Re: questions about lymphedema

[Guest guest]

Theresa,

I don't have any major problems with lymphedema. Once in awhile I get slight swelling of my hand but not enough to worry about. I have heard that the sleeves should be used pretty steady. I will keep you in my prayers.

Hugs

nne

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questions about lymphedema

Does anyone have problems with lymphedema due to nodes removed and radiation? And do you wear the sleeve all the time? I find it to be very uncomfortable at times. I am getting ready to go on vacation and the therepist says I should wear it at all times. except when sleeping/bathing etc.

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[Guest guest]

I do! And I haven't had radiation yet. I do wear the sleeve but not all the time. And I have massage twice a week. It hurts but it helps a lot. My therapist says that excercise helps but after it, it is necessary to wear the sleeve. There are also a number of precautions to avoid lymphoedema like avoiding weights, and heat (this is most important), keep the above the height of the heart, not sleeping in this side, etc. There are good sites in the internet with those recomendations. My therapist also says that water is important and dry weather tends to increase the swelling. I guess the most important thing is to run to the therapist when the swelling begins. I am still very inexperienced with this, but what I have tried has proven efficient to solve this problem. I hope it helps hugs Theresa Towner wrote: Does anyone have problems with lymphedema due to nodes removed and radiation? And do you wear the sleeve all the time? I find it to be very uncomfortable at times. I am getting ready to go on vacation and the therepist says I should wear it at all times. except when sleeping/bathing etc. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Theresa, I have lymphadema and have to wear my sleeve to keep it under control. I had physical therapy and they taught me to do the lymph drainage massage and to wrap it with the compression bandages, which I do when it flairs up. I have custom made sleeves, which are a little more comfortable, but I agree, after wearing it all day, it does get uncomfortable. I have a night garment that I wear to keep the swelling under control, it is something new, but I can tell a difference when I don't wear it. My lymphadema arm is bigger than my other one, I guess that's the way it's gonna stay. When I'm on vacation, I don't always wear my sleeve, but my arm does get a little bigger. You can try and not wear it when your "out" somewhere, then put it on later in the day, and see what happens. My therapist says to wear it everyday also. Take care, Theresa Towner wrote: Does anyone have problems with lymphedema due to nodes removed and radiation? And do you wear the sleeve all the time? I find it to be very uncomfortable at times. I am getting ready to go on vacation and the therepist says I should wear it at all times. except when sleeping/bathing etc. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Thanks . I guess I will try and wear my sleeve more often. We are going up to the mountins next week. the therp. says change in altitudes could set swelling off. I am going to try a rafting trip. But I wont be doing any rowing just holding on. wish me luck. Pinheiro wrote: I do! And I haven't had radiation yet. I do wear the sleeve but not all the time. And I have massage twice a week. It hurts but it helps a lot. My therapist says that excercise helps but after it, it is necessary to wear the sleeve. There are

also a number of precautions to avoid lymphoedema like avoiding weights, and heat (this is most important), keep the above the height of the heart, not sleeping in this side, etc. There are good sites in the internet with those recomendations. My therapist also says that water is important and dry weather tends to increase the swelling. I guess the most important thing is to run to the therapist when the swelling begins. I am still very inexperienced with this, but what I have tried has proven efficient to solve this problem. I hope it helps hugs Theresa Towner wrote: Does anyone have problems with lymphedema due to nodes removed and radiation? And do you wear the sleeve all the time? I find it to be very uncomfortable at times. I am

getting ready to go on vacation and the therepist says I should wear it at all times. except when sleeping/bathing etc. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Thanks , I am going to wear it more often. I don't have a night garment. My swelling hasn't been bad at all. I do have some swelling in my hands after the day is over. Can't wear my wedding rings. I put them on a necklace and wear them that way when I go out. Had to get used to wearing my watch on the other arm. I really felt like I was out of balance for a while hehe. My husband say's its because I'm blond. hehehe.nancy hosier wrote: Hi Theresa, I have lymphadema and have to wear my sleeve to keep it

under control. I had physical therapy and they taught me to do the lymph drainage massage and to wrap it with the compression bandages, which I do when it flairs up. I have custom made sleeves, which are a little more comfortable, but I agree, after wearing it all day, it does get uncomfortable. I have a night garment that I wear to keep the swelling under control, it is something new, but I can tell a difference when I don't wear it. My lymphadema arm is bigger than my other one, I guess that's the way it's gonna stay. When I'm on vacation, I don't always wear my sleeve, but my arm does get a little bigger. You can try and not wear it when your "out" somewhere, then put it on later in the day, and see what happens. My therapist says to wear it everyday also. Take care, Theresa Towner wrote: Does anyone have problems with lymphedema due to nodes removed and radiation? And do you wear the sleeve all the time? I find it to be very uncomfortable at times. I am getting ready to go on vacation and the therepist says I should wear it at all times. except when sleeping/bathing etc. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Theresa, Go and have your fun! Just be careful about not hurting your arm. I miss the mountains... but I will visit around Oct/Nov. Hugs and good luck! Theresa Towner wrote: Thanks . I guess I will try and wear my sleeve more often. We are going up to the mountins next week. the therp. says change in altitudes could set swelling off. I am going to try a rafting trip. But I wont be doing any rowing just holding on. wish me luck. Pinheiro

