Lymphoedema and Wii

sakura73

Does anyone have experience of using a Wii or Wii Fit device and, if so, what if any modifications did you make to reflect your LE status?

I've got mild LE in my surgery-side hand and arm, and though keen to get back into exercise after my baby is born in August I know that strength training will be a no no and thought a Wii might be the answer since it will not involve weight bearing.

All experiences and opinions welcome: thank you in advance!

NatsFan

I always use my compression sleeve and gauntlet when using the Wii, as some of the Wii Fit exercises use the arms quite a bit. I don't do things like downward dog in yoga (both in Wii yoga and in my regular yoga classes) but I do pretty much everything else.  But I'm careful with exercises like the boxing - I try to take it easy and not overly exert my arm.  

I also do strength training - my LE therapist gave me guidance and exercises to do, but the most important thing she said was to build up VERY slowly and back off if you have the slightest flare or even a feeling of heaviness.  I started out with 1 pound weights after I was given the all clear to start working out after surgery  Now after 2 years I've worked up to 8 pound weights for most of my weight training exercises, but I took it very slowly to get up to that point. With a new baby you may want to talk to your LE therapist about exercises to build up strength in your arm as you'll need to be able to pick up your new little one when he's born.  Good luck!

sakura73

Thank you for your reply!