Solid and numb – fluid build-up?

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I wonder if anyone has experienced similar and would help with advice? I had surgery mid-September. I thought I was gradually improving with mobility but almost two weeks later and my left arm and area where my left breast used to be is totally stiff, numb and makes me feel like not moving much at all. The area seems swollen and feels heavy and totally stiff. Feeling upset and very fed-up, even though the sun is shining. Should I be doing more arm exercises? Is it fluid build-up? Thanks to anyone for any advice.

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Doing the exercises (gently) is vital… numbness is normal… not so sure about the solid-ness… be worth a call to your breast care nurse. The Haven website contains good exercise DVD for lymphodema where the physio explains not just what to do but why… but only two weeks after surgery I’d phone for advice/reassurance… you don’t want to over do it or under do it! Good luck! Jane

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Hi Pleasant1

I had the same symptoms post op. Started about a week after and made me feel very miserable. It was a seroma which my BCN has been draining for me. It’s got less troublesome with each draining. 3 so far and hopefully the last one tomorrow :)Speak to your BCN and don’t suffer with it.

Hugz

Sharon x

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Thanks for replying so soon. I went for a short walk. No difference. Today is one of those ‘emotional days’. Can’t even make soup; just in the soup!
I’ve read up on seroma – sounds exactly like my symptoms. Oh joy…
x