I wonder if somebody can help me. A few days ago I felt a pain in my arm from just below my elbow up the inside of my arm to armpit. Not had this before and had op last June.
I have noticed today that I have swelling around my elbow and up the arm. Not a lot but enough to notice.
Do you think this could be lymphoedema? and does it usually hurt
Thanks
Liz xx
Hi Liz
It sounds as tho’ it could be lymphoedema. Best to get it checked out asap with your bcn or, ideally, lymphoedema clinic if you can get in. Don’t let anyone fob you off with the ‘take a couple of aspirins’ routine - if it is lymphoedema it’s best tackled as early as possible (it doesn’t get better on its own) and if it isn’t, your mind will be at rest on that score, at least.
It can hurt (I believe a dragging, dull pain is common - at least that’s what I get!), but doesn’t always. (Have you been doing anything unusual or particularly strenous with that arm recently?) I take either Voltarol and/or Co-codamol for it, but not all the time!
If I were you, I would be as ‘nice’ to your arm as possible until you get some expert medical advice. Lifting (eg shopping bags) and repetitive actions (eg cleaning windows, hoovering, ironing) are best avoided and it helps, I think, to put a cushion/pillow under your arm to support it when you are sitting/in bed. Keeping the skin well-moisturised is a good idea, as is elevating the arm if practicable and comfortable. Wear gloves for gardening and housework and treat insect bites and scratches immdeiately with topical antibiotic. I’m sure you’ve already been told to never, ever, let anyone take blood pressure on, blood from, or insert an IV in, your at-risk arm.
Good luck! Let us know how you get on.
Sounds like it to me. I’d try and get it looked at asap and get a compression sleeve to hopefully stop the swelling.
hi yes it does sound as if you may be developing lymphodemia ,mine started nearly a year after my op and 4 mnths after radiotherapy,it was in my elbow joint to start with and if you press it you could see indentations ,and yes it does ache sometimes when its full .i have to wear a compression sleeve and glove .please dont hesitate to contact your bccnurse as early treatment is vital to stop the condition getting worse, elevate the limb whenever your sitting down ,dont carry heavy itiems in that arm and never have ivs or blood pressure done on that side .it can be a nuisance but is managable .hope this helps.let me know if you need any more advice i shall be pleased to help. take care lynn x
Thank you all for your advice. I will ring BCN on Monday and hopefully either see her or the lymphoedema clinic. I have fat arms anyway but this does look a lot different.
Will let you and I shall do what you have suggested.
Many thanks again.
Liz xx
Hi Liz
You might find the BBC publication on lymphoedema useful, if you would like to have a look at this it can be found by following the link below:-
[Search Results | Breast Cancer Now__reducing_risk_of_lymphoedema__nov_06_0.pdf](Search Results | Breast Cancer Now reducing_risk_of_lymphoedema nov_06_0.pdf)
I hope you find this helpful.
Best wishes Sam
Thanks Sam - will have a look.
Liz xx
hi lizzie, how did you get on with the lymphodemia nurse? hope you managed to get an appointment as quick treatment is vital ,dont be fobbed off .catch up later lynn x
Hi Aroma - was going to ring her this afternoon as I know she was on holiday last week and would give her the morning to get sorted but I was at the hospital for my Herceptin and there was a backlog and by the time I got home she had gone. Will ring at 9 in the morning. It’s very strange but I have a lump now on the inside of my forearm. The elbow area doesn’t look as bad but it’s all still hurting.
also I am sure I have a swelling under my arm where I had the reconstruction. The whole thing has felt strange for the last fortnight and I had noticed my bra on that side seemed tight so maybe something is going on.
Will keep you posted and thanks for caring.
Liz xxx
anytime liz glad to help.as im going through it i feel i have some knowledge!!!albeit not from the medical side more practical .i never thought it would happen to me as i was so careful ,but it just goes to show ,its happens and now is the time to get something done before it gets out of hand for you ,it was a while before anyone listned to me about mine and then it was to late to do much about things so dont hesitate will you .take care speak soon let me know how you are doing . lynn x