Sore shoulders after bi-lateral mastectomy.
Does anyone have problems with their shoulders after bi-lateral mastectomy? I can see on the side that lymph nodes were removed but I also have problems with my left shoulder (prophylactic mastectomy). I can't sleep on my sides because my shoulders are so sore. My surgery was 1-28-09. I've been going to PT for months. She manipulates them and I have exercises but they are just not getting better. PT thinks possibly caused by chemo. Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm tired of going to PT and nothing helping. I am now on 3 month follow up with Oncologist so don't see her again until Sept. Thanks for any help. Johanna
Shoulder issues are quite common after mastectomy. Usually (and gradually), PT clears them up. But if 3 months of PT hasn't done anything for you, sounds like you need to try something else. Have you been to an orthopedic specialist? Had any X-rays/MRIs to check for bone spurs, muscle tears, etc.? Sounds like they're grasping at straws if they suggest it might be due to chemo; I've never heard of sore shoulders being a chemo side effect (though I'm not a doctor, either). If you want relief, you're going to have to advocate for yourself and keep pursuing this. I'd say your next step is to ask your PCP for a referral to an orthopedic specialist. Good luck - PJH
- Thank you for your input
- Ranked Helpful (2)
- Report Abuse
I have simular problems with my arms, though somewhat different. My right side, where I had my cancer and nodes removed, I have had issues since orginal mastectomy where I cannot fully extend my arm certain ways - especially above my head or when my palm is facing up. After my last reconstruction surgery it had gotten worse and now around the bend of my elbow, it is very tender to the touch. I also cannot sleep on this side, as it hurts to extend my arm underneath the pillow. I get pain in the armpit region, that is tender to the touch. I have been told all along that this is nerve damage and relates to how my arm was positioned during surgery, and also from having the nodes removed and lymphedema. On my left side, I did not have cancer, but I did have a mastectomy and 1 node removed, but have not had any problems. A compression sleeve does not help, and neither has stretching or exercises. I'm going to have to try again with PT and see if it will get me anywhere this time, but as I've said, I was told it is related to nerve damage and that I would likely never get things back to the way they were or that it might take a very long time.
Good luck. I hope you get better news!
Angi
-
- Ranked Helpful (2)
- Report Abuse
jomo1960
Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 10:50 PM
Thanks Angie. The problems on the right side I can see, because of nerve damage from lymph nodes removed. I just can't figure out why the left side, unless there is nerve damage from mastectomy on that side. I did not have lymph nodes removed on left side though. The PT I go to specializes in Breast Cancer patients so I do trust them. Maybe I just have to continue to go and eventually it will work out. One note, I am numb under my arm on right side (in armpit and along scar line and the underside of arm), but not left so I believe that is from the lymph nodes removed.
I'll just continue doing the exercises and hope it helps. I believe I will be having additional scans after Sept appt with Oncologist (it will then be 1 year since diagnosis) so maybe I'll continue with PT and if nothing changes will have MRI and see Orthopedic Specialist.
thanks, Johanna
Carol
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 04:06 PM
Hi Johanna, I was searching this site because I too have very sore shoulders. I had a bilateral mastectomy on June 30, 2009. I too went for PT for my left arm because of nerve damage and lymph nodes removal. I plan on having my exchange in Nov. for my implants but both my shoulders are very sore to move. Are yours better I hope as I see your post is from June. I also developed vertigo so when I try to reposition in bed my head spins. Hoping when I get my implants this goes away. Not sure if it is the weight of the expander pulling on muscles. Take Care. Carol
jomo1960
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 06:12 PM
Hi Carol,
My shoulders are a little better. I'm working out 3 times a week at the gym, using the lightest resistance. Still doing exercises the PT gave me. I guess it just takes time. I saw the breast surgeon last week and she said mobility is great so it probably is just the muscles. I won't be able to have reconstruction for another 2 years or so. She suggested having the PT massage the area of the scar where radiation was done. Hope all goes well with your implants. Our bodies just have gone through alot and it takes time. I figure my treatments started Oct 1st last year and ended at the end of May. That is 9 months. You start when the end of treatments and then add that time (for me 9 months) so I should be feeling much better by next February. Working out and eating healthy will get me there. Stay positive! Take care, Johanna
Carol
Sunday, October 04, 2009 at 07:29 PM
Hi Johanna, Thank you so much for your reply. I too think the soreness is muscles. Ever since I returned to walking. I usually walk about 4 miles on walking trails where we live, the paths are paved but they go up and down some steep hills. But my arms are just sore. It feels like when your muscles are sore from exercising. But I've been walking steady for about six weeks. It is not pain just muscle sorness. Sorry to hear you have to wait two years for reconstruction. I had a lumpectomy 5 years ago followed with radiation. So after being diagnosed again this year on the same side I chose to do the bilateral with tissue expanders. So because I will be going in for the exchange I was trying to get back to my walking, I am going for pre-op Nov. 3rd with my surgery being Nov. 16th. Hopefully I will feel more normal once the expanders are removed. Before all of this I considered myself a very active 53 year old. Everyone says you look great but sometimes I feel a little beat up. Hope is all we can have. Good Luck with everything as you continue your journey to wellness. Stay strong !
Thanks again Carol
Thanks PJ. I was thinking the same thing, orthopedic specialist. PT thinks is in muscle though but I'm not sure. I just wondered why both would have the same problem. My right arm (one that lymph nodes were removed) feels like a band around my upper arm but the shoulder feels the same as the left. Maybe I have arthritis though. I have it in my knees and right hip. (I'm 49).
thanks, Johanna