wrote: I do! And I haven't had radiation yet. I do wear the sleeve but not all the time. And I have massage twice a week. It hurts but it helps a lot. My therapist says that excercise helps but after it, it is necessary to wear the sleeve. There are also a number of precautions to avoid lymphoedema like avoiding weights, and heat (this is most important), keep the above the height of the heart, not sleeping in this side, etc. There are good sites in the internet with those recomendations. My therapist also says that water is important and dry weather tends to increase the swelling. I guess the most important thing is to run to the therapist when the swelling begins. I am still very inexperienced with this, but what I have tried has proven efficient to solve this problem. I hope it

helps hugs Theresa Towner wrote: Does anyone have problems with lymphedema due to nodes removed and radiation? And do you wear the sleeve all the time? I find it to be very uncomfortable at times. I am getting ready to go on vacation and the therepist says I should wear it at all times. except when sleeping/bathing etc. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I am going to have some fun. My next surgery is june the 27. I am going in for the nipple reconstruction. hopefully everything goes well. I go to my pre-op apt. on the 19th to go over everything with the plastic surg. and i see my oc. that same day for checkup on blood levels and so on. I am getting so excited. I haven't had any nipples for a while. I got kinda of use to the boobies with the scares. I thought about just having some sunflowers tatoos but the doc hasn't boned up on is tatoo skills. lol Pinheiro wrote: Theresa,

Go and have your fun! Just be careful about not hurting your arm. I miss the mountains... but I will visit around Oct/Nov. Hugs and good luck! Theresa Towner wrote: Thanks . I guess I will try and wear my sleeve more often. We are going up to the mountins next week. the therp. says change in altitudes could set swelling off. I am going to try a rafting trip. But I wont be doing any rowing just holding on. wish me luck. Pinheiro wrote: I do! And I haven't had radiation yet. I do wear the sleeve but not all the time. And I have massage twice a week. It hurts but it helps a lot. My therapist says that excercise helps but after

it, it is necessary to wear the sleeve. There are also a number of precautions to avoid lymphoedema like avoiding weights, and heat (this is most important), keep the above the height of the heart, not sleeping in this side, etc. There are good sites in the internet with those recomendations. My therapist also says that water is important and dry weather tends to increase the swelling. I guess the most important thing is to run to the therapist when the swelling begins. I am still very inexperienced with this, but what I have tried has proven efficient to solve this problem. I hope it helps hugs Theresa Towner wrote: Does anyone have problems with lymphedema due to nodes removed and radiation? And do you wear the sleeve all

the time? I find it to be very uncomfortable at times. I am getting ready to go on vacation and the therepist says I should wear it at all times. except when sleeping/bathing etc. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I mean, why does it help to compress the lymph system?

if you are about to be out in the snow shoveling or spreading ground chips or

on a plane where the air pressure can cause extra lymph activity- wearing the sleeve keeps the lymph fluid from being able to drain into the arm- and causing or exacerbating lymph edema. The excess fluid has to drain into the main body system so the arm does not swell if the arm is compressed by the sleeve.

The whole concept is simple but the body is complex- I do not understand it at times but do try to do

what is advised-

Andree

www.essentialsoapsinc.com

[Guest guest]

I am two years out, and no recurrence yet. However, the mastectomy

arm is fatter than the other arm and sometimes feels uncomfortable.

I have a garment I was instructed to wear " if gardening " or something

like that, but I've never worn it. Can someone tell me just how the

garment works? I mean, why does it help to compress the lymph system?

Janie

>

> Does anyone have problems with lymphedema due to nodes removed

and radiation? And do you wear the sleeve all the time? I find it to

be very uncomfortable at times. I am getting ready to go on vacation

and the therepist says I should wear it at all times. except when

sleeping/bathing etc.

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Basically, one of the functions of the lymphatic system is to draw outr the

fluid that can be " stored " in the muscle tissue causin swelling and pain. With

no more lymphatic system in the armpits, it gets harder to get rid of the fluid.

That´s the need for specialized massage and the garment. This compresses the arm

and doesn't let the fluid to be retained.

In my experience, the garment may be a bit unconfortable, but it totally worth

it. With a few uses, the swelling in my arm and hands went way.

I also keep a record of the size, or circonference of my hands, wrists, arms

and fore arms, both. To compare and to see minor changes. If it is caught early

on, the solution is faster and less pain.

Hope it helps

janie8002000 wrote:

I am two years out, and no recurrence yet. However, the mastectomy

arm is fatter than the other arm and sometimes feels uncomfortable.

I have a garment I was instructed to wear " if gardening " or something

like that, but I've never worn it. Can someone tell me just how the

garment works? I mean, why does it help to compress the lymph system?

Janie

>

> Does anyone have problems with lymphedema due to nodes removed

and radiation? And do you wear the sleeve all the time? I find it to

be very uncomfortable at times. I am getting ready to go on vacation

and the therepist says I should wear it at all times. except when

sleeping/bathing etc.

> __________________________________________________

>