How long should I expect pain in armpit after removal of lymph nodes?

I think it is normal for some people. I had a really hard time recovering from the Sentinel Node surgery. I had mine August 28th and I still have numbness and occasionally have pain. I started seeing PT several weeks after that surgery and that was the only thing that started to help. I had cording and could hardly straighten my arm. It was extremely painful! Are you seeing someone for PT?
Also, I am not sure if you are doing radiation, but I started that this past week and the nerve pain started happening again in that area.
Hope you start to feel better soon!

I don’t have numbness, just occasional sharp twinges and aching feeling. The surgeon checked my arm for cording and I don’t have any. No radiation since I had that area radiated 12 years ago.
I’ve been doing exercises at home that they gave me right after surgery.
What do you do in PT?

I’ve not gone through what you’ve gone through as I had lumpectomy & 1 sentinel node removed. I was sore for 4-5 weeks, so with all you had done, it may be normal. Just be sure to let your doctor know. Sending prayers for you & your family.

Thanks for your response. I appreciate your prayers.

Glad to hear you don’t have Cording!
My PT gal does “manual Lymph Drainage” when I go see her. She also has me doing daily exercises at home and she gave me a Compression Sleeve to wear during the day when it starts acting up.

Sorry I still get twinges 6 years later. Nothing major but still annoying and uncomfortable

Hi unfortunately the ongoing pain and numbness in the armpit from the lymph node Removal is not uncommon. I am still dealing with it 14 months later. After my surgery. PT is really important. Make sure to do stretching exercises everyday. It is manageable and something you can live with but for me it is definitely ongoing! Hang in there!

My pain was minimal after lymph node removal. My problem was a seroma that I decided to aspirate instead of having a drain. I aspirated it 8 times and it finally was all but gone. Maybe 1/2 Cc left and I could live with that. I am sure it will absorb.

I would suggest that you ask for directions on how to do a type of lymph drainage you can do for yourself at home. My Third O.T. finally showed me how to do it!!!

I also had a double mastectomy and removal of three lymph nodes. This was done in 2021. I had radiation following surgery. At that point it was very difficult to lift that arm for radiation but after stretching (instructions from Radiologist) I was able to do so. I had started with PT but they suggested I come back after radiation. I never felt the need to do so after. My arm feels very "tight" in shoulder area but does feel better when I do stretching. I do have some pain in armpit area when I press around there but the main thing I feel is numbness from Radiation. I wish you the best. I have found it does getter better with time! Hang in there!! 🌺