Does lymphedema ever resolve?

Laural136669

I had moderate lymphedema in arm and trunk following BMX with additional ALN dissection after 2 weeks. I had active PT to deal with lymphedema, and have used a Sigvaris compression sleeve with gauntlet daily for the past year along with Lymphapress each morning. I am finding I can get by with just the pumping in the morning. Has anyone else had such resolution and a decreased need to use compression as time goes on?

carol57

Laural, My swelling improved to not noticeable, although I feel the LE--aches, heaviness, tingling--especially when I have stressed the arm or during storms. I now wear compression only during activities that put weight or repetition on the arm, and when flying, and when it simply aches a lot.  I think this is not such an uncommon experience, although not everyone is so lucky.  I also believe, from all my LE reading, that even when we revert to Stage 0 LE, we are still and always will be at risk for sudden-onset swelling (a flare), and that is why risk-reduction is so important, always.  Meaning the whole no-needle sticks, no BP, watch for cuts and treat immediately, skin care, etc. etc. etc.  But let me not forget to celebrate that you have had such great success in your treatment:  Yahoo!

kira66715

Laural, it does get better for many women and the fact that you have been so diligent is a big key: when left untreated, there are skin changes--fibrosis, fat deposition--and decline of lymphatic function.

Personally, I don't use much daytime compression, but I do wrap every night. I hardly needed any day time compression, but then I fell and broke my LE hand 2 years ago....

There is a big movement in the LE research community that early treatment can allow LE to improve to "latency" stage. As Carol said, we tend to always have LE, but we can get it down to where the control is great without as much compression.

My LE therapist always says, "see what you can get away with"--but she says it, knowing that I wrap every night and come in for MLD twice a month. She has patients who progress, and are fibrotic, and I don't think she'd be as liberal with them.

Good for you!

Kira