Exercising after mx and recon with implant

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1

Hi
Have been told by PS no exercising for at least 4 weeks - I had my lymph nodes removed and my arm is getting so stiff - don’t know what to do for the best. Wonder if they do things differently in the UK?
Wendy xx

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Hi Wendy

I had an mx (with axillary clearance) and immediate LD flap + implant recon. I was started on v simple, gentle exercises 2 days after my op. You do have to take things carefully and gradually build up.

This might help.

www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/treatment-side-effects/getting-fitter-feeling-stronger-leaflet-exercises-after-surgery-bcc6

Good luck!
Dx

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Hi Wendy

I’m amazed you’ve been recommended no exercise. I had a Mx with axillary clearance and tissue expander. In Uk standard recommendation is start exercising 2 days after op as D says. I’ve been using leaflet D suggests and shoulder is still a bit stiff but getting there (6 weeks on). Is it worth going back to your PS and clarifying this? S/he might have meant no strenuous exercise.

I learnt this lesson many years ago when I broke my humerus. They told me to move my elbow when in plaster but forgot about my shoulder - took weeks of physio before I could drive again.

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I showed him the exercises that I downloaded from this site and he definitely said no - what excercises do you do?
Wendy xx

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Where are you being treated, Wendy?

I had a bilateral mastectomy with full axillary clearance and expander implants put in a month ago. Here we are all given arm exercises to do and told to do them diligently to avoid cording and stiffness. I was told to do them from the day after my op. I had physio appointments before and after to make sure I was doing them!

I’d ask to see a physio at your hospital or get a second opinion as it does seem a bit odd that you’ve been advised against the exercises we’ve been told are really important. Maybe it’s something unique to your surgery?

X

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I think this will answer more than one question - Spain.
I think the PS surgeon is a bit up himself and is only interested in his bit of surgery. regardless of what the knock on effect is on any other parts.
When I had an acromeoplasty a few years ago, the put my arm in a sling and told me to keep the shoulder immobile for at least 2 weeks.
I looked on the internet and everything I read contradicted this, so I went my own way, downloaded exercises and started straight away.
We live a considerable distance from a hospital with physio, so I did it alone, however, I had full movement in the arm and shoulder within 8 weeks. The surgeon was very impressed, but I did not see the point in telling him why.
Communication here is very strange - it is a cultural thing that they are happier talking to the relative than the patient. Cannot fault the actual treatment or general care or the speed with which everything has been done Wendy xx

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Hi Wendy

I also had same op as you and like everyone else here was told to start exercising 2 days afterwards - standard practice here, but why don’t you give the nurses on this site a ring, might be worth the price fo a phone call… Yu can tell them exactly what op you had Nd they could advise you…

Best of luck

Alison

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Hi Alison
Will probably do that after I have Wednesday out of the way - seeing the oncologist to discuss Chemo! Might well have a few more questions that need answering.
Thanks
Wendy xx
PS Started gentle exercises yesterday!