Lymphodema sleeve shoulder pain

Hi Ladies
I’m coming up to 5 years since diagnosis in October and although I’ve had some scares I’m pleased to say I’m still NED. I was diagnosed with Lymphodema soon after surgery and I’ve managed to keep it under control with the help of my sleeve. However it’s recently become sore. I wear the sleeve because my forearm and wrist are the worst hit by the pains and aches but the problem I have is that when I wear it the pain doesn’t ease, it just shifts to my shoulder. I’ve recently had to go to the gp for painkillers to cope with it and she sent me off for a precautionary xray and referred me to our local lymphodema clinic as the one I usually attend is a drive away and appointments are few and far between.
I’m wondering if anyone else found that wearing the sleeve affected their shoulder. I don’t really understand why I’ve suddenly got pain as the swelling is next to none and very under control yet the aches and burning sensations are getting increasingly worse to the point of me having to get my 10 year old daughter to wash my hair for me. I can’t write more than 5 lines without agony and I was hoping to go back to college, can’t do that till I fix my arm but give very worried it won’t ever get better.

Sorry for the rant but I know lots of you have lymphodema and will be the best place for me to get answers and someone like minded to moan with.

Thanks
Kate

Hi Kander,

I’m sorry to hear you’re experiencing this, it must be very painful and uncomfortable.

We have some information on our website about this which I hope might help: breastcancercare.org.uk/information-support/facing-breast-cancer/going-through-treatment-breast-cancer/side-effects/lymphoedema

You’re also very welcome to call our helpline if you’d like to speak to one of our specialist breast care nurses about this - you can reach them on 0808 800 6000.

Take care, Becca at Breast Cancer Care.