Please can anyone help me?
Last May 2007, I had a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. I had eleven lymph nodes removed. I have only a tiny amount of lymphoedema in my hand and reconstructed breast.
However, I have developed a trigger finger which is disabling me. I need surgery to have the tendon released.
Part of the procedure is to apply a tourniquet to the arm for about ten minutes or so, to stop the blood flow during the surgery.
I have always been told not to have a blood pressure cuff or injection etc to the arm. So how will this pressure effect it?
I would be very grateful for any advice.
Thank you
Pattyann.
Hi Pattyann
The specialist nurses on our helpline team will be happy to talk to you about the concerns you have regarding this procedure and potential risk of lymphoedema whilst you await replies from your fellow users. You can contact the team on 0808 800 6000 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-2pm.
Best wishes
Lucy
Hi Pattyann, like you I had a mastectomy and reconstruction with lymph nodes removed, and like you I developed trigger thumb in both hands.
My GP did an injection in my right hand which totally cured that thumb, and I have just been back for an injection in the left one (the side of my mastectomy) He said the advice about no injections that side etc was just a precaution against infection.
My left thumb is a bit improved, but I will give it time to see if it gets completely better. He said the injection can be repeated up to 3 times before they go for the operation option.
Obviously everyones case is different, and you may have tried the injections already, but if not I would ask about that option.
Let me know how you get on
Heidicat x
I had a mastectomy - only 3 lymph nodes removed (none effected by cancer) and have recently developed trigger thumb on both hands and on my right hand my middle and ring finger also lock in the morning. I thought it was down to my Tamoxifen and Zoladex. It’s getting worse so I’ll be making an appt with my GP too.
If it’s not one thing, it’s another, eh?!
Jacki x
Hi Ladies. It is odd that we have all developed this condition isn’t it? I am on Arimadex (Anastrozole) but my GP didn’t seem to think that had anything to do with it. I wonder whether any studies have been done.
My left thumb is also a lot better now after my injection last week, and my right thumb is completely better. Only a month or so ago I couldnt bend either thumb, and if I knocked them into a bent position I had to ask my husband to ‘snap’ them back into place as I wasn’t strong enough.
Perhaps trigger thumb/finger affects people at a certain age. I was born in 1952 (maths for you to do)
Let me know how you both get on.
Love Heidicat x
Yes I have Trigger thumb as well. Only on the right hand and my mastectomy was on the left side!!! I had the injection in January and it is much better but still there.
Born in 1951, is Heidicat right?
Hi Topper, are you on medication? I wonder whether it is a side effect. I will try to find out some statistics about what age group are most commomly affected by trigger thumb. It does seem to be a coincidence doesn’t it?
Heidicat x
Hi Heidicat
I am currently on Herceptin I had the trigger thumb whilst on Chemo though. It wasn’t til after chemo was finished that I could face “the needle” again.
Topperx
Hello Pattyann
I have had lymphodema in my left arm since my surgery 2 years ago.
A year ago I broke my left wrist and unfortunately in the fall it was discovered later that I had completely ruptured a tendon in my thumb. In July I had a tendon transfer operation - where they transfered a tendon from one of my fingers to my thumb. This I think would have involved a tourniquet.
I asked my lymphodema clinic what to do and they said not to worry because any lymphodema problem could be sorted out later. She said it was important I sorted out my thumb.
Fortunately, there was not a problem with the lymphodema and it did not get any worse.
Follow my lymphodema nurse’s advice - do not worry.
Christiane x