Today I saw my surgeon for the first time since surgery for a check up. Actually, the bruising has faded substantially, and I'm feeling very well. One thing I have noticed is that when I extend my arm, or twist my wrist (as if to open a door), I get a shooting pain in my arm. This is caused by "axillary web syndrome" or "cording". Axillary web syndrome is a common complication that occurs when there is trauma to the lymph nodes in the armpit--usually after surgery to remove lymph nodes. Apparently the cords are obstructed lymphatic vessels. Axillary webs look like cords, and the symptoms are pain and tightness, and limitation of movement. The cording can be located just in the arm pit, or it can spread down the arm, all the way to the thumb and onto the chest. My cording just goes down the arm up to my hand.
My surgeon has recommended that I get physical therapy to give me better range of motion, and to treat the cording. She mentioned that I do have Stage 1 lymphedema (reversible), and that I should wear my compression sleeve all day, every day. Lymphedema is a condition that occurs when the lymphatic drainage system is impaired to the extent that the amount of lymphatic fluid within a given area exceeds the capacity of the lymphatic transport system to remove it. In other words, the lymph fluid doesn't have the routes to drain, it puddles in tissue, and makes your arm get puffy. I had 14 lymph nodes removed, predisposing me to lymphedema. Hopefully, with the PT, I'll be able to manage this.
It was driven home to me at the radiation center, where the doctor made it clear that I had to protect my arm from: bug bites, sunburn, bumps, bruises, scratches, cuts, and burns for the rest of my life. Any of those things can cause the onset of severe lymphedema.
I'll just have to be careful...
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