axillary clearance and arm mobility ?
Hi gals,
just looking for some advice;maybe i'm fussing- but still;
I had an axillary clearance 4 weeks ago on one side, and though I've been doing my physio exercises religiously, I still can't raise my arm above shoulder height. I mean when when i stretch it out at right angles as if i'm on a cross, I can't raise it any further. (I can raise it above my head when i clasp my hands in front of me).
The pain only diminished in the last few days though there's still a lot of tenderness, tightness, funny nerves and numbness (but i think that's normal).
I had a lumpectomy 8 weeks ago and had brilliant arm mobility within two weeks.
Any idea if I should be concerned about this lack of mobility four weeks on ? I normally have good stretchiness!
x to all 
Comments
Check re physio with breast care nurse, the ligaments (or tendons?) can tighten up along with the muscle. I'm a year on and wasn't given exercises to continue after surgery and notice a definite tightening in the arm. Will have to look for physio I think.
Hi Girls, I had a lumpectomy followed by modified radical mastectomy and auxillary clearance last summer. then chemo and rads, which finished end of jan. I got good mobility back after surgery, with great physio support, but after the rads my whole shoulder, neck and chest muscles tightened up so much it was difficult and painful to move. Went for physio for 2 months and things have improved. I do stretching exercises every morning and evening and think I will have to continue indefinatly. Any extra demands, like hanging up the washing or doing previously normal things cause spasms and muscle pain, and my arm gets tired easily. I'm exercising with wall pressups to increase my arm strength and circulation. Get advice from a physio who understands about the affects of radiotherapy and risks of lymphodema. some are scared of massaging the mastectomy area, but that is where the muscles and tendons can get really tight and need the most work.
My radiotherapist was very dismissive of the mobility problems and told me thats what happens,!! not much help. Talk to your breast care nurse and get a physio referal. gentle yoga is also good for gentle stretching.
Hope this helps a bit. good luck and don't give up, you need your arm back!!
warm wishes and web hugs.
Hi
I was told that I could have got a frozen shoulder because I was afraid to use arm. The breast care nurse got me to the phyiso who did a brillant job. I do the exercises and used the pully too. The phyiso also gave my massages to do on the under arm as that is where my tightness was. Arm does get sore but only when I use it too much.
good luck
sunflower
Hi ya!
That might be a simple case of muscle weakness. You didn't mention anything about going for physiotherapy - if you don't have an appointment coming up soon, it might be any harm getting onto the Breast Nurse & asking her to refer you for a session.
I had my surgery 11 weeks ago (how time flies!) and have been back for physio a few times - I was given a pully to work out with & helped me tremendously. She also gave me really easy exercise to do in bed.... love that one
Main thing is not to panic, you'll be flying it before you know it.