Hello, l’m hoping someone can clear up a discussion l have being having with a couple of my friends and family. I was never advised by my doctors or nurses when l was going through treatment so l’m not soo sure. I have had my lymph nodes removed during my BC surgery on my left side. I was told (by friend) when having a blood pressure measured l shouldn’t have it done on my left arm and avoid taking blood test on my left arm due to my lymph nodes removed - is this correct? Any advise would be grateful, thank you xx
2 Likes
Hi
I was advised by my breast cancer nurse not to have blood pressure done or have bloods taken from my right side after my mastectomy and node clearance. I also avoid having injections in that arm . Hop this helps x
2 Likes
I agree with everything tricia said.
2 Likes
I agree I was told the same! Four years on and everything is with the right arm. Hope this helps x x
2 Likes
I was told that too
2 Likes
I too was told that and still only have injections in other arm, 8 years on. As I don’t want to risk it. Though you could always contact a breast care nurse or the doctor on your next visit.
2 Likes
I was told also to have bp measurements, blood tests and injections in the opposite arm by surgical team.
Although other health clinicians have said it doesn’t matter, but I’ll stick to what the surgical team told me.
2 Likes
I have lymphoedema so I’d advise don’t risk doing anything that might cause it. No one can be sure what caused mine but if it came on after bp check I’d be blaming myself.
I know that some medical professionals say doing blood draws or bp on the arm doesn’t matter but in my experience very few medical people even know what lymphoedema is so I wouldn’t trust them especially when you have an alternative option of the other arm.
1 Like
I was told this at the time by my Oncology team, when I mentioned this to my GP Nurse when having a blood pressure check she immediately said that was correct and I must remember to mention it each time so they don’t do it on that side. Hope that helps
1 Like
I’ve heard conflicting things - one that you shouldn’t have BP readings / blood drawn / injections or cannulas in the affected side . On the other hand I’ve heard that the info on lymphoedema which was given out on my Moving Forwards is out of date and it’s not crucial to avoid using that atm . However I think it is sensible to avoid having anything done on that arm if you can . I’m a Nurse and haven’t had anything in the affected side since surgery but I personally wouldn’t object to having blood drawn or a single BP reading on that side however I wouldn’t want a cannula / any kind of injection also if you need an operation they take your blood pressure during surgery every 3- 5 minutes so it’s important not to have the cuff on your affected arm if you’re having an operation. For anyone who has had both sides done they may be able to use your leg instead . Xx
2 Likes
I was also told never to use my left arm for either blood tests or blood pressure tests because of node clearance. All I do when going for any tests is automatically put my right arm forwards. Unfortunately my right arm the vein disappears and it is difficult to draw blood it usually takes around 5 times to find the vein. Better safe then sorry I have only been questioned once as to why I won’t offer the left arm as it’s a brilliant vein but tough from 24rear weekly inr tests.
1 Like
Hello, another lymphoedema sufferer here, in my right arm. All BPs, bloods, Zometa infusions etc. done on my left arm.
TBH I’d say BP is the most important because of the pressure the cuff puts on your arm (especially if your BP is sky high 
).
I wear a cuff, it’s visible, most practitioners doing the above no matter where (4 different hospitals, GPs etc etc) ask: “Left arm?”
2 Likes
Same here. I was told it’s to do with avoiding infection, hence no injections etc. Also told always to wear gloves on the affected side when gardening etc for the same reason.
1 Like
Thank you all for the advise and sharing your experiences 
. I was told theres a chance l could get lylymphoedema in the future after my surgery when my lymph nodes were removed but never did my doctor or nurses advise me not to take BP readings from my surgery side. So I naturally used either arms when attending my Oncology appointments for blood test or BP readings. It was only until a friend advise me not to use my arm where my lymph nodes were removed which got me thinking. Thank you all for clarifying going forward I’ll know now not to use my left arm. Xx 
Always opposite arm to surgery for anything including carrying bags
Its all about protecting your infection levels and healing right without potentially causing lymphedema
Good luck
Hi RP002,
Thank you for posting. Many people contact us unsure about the risks of lymphoedema and whether they are able to have blood tests or blood pressure readings on the side of their lymph node surgery. Some people are told to avoid procedures on the affected arm like @tricia1919, @AnnieSue, @Mo1957, @Stobbs, @AMWG, @Saphire and @soos say.
However there’s no strong evidence that having injections, taking blood, taking a blood pressure reading or having intravenous fluids in your ‘at risk’ arm will cause lymphoedema. Some people chose to use their other arm for these procedures if they can as @seasons,@peterpan64, @Rainyday7 and @JoanneN, @Gelbel and @Curlywurly1 do, and you may also prefer to use your other arm if you are able to do so .
If someone has lymphoedema then it’s best to avoid using that arm for these procedures wherever possible.
It’s not clear why some people develop lymphoedema and others do not, but lymphoedema can develop soon after treatment or may occur many years later. The risk is greatest for those who have both surgery and radiotherapy to the axilla (armpit). People who have had a sentinel lymph node biopsy only, have a reduced risk of developing lymphoedema compared to people who have had a number of lymph nodes removed.
There are ways in which to help reduce the risk of lymphoedema developing. Try to use your arm normally as you’re more likely to increase your risk of lymphoedema by overly protecting your arm and not using it enough. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising (as able) will reduce the burden on the lymphatic system. Infection in your ‘at risk’ arm can cause swelling and may damage the lymphatic system leading to lymphoedema. It’s important to keep the skin clean and well moisturised to reduce the risk of skin damage and infection. Tips on how to help reduce the risk of infection can be found in the link above. You may find the Lymphoedema Support Network a useful resource for more information.
You may also find it helpful to watch our YouTube videos on lymphoedema and breast cancer and managing lymphoedema and reducing your risk.
We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
You may be interested in our Moving Forward services which include our Moving forward booklet and Moving Forward courses that feature a session on lymphoedema. Moving Forward | Breast Cancer Now
The course is open to people who have had a primary breast cancer diagnosis and have finished their hospital-based treatment within the last two years. You can find out more and register for the programme on our website Moving Forward online course | Breast Cancer Now
For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link, or call our free helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. To do this complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
Best wishes
Katy
Breast Care Nurse
Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy
As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.