Lymphedema + Diabetes

ksusan

I'm trying this question in a slightly different way. I'm having a bilateral mastectomy. What is the recommendation for how I'll check my blood sugar every day? I can't find any information online and all I've gotten so far from my medical team is guesses that don't seem to me to be consistent with their dire warnings about scratches, tiny cuts, etc. I am not the only diabetic with a double mastectomy. Has anyone gotten fact-based instructions (rather than "I don't know, hmmm, maybe test in the arm with fewer lymph nodes removed? Or maybe since it's just capillary it won't matter?")

Binney4

Ksusan, it does matter--any break in the skin is an infection risk once the lymph system is compromised. We've had this discussion on the boards here before, and there are no simple answers. When possible you can use your thigh, but it's not accurate enough for every occasion. As for which hand to use when you're resorting to finger pricks, only YOU can make that call. Here are the factors to consider: the side with fewest nodes removed is theoretically at lower risk; and your dominant hand is more at risk than your non-dominant. Also, those with lymphedema in their dominant hand generally have a harder time of it than those with lymphedema in their non-dominant hand, since we use our dominant hand more often and for more precise activities.

When using fingers, ALWAYS wash your hands really well before, and change the lancet absolutely every time. You might even want to consider using alcohol, though it toughens the skin over time. Again, your call. You should know the signs of cellulitis infection and act PROMPTLY if you ever suspect infection. Here's information:

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

Some of us keep oral antibiotics on hand, if our doctors agree, so we can act quickly (and then call them as soon as possible) when we get into trouble. It's doubtful your doctor will consider that since you don't have a lymphedema diagnosis, but it might help to talk it over with him/her.

As for those quarterly A1Cs, if you want to avoid blood draws from your arms you need the prescribing doctor to write "Draw from foot only" on the blood test order. If you call the lab and ask if they do foot draws they'll most likely tell you no, so don't call, just show up with the order.

I'm really sorry for all these complexities, ksusan--just really adds a lot of hassle to an already rough road. Sending you hugs and chocolate to ease the way!
Binney

Spookiesmom

I'm T2 using the OmniPod pump. I also had bmx. Have LE on left side. For a few years I just used my right hand. Then I broke my left wrist and the cast prevented me from using my poker left handed.

Since the cast came off, I've been using both hands, but watch the left closely. So far so good.

As always, Binney has great info

ksusan

Thanks. Still waiting for my surgeon to weigh in. My PCP says, "Go ahead and do finger sticks." I've asked "What's your data on that?" Silence.

crystalphm

Following this for more info....