injury to arm with lymphedema

kdholt

Last week, I walked into the corner of a clothes drying rack. I hit my arm hard enough to break the skin and bruise it good. This is my arm that has mild LE. I am concerned now because I think I have caused a flare up. Wrist is bigger than its been and my fingers hurt at times as well as my whole arm feeling tender and bruised.I am taking an antibiotic and doing manual massage. There is no redness anywhere at all. I can't get into a therapist until Monday. Will this extra swelling go away? What can I do to keep it from getting worse. Are there things I can do to help the healing? I have a mild form of LEright now and don't want it to get any worse. Thanks for the suggestions.

FireKracker

Please go to the I HATE LE THREAD...

they know everything about LE....

I just had a problem and its gone now.

good luck.

Binney4

Hi, KDHolt, I'm really sorry you're dealing with this new worry. It sounds like you're on top of it, with the antibiotic and self-MLD. Good for you! Here are some other helps for restoring control after an injury or other flare:

Stay REALLY WELL hydrated--keep water close by so you'll remember to drink often--that dilutes the lymph fluid and helps keep things moving.

Elevate your arm whenever you can--watching TV; in the car when somebody else is driving; on pillows at night.

Deep abdominal breathing at intervals throughout the day will help stimulate the largest lymph vessel in your body.

For now, avoid salt (chips, ham, pizza, etc.) and alcohol. Not everyone is affected by these things, but some are, so leave them alone until everything's back in control.

If you're using ice or heat for the achiness, limit the time, and make sure it's cool or warm rather than icy or hot.

Wrap with short-stretch bandages, if you've learned how--keep it comfortable, not too tight, and rewrap at least daily or whenever it starts to feel loose (check for redness or other signs of infection whenever you unwrap). If you don't know how to wrap but have daytime compression garments, don't wear them if they irritate the new swelling. If you have a sleeve but no glove or gauntlet DON'T WEAR THE SLEEVE--it may force any new swelling into your hand, where it's hard to get out.

Here's information about infection, what to look for and how to handle it:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Emergencies_and_Medical_Care_lymphedema.htm

Sure hope you're better soon! Gentle hugs,
Binney

FireKracker

Binney---lifesaver..

big hugg to you for all your help.

xo FireKracker