Arm above your head when waking up - Oesophageal & Gas...

Oesophageal & Gastric Cancer

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Arm above your head when waking up

Mick profile image
Mick
3 Replies

Does this happen to anybody else. Sometimes when I wake up I find my right arm above

my head. Others I have spoken to say this is due to having your arm in that position for so

long during the op. The op was done on my right hand side. Also 5 1/2 years post op I still

get some discomfort on the scar and numbness round the ribs.

Apart from that still doing well and look forward to each new day, take care all.

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Mick profile image
Mick
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3 Replies
Quicksilver_1 profile image
Quicksilver_1

I do find myself putting my right arm up while in bed, with my hand behind my head, in a sub-conscious move a bit like crossing your legs. It feels comfortable in that position, but I don't wake up with it like that. Wouldn't have thought it's much to worry about. I think the scar and numbness will be around for a while but then I'm only about 20 months post-op. I rub 'Bio-oil' on the area which seems to help the skin. Five and a half years is brilliant. Best wishes.

kiddy profile image
kiddy

Yes most mornings I am 18months post op. Scar still very painful at times and aching in ribs. I also get the feeling of hot and cold and fullness underneath right arm at scar. I was told by my consultant Mr Mohamadi at UCLH,this is due to nerve endings joining up wrong and giving wrong signals when food and drink goes down!!

Debbie

Aussiepete profile image
Aussiepete

Guys,

I'm 2.5 post op. I experience all of the same things mentioned below.

I tend to find that I put my right arm up during the day, whilst sitting, while sleeping - it's more comfortable. I experience the same pain in my rib cage and along scar. Pain seems to "start" near where the lung drains (2) are located and radiate outwards. Food causes similar issues.

I find that lying on my right side presses the nerves and initially hurts but ultimately is comfortable provided I have not eaten too recently.

I've tried a few things to alleviate the pain - some RF Nerve Ablation therapy - on the intra-costal nerves and also on the splenic nerve. Works a little but long lasting.

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