I found the worst place was when I was back on the ward. Do not use Left arm was written on the board above my bed, and yet I had to keep reminding the nurses that they couldn’t use that side!

I really think they need to make wrist bands that tell them to leave that arm alone! I was tempted to write…PLEASE DON’T USE…on my hand and arm ? but all went fine. Just make sure canula is in good arm and blood pressure cuff on before they put you to sleep, and you’ll be fine.

Good Luck xx

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Thx Sal, how are you now post op ? Recovering well ? LL xx

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Hi Fellow Travellers.

This is my first post and I am now 7 days post surgery for Therapeutic Mammoplasty with SNB and awaiting results.

Just to add that when going to surgery I wore three wrist bands on my right arm 1) usual ID in white 2) radioactive warning in yellow and 3) ‘do not use this arm’ in red…maybe all hospitals could be encouraged to use similar system as if we didnt have enough to fret about without a vulnerable limb being used inadvertently!

Warm wishes to you all

Katie x

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Hi all,
Safely out of hospital again. When i asked about some form of wristband to highlight not using mt right arm, was told this had been discussed and dismissed as they felt all staff should know the particular neefs of their patients !!! However, the very caring nurse who i had meet last year created such a wristband for my peace of mind, which i wore throughout my stay. Thank you Gerda x x

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Hi lexiou3

So pleased you were listened to re the wristband and all is well.  You wouldnt be in Suffolk by any chance as I know of a nurse called Gerda in that field there - or maybe all Gerdas are lovely!!!

Katie

x

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Hi Lexilou

Even more funny as I come from Berkshire originally!

x