What exercises are good after a mastectomy?

Stage 1: Exercises to do while you still have your drain(s) in place

• Pump It Up. This exercise helps reduce swelling after surgery by using your muscles as a pump to improve the circulation in your affected arm (on the same side as your surgery).
• Shoulder Circles.
• Arm Lifts.
• Shoulder Blade Squeeze.

How soon can I exercise after mastectomy?

Being active helps with your recovery from surgery. You can start or return to your exercise program after speaking with your surgeon during your follow-up appointment. Start back slowly and gradually. You can start exercising with light weights (2 pounds) about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

How much should I walk after a mastectomy?

After surgery, try to walk around for a few minutes 2-3 times per day. The following exercises should be started 1-2 days after any breast surgery, but are especially important after a mastectomy. They should be performed 2-3 times per day, 5-10 repetitions each.

When can I lift my arms after mastectomy?

You will probably be able to do your normal activities in 3 to 6 weeks. Avoid repeated motions with your affected arm, such as weed pulling, window cleaning, or vacuuming, for 6 months. Avoid lifting anything over 4.5 to 7 kilograms for 4 to 6 weeks.

What is the fastest way to recover from a mastectomy?

9 Tips for Mastectomy Recovery:

1. Get some rest!
2. Ask for help when you need it.
3. Take your meds as directed by your physician.
4. Care for your post-mastectomy drain properly.
5. Wear a post-mastectomy bra.
6. Do the work.
7. Talk to others who are in the same situation.
8. Try to get back to it.

What muscles are affected by mastectomy?

The surgeon removes the entire breast, axillary (underarm) lymph nodes, and the pectoral (chest wall) muscles under the breast.

How do I raise my arm after mastectomy?

Keeping the arm raised. Raising the arm above the level of the heart when possible lets gravity help drain the fluid. Preventing infection. It’s important to protect the skin in the affected area from drying, cracking, infection and skin breakdown.

When can I sleep on my side after mastectomy?

You can begin to sleep on your side again two weeks after breast reconstruction surgery. However, stomach sleeping is still not permitted at the two-week mark. You must wait four weeks before you can sleep on your stomach. At this time, you are fine to sleep in any normal positions that you find comfortable.

How long does it take for nerves to regenerate after mastectomy?

Nerves take time to regenerate, because they grow at a rate of about 1 mm/day. It may take several months after your surgery before you notice sensation returning, and the change in sensation can continue to develop for up to two years.

What are the side effects of having lymph nodes removed?

Side effects of lymph node surgery. After lymph node surgery, pain, swelling, bleeding, blood clots, and infection are possible.