After Bilateral Mastectomy - blood pressure & blood drawn

I had a double mastectomy, but I only had lymph nodes taken from my right side as the cancer was in the right breast. I was told the BP/blood draw issue is due to lymph node removal not breast removal. So I have blood drawn and BP taken always in my left arm and that is fine. Which side was your cancer on? Did they only remove lymph nodes from that side? I hope this is helpful.

Same scenario here.
Lymphnode taken on right side. So yes.
It is a lymph node issue.

I had sentinel lymph node dissection on both sides of the underarm - but cancer was only on the left side.

Oh well - bilateral mastectomy and lots of lymph nodes from both sides since cancer everywhere. Some lymphedema that comes and goes more in the left arm. I do blood pressure on either arm and when possible either wrist. Sometimes I have them do it twice - maybe in the other arm - if we get a reading that seems off. (I track my readings). As for blood draws - geez - had so many taken from both arms that my veins like to move, blow etc. Actually I now prefer either hand because I hate when they take it as a challenge to "dig" around. I have asked about other locations for blood pressure and blood draws from all types of providers and short of having another port put back in or going to the hospital, they are just not set up.

I have a Radical and simple mastectomy. Usually they take my BP on the lower part of my arm on the Simple Mastectomy side. They just wrap the cuff around the lower part of my arm instead of the upper arm. The difficulty comes when I need a Blood Draw. They have great difficulty finding a vein, and it usually requires more than one stick. After sticking me multiple times without success they usually inform me, they will either have to look into the other arm, or they will be sending me home because they cannot do it that day. I usually say to use the other arm, and fortunately, to date there has been no follow-up difficulty. The wrist cuff is not an expensive item and your doctor should definitely have one along with an oximeter. I don't think insurance or Medicare will pay for this, although they do pay for Diabetic equipment. They almost always use my hand now for blood draws, and I am beginning to run out of hand veins.
Gina5009

It is a challenge when they have to do blood draws from the same arm all the time. Like some of you, I have a big knot, probably scarring, on that side and it can be a challenge. I usually tell them they can use any vein on my left arm they think they can hit in one try. I've learned that drawing blood takes skill. It's an art. Some people can't hit the vein no matter how many tries. I have others that hit the vein in two seconds, every time, no problem. If they start feeling around too long before the needle, I know it's going to be a problem. Ironically, the techs at the labs are the worst shots. The radiology techs that put in contrast are not so great at putting in ports either. I sometimes tell them they get one shot then I want someone else to try.

I have baby veins that roll and a nurse once told me to drink lots of water before a blood draw and it has helped every time. I had masectomy on left side so they draw on the right side. Good luck to all.

Not long ago I had to have an MRI where they had to add dye for visualizaton. They had a hand held instrument that they just ran over my arm, and it told them exactly where to stick me for the vein. It was terrific. You might ask about this. I am sure you are not the only one who has difficulty with blood draws, and it should be possible for them to secure one.
Gina5009

Good to know!!! Thanks!