Hi Angiepops,
I am four weeks on from my Ms and ANC. The actual op itself was not too traumatic, and as a fair number of pain killers were administered, I was pain free for the first 24 hours and manageable for a few days. Depending upon how much nerve damage there is, your arm will be numb, a bit swollen and sting a bit. I always though it strange that although all the acton was on the chest and underarm, all the pain and discomfort was in my arm! (all to do with the nerves affected).
I was discharged with a drain after 2 days, it would have been 1 except I still suffered from Nausea the morning after. The drain is an annoyance, but as I wasn't moving around too much it didn't bother me a lot. Although I felt OK, if a bit tired, I wasn't my usual sprightly self! After a week the drain was taken out, and the dressing after 10 days.
After about 3-4 days I was able to take the dog out for short walks, but the arm on the affected side was limited in use; I wouldn't want the dog to pull the lead. I did tire easily.
by two weeks after, I was getting frustrated at not being able to drive, and three weeks after felt pretty much back to usual energy levels, but my arm is still not back 100%. Oddly enough, the wound didn't start to hurt until about a week later, but this is because the nerves are starting to recover.
I would advise you to do the exercises suggested by the physio; I have been lax the last few days, and my arm is noticibly stiffer.
All in all, I found the experience OK. The best bit was the fact that the tumour had been removed. A great relief. I use cream on the wound site and arm (advised to help prevent Lymphoedema). Being lopsided is something I will have to deal with at some point, but I would rather get all treatments over with before I worry about that.
Please ask questions if you need to, and good luck!
Best wishes,
MM
