On May 15 of this year I underwent a double masectomy for DCIS in-situ grade III/III. It was in both breasts and reactive in the sentinal node which was also removed. I was 38 years old. I immediatly underwent reconstruction. I did not need chemotherapy or radiation therapy. There is a family history, however I tested negative for the braca 1 and 2.
About 3 weeks after the surgery, (after coming off the pain medication) my doctor sent me to physical therapy because I had developed intense shoulder pain. My doctor gave me a survey to fill out so he could continue to monitor the ratio of the shoulder injuries that occur with the kind of surgery I had had.
It's called Frozen Shoulder, the lamens term for it.
What kind of prognosis am I looking at? I have had my final breast implant surgery and now my other shoulder is doing the same thing. I am 6 weeks post op from that surgery. I have seen my primary physician who tells me there is not much that can be done other than periodical cortisone shots and a referral to the orthopedic doctor.
I am loosing my mobility. I have trouble doing meanial tasks; washing my hair, getting dressed, wiping down the counter tops, brushing my teeth. All day to day household tasks I cannot do. I am fit and excersice regularly, however, this has really put a halt on that. I don't keep my arms still nor do I keep them in a sling, I keep them moving and I have little movements that I do my doctor has shown me.
BUT, beyond this, how commonplace is this and what can I do to prevent both of my arms from freezing up?
Thank you,
Sheila
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3 weeks after? The physio should begin slowly almost immediately after surgery. The exercises are very low intensity work-outs following the surgery, but still there is exercise that should be done. Did the hospital provide you with a book of exercises you should do following surgery? Did you do them as prescribed? If you don't use the joints and muscles following surgery you can lose strength and mobility in them...at least this is my understanding O.O. Mom didn't have a mastectomy, only a lumpectomy (she needed chemo and radiation) but the day after surgery we started exercises (gradual movements...starting with hands and moving up). Mom also went for messages etc...after surgery through the physiotherapist. Today, one year later, mom is on job re-entry. I think physio following surgery is hugely important in avoiding problems such as yours. I don't know...I hope things get better for you...It must be really tough to be going through so much pain.
GeekyFreak,
Thank you for taking the time to respond. No PT was ordered. Only rest. He told me specifically to do nothing. I hope that was not the cause of my demise. I remember a nurse coming in wanting to do PT on my arms and my husband jumped up and stopped her telling her the doctor had just left and said NOT TO DO ANY MOVING of my arms in any fashion, please check the chart. She never did come back in the room. ?? I don't know why this is?
The hospital did not give me any information pamphlets nor did the doctor. Nothing.
I feel had I had more information going into this I may have made a different choice such as your Mom and done a lumpectomy along with chemo and radiation. But I was NEVER told. And never presented excersises to do. Now I fear it's too late.
Does this FEED information go to the Doctors? Do they read it? I am curious to know what will happen. I have searched the internet all over.
Thank you again and hope to talk with you soon,
Sheila
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