Post-op pain/tightness due to radiation
I had a lumpectomy, which was a breeze. The anesthesiologist gave me a dose of gabapentin pre-op, said it was shown to reduce post-op pain. I only used Tylenol twice for pain. I had to go back and have an axillary lymph node dissection and did have a bit of pain from that, took two doses of hydrocodone with Tylenol, then just tylenol after that. Once it was time to start the range of motion exercises, that was uncomfortable. It was nothing that required medication (for me) but with time my shoulder range of motion was restored.
Following radiation, I experience some tightness in the chest wall musculature. To this day it is not the same as the other side, but it is darn close with yoga, stretching.
Me too. With PT, yoga and stretching, my radiated side is "darn close" to normal. Considering where I started, I'm very happy. I never thought I could make this much progress. I do have to stay on top of it though. I can tell the difference if I don't do it.