Symptoms of Lymphedema

[lizzieepv]

Is it possible that the only symptom of lymphedema I notice is pain? I am 30, had breast cancer, had a mast with 11 lymph nodes removed, radiation then reconstruction. I have severe pain in my arm, back and shoulder. I thought it was from the temporary implant I had in, but when they removed that and did my reconstruction (no implants) it did not go away. Sometimes I have numbness is my fingers, especially my pinky. I am having a bone scan done tomorrow (Tues) and seeing an orthopedist on Wednesday. Nobody has mentioned lymphedema as a possiblilty, and I think it is because I don't have any swelling. Could this be the cause of all of my pain?

I have three children, ages 6, 3 and 18 months. During all of my recovery periods after surgery and also during radiation I didn't lift them. It has been so hard not being able to pick them up. I have had this pain now since my mastectomy in October of 2004. I take Lortab and Ativan to relieve it, but my oncologist is not happy about me staying on these meds long-term.

Thank you for all of your help.

Beth

[tinabudde]

Hi,

I'm not a doctor so I can't say yes it is, but I can give my opinion. Yes, is my opinion. I have alot of pain in my arm. That was my first symptom, then it felt heavy, then in my hand/wrist, tingling and then came the swelling. I had no idea what lymphedema was then either so I thought I hurt myself somehow.

I would ask after the scan and all, if they can measure your arms to see if there is a little difference, it might be 1cm or tiny right now but now is the time to catch lymphedema if it is that. Another thought is it could be neuropathy.

Tina