am I just a cry baby? still painful after almost 3 months

Donna -- I can't say that I really had pain after my arm surgery, but late in the day my arms did feel 'heavy'

I used the flexible ice packs that I got at Walgreens ---- I put on a long-sleeved t-shirt or undershirt, and then wrapped the ice pack onto each arm (with my husband's help) and I propped my arms on pillows at my sides ---- for about 30 minutes each evening.

It seemed relieve any swelling that was going on ----

Kath

Hi Donna - I had my arm lift two years ago.  For me, it was by far the hardest recovery but I'm still happy I did it.  The area around the incisions are still sensitive so I have to be carefully about fabrics - yes to cotton no to wool.  For the first three months I would have these sharp quick pains (I know some surgeons don't like to do arms because there are so many nerves) and for the first year or so my arms would be swollen in the evening especially if exercised.  I does it better it just takes time.   Good luck

To me if you are still in pain more than two months after surgery I'd look into seeing a pain management dr. They have a variety of things they can do that may help. There is no reason to live your life in pain every day if it can be avoided.

I live in pain every day due to the damage I did to my body with my super morbid obesity. It's the price I will have to pay. I hate it, but wouldn't want anyone else to go thru it either.

There are medications that are specific to nerve pain that may help. Mine also works with my rny knowing that I can't have NSAIDS or anything time release. He also knows that the pouch doesn't produce enough hydrochloric acid to dissolve the lortab so he has offered me a liquid, but I chose to chew them. Sounds, and does taste disgusting, but I know I have to really be hurting to take one. Plus I have issues with the liquid. Too easy to just take a swig out of the bottle and not measure.

So if you see a pain management dr. be sure to tell them any limitations you may/may not have from your surgery and see if you can get help.

Good luck!

You have recieved many good replies.

I had my brachioplasty 6 months ago (along with a fleur de lis TT).  My incisions "burn" but not really pain.  There is a lot of numbness and some "reawakening" of nerves.

I didn't lift more than 5 pounds the first month, 8 # the second month, 10# the 3rd month and was then told - whatever I can manage.  I can lift about 20# now - but avoid heavy lifting.  I also notice more "burning" when I stretch my arms above my head or reaching at an odd angle (like reaching into the back seat to retrieve something from the floor of the car.)

I do rub cortisone cream on my incisions and also essential oils for scar softening.  I also have massage and use heat therapy.

My TT incisions bother me much more than my arms.  My tummy muscles are so sore - I think it keeps my mind from thinking much about the arms!

i am still in constant pain and i am a little over 5 months out from a panniculectomy. my regular dr says it is probably nerve damage and there are no pain management drs nearby that accept my insurance. my plastic surgeon blew me off every time i said i was still in a lot of pain.

 Wow - sorry to hear that - I have noticed that I am getting slightly better each day - but there are still times when I just can't hardly stand it and am soooo cranky - I just take over the counter pain meds like excedrin, motrin, etc - evidently they have discovered that Tylenol can be really bad on your liver or something so I'm not taking it any longer.  I think when it hurts the most is when the nerves are trying to come back - it's like a burning sensation - so maybe we just need to give it more time.....
hope so!  Meanwhile, I guess we should both try finding out more about how to remedy nerve damage - I know when I massage the areas when ho****er soaked washclothes it seems to help.

I wore my bra/arm compression garment for 3mo.  My upper arms didn't hurt, but my forearms did.  I'd use a heating pad on both forearms for 5-10min before going to sleep then again in the morning before I got up.  That only lasted from month 2 to 4 give or take a week or so.