Guidelines on Exercise For Those With/At Risk for Lymphedema

badger

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MinusTwo

Badger - thanks. This thread had gotten lost in the list and the tips are invaluable.

Falconer

Badger, thanks for bringing this back to everyone's attention (and mine). I didn't know that I had to be more cautious about my return to exercise.

badger

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MinusTwo

And I'll jump in with another bump

badger

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Scottiemom11

Thanks for bumping this thread up to keep it active. I'm finally starting light exercise after major revision surgery. I have LE and have to be very careful. May have to get sleeves to exercise due to new swelling but hopefully not.

Printing these out for reference guides.

Scottie

badger

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MinusTwo

Badger - Thanks again.

Falconer

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VelvetPoppy

I am going to meet with a trainer to create a personal exercise plan, Monday morning. I know I need to inform him/her about the bc and to tell him/her that my MO wants me to keep walking, but to add other low-impact and weight bearing exercises. I have a question about me: should I be wearing a lymphedema sleeve for any of these exercises? Only my RO has spoken to me about the possible risks of lymphedema and even he hasn't said what my particular risks may be. All he has suggested I do is wear gloves when I am outdoors working, be careful not to cut the right hand/arm and to wear a medic alert bracelet that states I have a lymphedema risk and that no BP or needles for right arm.

I have downloaded both of the handouts and can take the trainer one with me. Anything else I should take, say or ask?

MinusTwo

Velvet - I would highly recommend that you see a certified, trained LE therapist before starting an exercise plan. You would get initial measurements & recommendations about wearing a sleeve & gauntlet or glove. My RO is the one who wrote the orders for me to see an LE/PT for evaluation.

GmaFoley

Yup, I agree with MinusTwo - never exercise without a sleeve and gauntlet! Not good news afterward.

ksusan

For those at risk but who have not developed LE, the recommendation should of course come from your LE specialists. Mine (3 people in 3 agencies) have allowed me to exercise without sleeves as long as I use them when I initially begin a new activity, build up gradually, and monitor during the activity and put garments on if there's any sign of swelling. I always have the garments with me when I exercise, and I always do stretches and sometimes MLD before and after exercise.

CeliaC

Finally, at 6-month post surgery BS follow-up last Weds., got a referral to trained LE physical therapist and had 1st appointment yesterday. They spent an hour evaluating & measured surgical arm for a baseline. Discussed the use of sleeve & gauntlet - perhaps in the future, especially if more strenuous exercise or longer flights. No signs of lymphedema yet - my concern was not having full range of motion in surgical arm. We practiced some gentle stretching exercises to start with & received handouts for these to do at home. Next visit is in a week. Glad that I finally got the referral.

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AdelleMissouri

Thank you for the information and inspiration. I'm working on re-strengthening, well, pretty much all of me. Slowly.

AdelleMissouri

Thank you for the information and inspiration. I'm working on re-strengthening, well, pretty much all of me. Slowly.

badger

hi AdelleMissouri, welcome to BCO!

Please join us on the "Let's Post our Daily Exercise" thread here in the fitness forum. We are a diverse group with all ages, stages, and levels of fitness. We share our joys & sorrows, and encourage one another to move as best we can.

badger

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Falconer

bump for MarilyninIllinois.

MarilynIllinois

Thanks, Falconer,

Thinking and reading about lymphedoma is certainly very sobering. It's also been so hot in the Prairie state lately that I've been limiting my time outside. Take care, everyone

Nurseinboots

When you've got to baby that one arm for lymphedema precautions, but you've still got sh*t to do today... 

badger

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