swollen hand- help!

kira66715

You know what's weird, I put in a bunch more information, including the self care videos at the Northwest LE Center:

http://www.nwlymphedemacenter.org/

And the Heidi Roe/MSU youtube videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSD7j8mSVkM

I'd strongly advise the Northwest LE Center videos for lots of information and an example of how to do a simple version of self manual lymphatic drainage.

lightandwind

Kira, I don't see any redness, no heat, or patches but it still hurts a little, when I try to make a fist, especially the thumb. Is that normal w/ lymphadema, or is it only cellulitis that causes this? thanks!

kira66715

Lightandwind, it sounds to me like it could just be from LE. But be very careful and if you question any cellulitis, see your doctor.

When do you see the LE therapist?

Kira

lightandwind

Kira, Thank you so much for the resources. My appt is on wednesday at 10am. Are there any specific questions I should to ask? I had my hand in the glove while I made dinner last night and all the way up until bed time, then I slept with it propped up and it was much better today. I'm learning some things through trial and error too. Appreciate all your help.

kira66715

Excellent question about how to structure the visit with the therapist

Check out her credentials, did she take the 135 hour course, has she been treating lymphedema?

Treatment approach will vary on patient needs: some patients will get an "intensive" where they are bandaged 24/7 to reduced the limb and then get compression garments, other patients will be taught MLD and exercises and fitted for day time compression.

I feel we need the "tools" to manage this ourself at home, and one of those tools is learning how to bandage, so you can use it for flares, and light bandage compression is recommended during cellulitis--so I'd ask her about what she plans to teach you, and how important it is to learn bandaging.

There is an NLN position paper on treatment:

http://www.lymphnet.org/lymphedemaFAQs/positionPapers.htm

And a SUSO page on treatment:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/treatments_for_lymphedema.htm

I'd ask her what her plan is for you, how many treatments, what is she intending to teach you, and does she have a good fitter for garments. And bandaging is a skill that we all should know, IMO.

I saw a bunch of PT's--as my primary therapist is a LMT, and I had cording--and I found the first visit was primarily taking history and measuring, but the clearer the communication, the better the treatment.

Good luck!

And it is trial and error. Great that you're figuring it out.