pain from underarm incision

[minagirl]

Three weeks ago I had a partial mastectomy, oncoplastic surgery to reconstruct that breast and lymph node removal. I'm experiencing a fair amount of pain in the underarm incision. Also experiencing a sort of zapping pain in the breast, which people say is nerve regeneration (?). Can anyone help with suggestions on how to relieve the pain and feel better about walking about? I'm taking ibuprofen but it doesn't seem to touch the pain. Thanks in advance for your help.

[urthmothr]

What kind of bra are you wearing? The surgical bra I wore home from the hospital had a fastener right on top of my underarm incision, and not only did it hurt, but the surgical glue was itching like crazy! So I switched to a sports-type mastectomy bra that has a wide band (and no underarm fastener) and immediately felt better! If that had not worked, I would check with the doctor in case there was an infection there.

[haagr]

I didn’t have a mastectomy but my lumpectomy incision was to my underarm. I too had shooting pains from nerves beingncut and regenerating. At first they occurred frequently. But over time they became more intermittent. I’m 21 months post op now and these pains are rare now. I still wear spots bras only.

R in NYC

[BklynCatwoman]

This type of pain is pretty common. I still have a tightness after more than 5 years. But to relieve the zapping, try stretching--walking your fingers up the wall to stretch the muscles. People also say that massaging the surrounding area (and even the incision after it heals) works. Good luck!

[minagirl in reply to BklynCatwoman]

Thanks a lot - this pushes me to continue my exercises!

[Misor]

I had a mastectomy (2) and I found that stretching exercises helped me immensely. Walking your fingers (both hands) up the wall helped ease the pain and it eventually went away with 2 weeks. Hang in there!

[minagirl in reply to Misor]

Thanks so much - will do!