LE risk and elliptical machine

hopefor30

LE risk and elliptical machine

yellowrose

I hope that  it isn't contra indicated because I have been using my eliptical since 3 weeks after surgery in August.    It's great low impact exercise and I work out one hour 4-5 days a week.

I have been wanting to build up more weight lifting on the surgery side but not sure how to accomplish it safely.  No one in my area has any training with this and I don't want to risk messing up!

SpunkyGirl

M.,

I've had the works-full axillary dissection, chemo and rads.  I finished rads last May.  I was running right through chemo and rads, and up until about three weeks ago.  I was working out on the elliptical trainer when I didn't run.  I haven't had any swelling, but my arm does get achy now, so I think I'm going to stop running.  I read on an MD Anderson website that any overheating can cause swelling.  What I have been doing all along on the elliptical trainer is five minutes using the arms, five minutes without, until I'm done.  You'll hear all kinds of advice on this, because most health care workers don't know much about it.  If you are currently in good shape, you can try it and see how it works.  If you are just starting out on an exercise routine, start slowly, like 15 minutes with no arms for a few weeks. 

Also, take the time to see a Physical Therapist and learn MLD.  I think anyone who's had nodes removed should have at least one consult to learn about lymphedema and how to prevent it.

Texas girl, I am also trying to get back into weight training.  I was doing a lot of daily push ups and stopped those after rads because I was afraid of swelling.  All the reading I've done indicates that if you start with 5 lbs and proceed slowly, it's good for you. 

Good Luck!

Bobbie

katharine

One of the exercises I do at the clinic is called the bicycle and it is moving my arms in circles-more than the elliptical does at the gym. I can't see how one can be bad and the other not.

Can you do it without your arms?

OneBadBoob

My physical therapist and PS have both recommended the eliptical trainer to build core strength after TRAM. 

I am seeing my PT tomorrow and will ask lots of questions on why she and the PS have both recommended this as the best to use especially after TRAM to build core strength.

I will report back.

twink

I started with 2 lb weights, worked up to 5 lbs and am ready to move on to 7 or 8.  I've used the eliptical trainer since surgery last June without any problems.

Binney4

Hi, M,

Any way you can try before you buy? At a gym or YMCA, say? We're all different, and there's no way at present to predict any one individual's risk of developing lymphedema (LE). You may find that, for you, it causes problems. Or you may find it's fine.

Starting and proceeding slowly is great advice, but not easy to follow. If you're like me, you want to do all you can, get moving again, "no pain, no gain." But reducing your LE risk means paying attention to your body, knowing the symptoms to look out for, and stopping at once when you sense any stress. Aching, heaviness, or any strain at all are all signs of needing to stop. Rest, elevate your arm if possible, and go back to it another day more cautiously.

Bobbie's idea of getting a referral to a well-trained LE therapist for evaluation, baseline measurements, and tips for avoiding LE is a wonderful idea, and I really wish it were standard treatment for all women facing bc treatment. But unfortunately it's not, so you may have to do some insisting. Also important: being fitted by an experienced therapist or fitter for compression sleeves and gloves to wear while exercising or traveling, or even for heavy housework.

In the meantime, there's good LE information at the National Lymphedema Network website, especially their Position Papers on Risk Reduction, Exercise, and Plane Travel: www.lymphnet.org

Be well!

Binney 

roseg

I don't usually use the moving arm parts on the ellipticals I use. It makes my arm get achy and I don't want that to go any further. It bothered me more when I had the expander before my implant exchange.

Several models at my "Y" had the heart rate monitor in the stationary arm part so I try to get on those machines because I'm most interested in monitoring my heart rate.

paige-allyson

I worry about lymphedema since I have had very slight swelling in one finger since my surgery. I have used the elliptical machines at our gym without a problem but go easy on the arms. I also use a Polar heart rate monitor (goes around the chest) so I don't have to put my hands on anything to get heart rate feedback. The main thing that seems to increase swelling for me is going on long walks leaving my arm down the whole time.

bomber410

Yes, I am not an elliptical user but wanted to comment on the running.  I do run 5+ miles a day and also have been out cross country skiing a few times so far this year.  I make sure to wear my sleeve and now also have my new custom glove.  I have had no problems with running.  In fact, my arm is better (not yet back to normal).  It is important in whatever we do to not hold our hands in fists or to grasp anything too tightly for too long.  My LE therapist encouraged me to run. 

I agree regarding the walking.  When I do walk, I make a point of holding my arms like I do when I run or sticking my LE arm in a jacket pocket so that it is angled kind of across my torso and not aiming downward. 

Happy New Year!

Debbie 

ahdjdbcjdjdbkf

I have LE. I usually to the stationary bike for my cardio. Cancer treatment took away being a lifetime runner due to neuropathy and ongoing challenges to my ankles due to damage from antibiotics. I did the elliptical at a hotel gym the past two days and my lymphedema is now the worst it has even been. No matter how hard I try, I hit walls and barriers at every turn.