which arm to use for blood tests?

Public Archive
1

Hi

after mastectomy and finishing chemo a couple of years ago i was told to only use my “good side” arm for blood tests etc.  my veins colapsed and have never fully recovered which makes it almost impossible to get blood. 

2 lovely nurses tried very hard yesterday but only managed to get a drop from my hand and I will now have to go back again.  can i still not use the arm that had nodes removed from? 

thanks

 

2

My understanding is that you need to avoid injections/injuries to your arm on side where nodes removed forever more. From what I read there is a risk that lympodema can occur at any time in future after op. Suggest you discuss the issues with your GP to work out what is best given your veins. Hope that helps and all the best

3

Hi foodie

                 Lymphodema is a risk years after treatment so do not allow your node removal arm to be used for anything I have heard of people getting lymphodema several years after dx, sorry to be the bearer of bad news

 

xx

4

hi all

thank you so much for ur replies, it all makes sense and i now know i should keep sticking to the rules.  i must admit the one thing i always dreaded was lymphoedema so what’s an extra trip for blood?  lol. 

thanks again, good luck to u all x