sensations in arm and breast post axillary disection and tram flap reconstruction

What is common timeframe for normal sensations to return to a reconstructed breast and axilla after mastectomy / axillary disection?  Is stinging and feeling of fluids shifts normal?  Will the sensations return? What are common triggers of lymph edema?

[japdip]

Normal sensations may NOT return; however what you are feeling now may well lessen with time .... considerable time. What you do feel now is quite normal and actually I'm not sure if some of the sensations felt immediately post-op really go away or one just becomes accustomed to them.
There are some precautions you can take when it comes to the development of Lymphedema (ck. with a Physical Therapist trained in the field) but as far as triggers I don't believe there are any in particular. It can develop even when you are doing everything right (unfortunately). The most important thing is to educate yourself about LE and seek treatment at the very first indication that it might be developing. Regards....