Hello ladies
I’m suffering terribly with nerve pain two weeks post axilary node clearance. My inner arm is on fire and none of my pain killers touch it. Can anyone tell me if they’ve had this and how long it lasted.
TIA Jacq x
Jacq sorry hear you’re still suffering. Haven’t got the answers just wanted to give you a hug. But maybe the nurses on here can give some advice xxxx
JacqB - just seen your message and I’m sorry you are experiencing pain.
I had a single MX and anc this time last year and know exactly how you’re feeling. The inner arm pain you are experiencing is the nerve damage caused by the operation. It does certainly get better.
The length of time depends very much on each individual.
It is important to do your arm exercises at least 3 times a day.
Very gentle stroking exercises of the whole affected arm from wrist up to elbow and from elbow to armpit and from there across the chest will help - use something like E45 cream whilst doing it.
You will get through this - the pain will get better - it does however take time.
I still get odd tingles and aches in my arm and armpit - it’s something I’ve learnt to live with and just grateful to be here still…
Take care my lovely x
if severe, worth talking to your GP about painkillers specifically for nerve pain such as amitriptyline or gabapentin. Normal painkillers don’t work well on nerve pain (the burning/shooting/electric shock type pain).
Thank you for responding ladies. I shall definitely try the massage along with a little patience and if that fails will ask for the drugs! ?
Jacq x
Hi Jacqb
I had my node clearance getting on for 6 months ago and still have complete numbness over a large area of arm, shoulder and down my back. I don’t get pain as such but do sometimes still get a sensation of it raining on my shoulder and some general discomfort. I can’t sleep on that side. Doing the exercises, including hanging onto the doorway and walking backwards and forwards to stretch the scarring out, does help regain the movement. I had physio to help with that and have pretty much got a full range of movement back in that arm but you have to carry on with the exercises daily or everything tightens up again I still do mine a couple of times every day to maintain the status quo. I find massage helps a little but mainly to the scar, nothing else.
Thanks Sally
I do need to put more effort into the excercise, I simply cannot imagine hanging off a door frame! but I will work towards it! I’ve still got serious nerve pain but it is early days and I have been told I can ask for specific drugs but would really like to avoid them.
Jacq X
Hi JacqB, fingers crossed it all goes, I still have really horrid ‘soreness’ under. Y armpit and down the back of my arm. Hurts to the gentlest of touches 
I’m trying to gently rub Bio oil in when I’m doing my scars in the hope it helps. The thought of massaging it makes me feel ill!!! Looks like I’d best focus on my exercises too!! Xx
Hi everyone, first time posting on the forum but thought I’d jump straight in on this thread to get myself started as this is definitely what I’m struggling most with after my operation. I had a lumpectomy and axillary clearance on September 14th and a follow up op on Friday as the margins weren’t clear and the nerve pain in my upper arm is still really bad!! The armpit tightness is slowly loosening and the excercises are becoming easier and less painful but the shooting pain/burning/tingling/numbness and general horrible sensations in my arm are still really bad. My BCN recommended trying an anti inflammatory gel on the area so got one with 5% ibuprofen and started using that yesterday and it did help a tiny bit so worth a try perhaps? X
normal painkillers don’t work well on nerve pain (the burning feeling). Talk to your GP about amitriptyline or gabapentin. Amitriptyline makes you sleepy, so only take at night.
(I’m a GP)
Have to say I had nerve pain until almost week 6, it’s horrid but there’s so much healing to do ? x