NUMBNESS

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1

Hi

Can anyone tell me if they have suffered from pins and needles and a tingling going from the top of the arm, to the elbow on the back of their arm, and then when they lie down the back of the shoulder and how long it lasted. I am 8 weeks post op (nearly) have done all the exercises and can put my arms strainght above my head, but this pins and needles is with me all the time, I cannot even bear to wear a long sleeve jumper coz it just makes it worse.

Thanks

2

Hi Sweetheart

I had WLE and clearance on 3rd Oct. I still have pins and needles where you described. For a few weeks it felt like the skin was burning or badly chafed but, of course, it was inside. The pain has gone but the numbness is still there. My BCN told me to expect it as they have to cut through a nerve when they do part of the op. My surgeon said it may take 6 months for the tingling to go but there is a possibility there may still always be a patch that is numb

Sharon x

3

Yes I have exactly what you describe it’s quite numb as well. It’s been 9 weeks since my mastectomy and i don’t think it’s any better at all.

Sandra

4

Hi Sandra and Sharon

Thanks for your replies I’m glad I’m not the only one with this bcn seemed to think it should have gone by now!!! Huh

Heather

5

Hi all

I am the same 8 weeks down the line and numbness just the same I also can lift arm above my head don’t know how long to do the exercises for.

Starkie

6

I had my nodes cleared Oct 2006 and had feeling back under my arm by January, However, I still get pins and needles from time to time and have to watch not to overstretch as it affects the back of my shoulder and can feel like a pulled muscle. When it starts to bother me I find yog stretches help - it’s usually telling me I need to exercise.

7

I got told that the pins and needles thing is the nerves starting to recover as they got pinched, battered and bruised through having surgery…and the pins and needles is just the nerves starting to fire up again. Keep doing the exercises to ease the tingling off. Ive got feeling in my underarm, limited though…but nothing in my armpit and thats after a year…but im fine with that as im no longer ticklish on that side much to hubbys disgust lol

8

Thanks for your comments girls, am pleased to find that I am not alone on this one, as bcn was a bit offhand, which is unusual for her as she has always been really supportive. I felt a bit like I was being a wimp, when the problem for me is very real especially as I am right handed and guess what its the right side that had the op. I do know that as the day wears on it gets worse, gp was quite helpful and prescribed some medication which he said might help and to give it a try. I would really like to go back to work after my rads, but because my job is quite physical I know I will be unable to do it as long as my arm and shoulder stay like this. Sorry beiginning to ramble, think its because this is getting me down.

Take care

Heather