Exercise and truncal lymphedema

SaraN

I hear that exercise is good for moving fluid - but, exactly WHAT exercises would be good for moving truncal fluid? I had a dbl MX a year ago and have lymphedema swelling from underarm down to waist on left side- front and back.

 I have had MLD but they focus more on arm exercises. I have some slight swelling above the elbow, but most of the discomfort is in the trunk.

I sometimes wear a sleeve and have been wearing a Wearease slimmer camisole for body compression. I don't wear any prosthesis or bra.

sweetbean

I haven't had my surgery yet, but I bought a Rebounder because I heard that Rebounding is the best exercise for lymphatic flushing.  It was pricey -$250, but I figure I will just ditch my gym membership and do that for cardio instead.  A Rebounder is a small trampoline, by the way.  You can do big bounces or very small where your feet don't leave the trampoline, depending on your level of fitness and energy.  Has anyone else tried Rebounding?

Binney4

Welcome, Sara!

I have truncal lymphedema too, and I use the Lebed exercise DVD as the basis for my truncal-related exercise. It's here:
https://www.gohealthysteps.com/store/?productID=3

Sherry Lebed also has some videos online here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2luK4JRAbo&feature=related

The DVD is divided into seven segments. The first is specifically for opening the lymph nodes and encouraging full-body lymph flow, others have to do with leg and arm moves and stretches, balance and fun dancing. The upper torso stretches and moves really get my truncal area moving.

The best exercise for invigorating all that sluggish lymph fluid is swimming. If you decide to swim, make sure your suit fits well (no tight or narrow straps), and start out with some gentle movements through the water, and some gentle crawl or breaststroke. Work up gradually to longer distances.

Sweetbean, hi! For purposes of moving lymph fluid you want to bounce gently, with your feet never leaving the mat. Lymph circulation is slow and gentle, and exercises that mimic that slow, gentle approach are best for encouraging flow. People with lower limb lymphedema often find rebounders especially helpful, but some of us here use them as well. A few minutes a couple of times a day is good for the purpose. Wear something non-slippery on your feet, and it's recommended that you have the kind with a guard rail on one side to hold onto to prevent falls. I'm sure others of the rebounder set will be along shortly to describe their routine. (Oh, LindaLou-o-o-o!) Very best wishes to you as you head into your surgery -- kudos for already thinking about ways to help reduce your lymphedema risk! More information on the subject here:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/riskreduction_for_lymphedema.htm

Be well!
Binney

sweetbean

Thank you so much, Binney!  That is very helpful information!  I'm a big yoga person, too - any advice on that?  i have a really regular practice - 5-6 times a week.  

Binney4

Sweetbean, exercise is important for lymph flow, because our musches help pump the fluid. But yoga positions that place your weight on your arms (downward dog, for instance) would be better traded for a different pose (child's pose, for instance). The deep abdominal breathing is good for lymph flow (it stimulates the largest lymph vessel in our bodies). As with any exercise, remember to stay well hydrated (it dilutes the lymph fluid, they tell me, and keeps it moving). If your arm ever becomes tired, achy, heavy, or sore, stop at once and elevate the arm. You can go back to it the next day, but stop before the point where you developed problems and work up more gradually. Pain is NOT gain when you're at risk for lymphedema. Pain draws extra lymph fluid to the area, which is something you don't want to do.

It's wonderful that you're in such good shape going into this -- truly, that'll make a difference to the ease of your recovery. Looking forward with you to a great outcome and nothing "swell"!
Binney

SaraN

Thank you Binney

 I do swim almost every day in the summer, but pool isn't heated. I am looking at the youtube videos.

What would you think about kayaking? My friends (without BC) tell me it is more upper body than arm motion to do the paddling correctly - sort of a bend and twist - the paddle is two headed. You work from one side to the other.

Binney4

Sara, any new exercise or activity needs to be started very slowly, while you watch carefully for any problems. Maybe start on dry land, using the paddle without any resistence at all, and build up slowly if you find it's working for you. I'd think it would be excellent exercise (note that the dragonboat racing movement for post-bc women has a good anecdotal record even for women with lymphedema -- are you familiar with that?), but we're all different in the way our lymphedema reacts, so you'd have to try it and see. If you're already managing the truncal lymphedema you'll know what to do if it gets out of hand, and then you can back off and go slower.

If you try it, do please let us know how it goes -- sure sounds lovely!

Be well,
Binney