arm lift swelling question...please help!!

Hi Ladies, I am 3 1/2 weeks out from LBL, arm lift and breast lift.  My arms are burning and feel huge up the incision line.  My dr doesn't do any kind of compression after surgery.  Would it help?  I can't stand this feeling anymore, when am I going to get better?  My LBL and breast lift do not cause me any issues at all.  I actually gained like 5 lbs overnight.  I am going to PS today but I am really starting to get depressed.  I just thought I would be a little better off with my arms this far out.  It also seems like I wake up feeling good and as the day goes on I swell, especially in the evening.  PLEASE help. 

Alice

I'm glad you are seeing your surgeon again today.  I had my arms done 12 days ago with major compression up until yesterday and I feel great.  Sorry - I know that doesn't make YOU feel any better but I can't help but wonder if the compression really does help though there were times I cursed those damned tight sleeves!

Please post an update later.  Hang in there!

Mickie

Hi Mickie,

Saw the PS and he does not like compression and does not recommend it.  I just don't know what to do.  By the end of the day I am so swollen.  My arms sting and burn.  My body lift and breast lift are great.  Any suggestions???  Do other people swell throughout the day???

Alice

My surgeon didn't believe in compression for the arms either.  I used ice packs and limited sodium to help with the swelling. I felt like the healing was slow going on my arms...maybe because you can't avoid using them.   Hope it improves soon.

 did your arms burn and sting?  how many weeks till they felt better?

Alice

They felt sore, escpecially the armpits.  They were feeling quite a bit better by 4 weeks and close to nromal by 6.

Bless you, sweetie..I have not had ps, but I do read quiet often and i just hate that you are having so much trouble and your surgeon doesn't seem to offer you ANY help..

This is just a thought...but have you thought about using an ace bandage..Not tight, but snug to help with the movement and for comfort...? I might get flamed for the suggestion, but dang it, if you're hurting you need some relief and this might help..!! Also, try keeping your arms elevated to some degree to keep the gravity from pulling downward so much..

I pray that you will get some relief, NOW..!!

{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}

BLESS YOU, DEAR ONE..!!

cyndy

I would try and wrap them in ace bandges for a few hours at a time and see if you notice an improvement. I wouldn't do them too tight. You'll know what feels good. I think I would try that then be miserable with swollen arms. You can also try to keep your arms elevated on pillows when you are resting. I used an arm compression garment that went to my elbows and it was just the right compression. I only used it for a about 3 weeks or so and then didn't need them anymore because my swelling was minimal. It's amazing how different drs are when it comes to the use of compression garments.

Especially if your surgeon doesn't use compression, be especially careful of sodium. It's possible to retain many pounds of water in the surgery areas, making the incisions more uncomfortable and tight.

You can fashion your own light garment out of panty hose or tights, and cut the toes off. I read one woman here doing that, and said it helped.