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Saturday, October 09, 2010 andrewsren asks

Q: I had a mastectomy July 14,2010. I am having trouble with swelling on the left side and sharp pains? I have limited activities but I have to sleep with a heart pillow under my left arm. Any advice?

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Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide
10/10/10 7:30am

If this is new swelling and pain, you need to call your doctor.  In general, symptoms following surgery should be gradually getting better.  Notice I said "gradually."  Following a mastectomy, it can seem like you are making no progress at all until you are six months or a year out and realize that you have had fewer pains this month than last.  I still have muscle spasms twelve years later that cause sharp pain.  However, if you are having new and/or increasing pain, that is not typical.  Swelling three months after surgery probably also needs to be checked out.  

Finding a comfortable sleep position is a long-term issue as well.  If the heart pillow is working for you, it may be your friend for life.  I have a squishy tube-shaped pillow that helps me.

When you call the doctor to discuss the pain and swelling, ask about a referral to a physical therapist.  A good therapist can help get those muscles active again, which should help.

 

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By andrewsren— Last Modified: 12/27/10, First Published: 10/09/10