Cording

Public Archive
1

Hi,

I have developed cording in my left arm {had full axillary clearance in August} I can’t find any information on it.

Can anyone help or know where I can access info on this subject.

Lyndsey

2

Hi Lyndsey

I have added a link to a publication on “After your surgery” that has a section on cording you may find helpful.

breastcancercare.org.uk/content.php?page_id=458

Kind Regards
Sam
Moderator
Breast Cancer Care

3

Hi Lyndsey

I had cording following surgery in June 07, I like you could find very little information on it. I continued with all the exercises I was advised to do, to push myself further I took analgesics, or anti inflammatorys prior to the exercises. Just kept pushing myself. Although I still have a little bit of cording it is nothing up to what it was.
Hope this helps.

Kim x

4

Hi Lindsey

I had really bad cording up my affected side after surgery in August. Saw a really good physio and its gone now. I did my exercises religiously, three times a day. Twice a day I brushed my skin (with my hand) on my affected side towards my heart, starting on my chest and working down towards my fingertips. If you do this everyday it really makes a difference.x

5

Thanks Guys, really appreciate it. will be more diligent with the exercises.

Lyndsey

6

Hi Lyndsey, just wanted to support what was said above - I had terrible cording in my post-op arm, it was soooooo uncomfortable but my physio was great and kept encouraging me to do ALL the excercise routines. At first they just plain hurt and then slowly over several weeks began to help. I found that it was really important not to overprotect my arm and consciously tried to use it when reaching for things. I told my kids to let me know when I was guarding it by holding it across my chest - it amazed me how many times they nudged me. I also devised some excercises of my own - just simple stretching things and did them even when I was sitting around. The kids laughed - I am sure it does look stupid to sit watching the TV with your hand up in the air or draped over your head looking like a poor imitation of ‘Swan Lake’ but I found that this really helped and also avoided the ‘must do my excercises’ mentality.
Good luck
Anoush