After a lumpectomy can you get needle sticks in the affected arm?

Answer 1

After a lumpectomy, there is a risk of developing lymphedema in the affected arm due to disruption of the lymphatic system. Needle sticks or blood draws in the affected arm should be avoided to prevent any potential complications such as infection or exacerbation of lymphedema. It is recommended to use the unaffected arm for any medical procedures that involve needle sticks to minimize the risk of complications in the affected arm post-lumpectomy.

Answer 2

Whether you can have needle sticks on the side where you had a lumpectomy depends on whether you had surgery on the lymph nodes. Contact your surgeon for information about what was done during your surgery.