I injured my lymphedema hand in a fall.

mab

No fracture, and the skin isn't broken, but it's hurting more now. I have to go to work tomorrow. Should I take Motrin to keep it from swelling more? I also put on a higher compression gauntlet to keep the swelling in check.

Any advice from someone who has done this?

btw, instinct kicked in and I did a great job of falling on the non LE side! I'll have a black eye tomorrow, too, I think, but I'll just tell people at work that I got in a fight with a Packer fan!

carol57

I hope others with more experience in these matters chime in asap, but I can say that pain draws lymph to the area, so it's a good idea to take the motrin for that.  Rest, ice, compression, elevation...only with the ice, use it in short bursts with some room-temp time in between; maybe 5-10 mins max with the ice, and of course, wrap it in a towel so what touches your skin is cold but not freezing.

Sigh...life happens, but really?  Does it have to happen to the LE limbs???  Good luck with the creative explanations tomorrow!

Carol

Binney4

Aw, mab, bummer! 

Do try to keep the pain in check, as that draws more lymph fluid to the area. Not sure a higher compression gauntlet is a good idea, as the extra swelling caused by the injury might need a lighter touch, and too much compression could cause the swelling to migrate to your fingers--not good! Too tight compression can also result in rebound swelling when you remove the garment, so keep an eye on things and maybe cut back again on the compression.

Stay well hydrated, take it easy with the hand, and definitely elevate (with support) as much as possible.

Good for you for making the effort to land on the non-LE side. Then again, I'm really sorry about the black eye. (That Packer game was COLD!!!)

Gentle hugs, and please keep us posted,
Binney

mab

Thank you Carol,
That's exactly the Info. I needed.

mab

Binney, you are so right!
I just went to a lighter grade compression and it feels so much better.
Thank you.

p.s.  Binney, you are one funny lady!!!

Kicks

Increased compression can/will (for some of us) increase swelling.  Even without an injury, high compression makes my hand swell drastically quickly.  

Binney4

mab, how are you doing? Thinking of you and hoping all's well with you. Take care, and do something chocolate, y'hear?!
Binney

mab

Binney,
My hand is still sore, but everything else healed very quickly (with the help of dark chocolate, of course). 

I can tell that it's getting a little better, but I now know better than to try to twist open a jar - whooo, my neighbors must have got an earful!

It's funny how falls work - what hurts the most at first, ends up not being the thing that causes you the most grief later on.

Thanks again.

- mab.