Hi Ladies, Could really do with some advice. Having an Eyeore day today and very teary. On the 1st October I had tumour removed in my left breast and full auxillary clearence on left side and breast reconstruction on both breasts. Long operation, 2 nights in hospital, 3 drains, came home with one. Initially came home and was recovering okay, pain not too bad. Then had a virus of the layrnx made me feel grim and add to that a hacking cough which ruptured stitches inside and caused bleeding. DN had only been checking my drain had to ring and ask for someone to check my breasts as were splitting underneath. Drain stopped working on Tuesday ( day 8) and was removed replaced by stoma bag which initially drain then wound healed over , that was removed yesterday. But since Thursday my breasts have felt like I have been dropped in stinging nettles and so hard. BCN said request stronger pain killers from doctor, which I did. Said I had to sit it out as fluid needs to find somewhere to do. DN called yesterday to change my dressings and noticed infection in my left breast made me a doctor appointment and he gave me antibotics. My breasts just feel like they will explode and pain is excurating. Sorry sounds Like I am moaning but I caught between the BCN and DN and ping pong between the two. Any advice gratefully received as feel very sorry for myself today and I am usually a half full person seeing the positive in most things.
What a nightmare you are going through! The only advice I can offer is that you keep on requesting help from the medical professionals. Maybe today you need to be seen by a doctor because it sounds as though the pain is increasing despite the measures already taken. This is a difficult and miserable enough situation to be in as it is so asking for help is entirely appropriate. My heart goes out to you and I really hope that your symptoms ease soon so that you can begin to recover both physically and emotionally. Fingers crossed for you.
Thank you for the good advice Merrymaker . I think we just don’t like to keep bothering people. I think the only people who know how it feels are those of us going through it or been through it. Maybe after the antibotics have kicked in I begin to feel better. If pain continues or gets worse I’ll ring doctor. At the weekends there is no one around, which feels so wrong. I know budgets are tight. Thank you for taking the time to reply. mx
Hi Mainowl and Helenann
I can also sympathise with both of you, as I’m experiencing a combination of both sets of symptoms you describe.
I feel the stinging nettle feeling, mainly in my armpit following SLNB, but also sometimes across scar. I also get random stabbing pains in armpit and where my nipple would have been - it’s weird. I was continuing with paracetamol but, tbh, don’t think it makes a difference. I’ve tried a day with and a day without and the pain was pretty much the same. The plus side of without meant I could have a g&t last night though ?
I’ve been out shopping today and bought some sports bras with front zips. I’ve only had one on about an hour, but it’s so much more comfortable as the sides are just lightweight mesh. Also, because it’s shaped and padded, I can wear it without my foob and no-one will notice.
Anyway, I’m now exhausted, so going to rest easy for the rest of the weekend. At least I know I’m not ready to face work yet, a couple of hours in town has nearly floored me!
Take care xx
I had a feeling like gravel rash in my upper arm after mastectomy and SNB. After 4 weeks it has pretty much gone away.
Thanks HelenAnn Luckily at oncology on Wednesday so I am going to mention all of this. I am not a moaner and it won’t change what I have been through but might change it for someone esle in the future.
I read on another post that painkillers are no good for this stinging pain as it is to do with nerves. Someone had been prescribed like some antidepressants. Which helped. Your feeling sounds horrendous. Keep positive. Mx
Bless you. Glad to hear you are nearly through it.
Hi Chocixe7. Love your comment about G and T. I too agree about the paracetmol and wasn’t taking it before the pain started. Trying co codomal at the mo. I too am teying spots bras put find help a little but by the end of the evening can’t wait to whip it off.
I too agree with you re tiredness. Do the simplest of things and your knackered I feel that with having a bath in particular.
Enjoy your restful weekend.
Hi Merrymaker a much brighter day today thank you. DN called to sort dressings. pain a little less. Not taken any pain killers today. Had a fabulous husband yesterday who wa perfect. Mot always that way. Hope you have rested.
If the stinging pain is really bad, talk to your GP about either amitryptiline or gabapentin. Both work on nerve pain, which is what this is. Amitryptiline in big doses is an antidepressant, and gabapentin is used for epilepsy, but both work on nerve pain. And amitryptiline helps you sleep.
(I’m a GP)
Thank you pastamissus I read this on another post. Thank you for replying. mx