Maybe Lymphedema starting not sure what to do

Meadow

I think my arm is having signs of LE, tingling, full feeling, heavy. Just not sure what to do, input and help please. Thank you

Binney4

Meadow, I'm sorry for these new developments, but hooray for you for being on top of it!

Any doctor on your team can write you a referral for an evaluation by a qualified lymphedema therapist. Here's how to find one near you:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified...

In the meantime, protect your arm and hand as much as possible from sunburn, insect bites, nicks, cuts and scratches. Elevate your arm (with support) whenever possible--on the back of the couch, say, while reading or watching TV, on pillows at night. Here's a run-down of suggestions for what to do while you're waiting to see the therapist:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/How_You_Can_Cope_wi...

Do keep us posted, and let us know how we can help!

Gentle hugs,
Binney

Momine

What Binney said, and do not despair. When I got to the PT, my upper arm had about 10-15% swelling (relative to the other). After about 6 months of PT, the great support of the ladies here, and wearing a sleeve etc, the swelling was gone. I do still have issues sometimes, and I have to watch it, I wear a sleeve when I work out and see the PT when needed, but I do not have chronic swelling. 

Meadow

Thank you Binney and Mom. I see my PS Tuesday for a follow up, I will ask for the referral. I am a wee bit discouraged so it is good to know I have options for fighting it. I work outside in the yard and in the hot sun, I think the summer humidity is making the symptoms show up. I need to get my fighting gloves back on and not wait for LE to get started. I will be in touch, again, thank you

Momine

Meadow, yes, heat and humidity combined with repetitive movement and jerking the arm can definitely cause problems. Get yourself to a PT pronto. 

When the summer heat starts, I often have issues for a few weeks. I have a sleeve and gauntlet, and sometimes I wear them for a few days, until it settles down. It also helps to stay hydrated, rest with the arm elevated, and to do the some gentle stretches. Lymph only moves with the help of muscles contracting, so one thing I find helpful is to lie on my back, stick the arm straight up, then slowly and gently clench and unclench my fist 10-20 times, rest, repeat.

LymphActivist

Meadow:

Binney and Momine gave you some great advice. It's important to get an early start in controlling and even preventing lymphedema. Do not let any medical person tell you that you must wait until you have 10% excess fluid, or 2 cm larger circumferential measurement. Current research is demonstrating that early intervention can prevent your arm from ever reaching that point. You may expect that a knowledgable therapist (and make sure that any therapist you see is adequately trained and certified in lymphedema management) may recommend professional manual lymph drainage, self/simple manual drainage, compression bandages and/or garments, and special decongesting exercises.

Meadow

Thanks LÀ, for the info. I feel like I am able to go tomorrow more informed and that makes me feel so good.

Meadow

I have been in Physical Therapy for a few weeks, I had noticed the beginning of Lymphedema, and I just want to say, I really love it. I encourage anyone who thinks they need to be evaluated to go and you won't regret it. I was 5 inches larger (collectively) in the measurements on my affected side, and she is also working on the scar tissue around my mastectomy. My therapist ordered me a compression sleeve. She does deep tissue stimulation on my back and shoulders......ahhh yes! Insurance is covering it too, so it has really been a blessing.

As I said, if you think you need it at all, please go be checked out