Question about "waiting period" before removing sleeve

Lynn1

Hello!  I've had minor lymhedema since my original surgery in 2003, but it is pretty well under control.  I only need to use my sleeve as preventative -- wearing if for exercising, flying, etc. 

My question is about the "waiting period" after exercising.  I know you need to wait an hour or so after you finish exercising before you take the sleeve off.  Has anyone showered while still wearing the sleeve and then changed into a dry one afterwards to finish that "waiting period"?  It just takes so long sometimes and sometimes I'd really prefer to get on with my day instead of sitting around waiting, but I wasn't sure if getting it wet and then removing before the hour or so was up would cause any issues.  I could try this myself of course, but was just wondering if anyone had any experience with this already that could give me some tips.

Thanks in advance!!

11BC

I haven't showered in my sleeve, but I did ask my physical therapist (who specializes in lymphedema) if I could swim while wearing my sleeve and she said it was best to not get it wet while wearing it. 

Lynn1: When you shower in the sleeve and then take off the sleeve and put on a new one, you're changing the pressure in your arm during the process of switching sleeves. So isn't that defeating the purpose?

I suggest you ask your lymphedema specialist about this. Ask if they can give you options other than waiting an hour after exercising to shower and change the sleeve.

I bet he/she will say: Wear the sleeve for exercise, take it off, take a shower, put on a new one for an hour. Seems simple enough.

==

My experience: I find if I take my sleeve off for a short period of time (five to 10 minutes) my hand/arm does not immediately swell. It happens slowly/gradually over an hour or more, depending on what I'm doing w/ my arm/hand during the time the sleeve is off. I wear an all in one glove/sleeve. The glove has fingers w/ open tips. My lymphedema mostly presents itself in my right (cancer side) hand, specifically in my thumb and forefinger.

Bravo for you for exercising. My lymphedema medical team can't emphasize enough how important it is to do aerobic and weight bearing exercise in order to increase lymphatic flow and manage lymphedema. But they also say to work w/ them to learn which exercises to do, how much weight to lift, frequency, etc. (See Binney4's comments, posted after this).

Lynn1

Thank you 11BC!  Sorry if I was confusing....I have not showered in it yet. I didn't want to before I checked into it.  I don't see a therapist anymore since it is under control now, which is why I came here for help....I knew someone would have an answer! 

I will take your suggestion to take it off for the shower and then immediately put another one back on.  I did not know you were not supposed to get them wet.  Thanks for letting me know!

11BC

Lynn1: Glad to be of help. My physical therapist said not to get the compression garment wet -- while I'm wearing it. (Of course, it's OK to get it wet when washing it). 

I've had lymphedema for almost two years and have seen numerous specialists. One told me recently that there really is no universal standard for treating lymphedema.

I find I have to experiment and seek more help/feedback. Thanks for your post. Good luck! 

Kicks

When I work out I take my sleeve and glove off to shower and put on a 'fresh' one as soom as dry.  I was also told to not swim with one on as getting it wet while stretched (on) will effect the compression.

Binney4

Lynn, hello!

Wetting a compression sleeve increases the compression, which is something you sure don't want to do after exercising. And on the other hand sitting around for an hour waiting to shower is not gonna work. Best bet is probably to clear the nodes in your neck before you shower, then wash and dry in the direction and order of your MLD routine so you move fluid toward the cleared nodes. Use some lotion before donning compression again (applying the lotion in the same order and direction).

Let us know how it goes!

11bc, aerobic and weight-bearing exercises are a two-edged sword where lymphedema is concerned. They help because muscle movement is an important part of the lymph pumping system. They are also a hazard because they increase fluid flow in the body and can cause accelerated fluid build-up in the tissues. Each of us is different in the amount of such exercise our compromised lymph systems can handle. Dr. K. Schmitz, whose weight-lifting studies often inspire misdirected enthusiasm over the effects of exercise on lymphedema, emphasizes that consistency and very gradual build-up to exercise are paramount -- week-end warriors are more likely than others to suffer unwanted consequences from their endeavors. All of us who have LE or at risk for it certainly need to be extra-aware of our bodies and stop at the first sign of difficulty, no matter what exercise program has been devised for us. Hard to do sometimes!

Be well!
Binney

BeckySharp

Lynn1-I do an hour or two of aerobic daily.  I wait 15 minutes to quit sweating, take it off, shower, and immediately put on a clean one.  So far it has not hurt my arm.  I do clear the nodes before showering as Binney suggests and soap in the direction of MLD.  I also lotion in that direction.  Hope you have no problems with doing this.  Becky

BeckySharp

Lynn--I should add that I do the Lebed exercises after I put on my clean sleeve.  Becky

Lynn1

Thank you all so much for your additional tips!  I have been slack on my exercise lately, but when I do it again, I will use these suggestions.  Thanks again so much!!

kriserts

Yes, I often shower with the sleeve on, and then let it dry on my arm. I do 2-3 hour bikes rides in the summer, sometimes longer, and when I come home, I don't want to wait for a shower. I actually like the feeling of the sleeve drying, getting slightly tighter ... never considered what Binny said above. But so far no problems, I'll probably keep on doing this.