First Real Swelling in Arm

Marcygiff

It's been 18 months since my BL Mx and node dissection and I've been very lucky not having any real swelling. However, this week something happen and I have noticeable swelling and pain in my hand and arm. Since it hasn't been an issue and most of what I've read has been focused on prevention, I really have no idea what to do now. I don't have a sleeve and other than rest and elevation, is there anything else I can/should do?

phoebe58

Hi Marcy, so sorry to hear of your swelling:( I had BMX and 3 nodes removed and diep immediate recon last August, but then needed radiation. My big fear was lymphedema so I did quite a bit of research. Luckily in my town I was able to find a physio who is specially trained in manual lymphatic drainage. I would suggest that you first try and find someone professional to start with, as you don't want it getting worse. Have them assess and take measurements and show you how to do a self massage. t's a very specific gentle technique that you follow in a certain order, but you can do it yourself quite easily as well once you know how. There are a couple of good professional you tube videos if you want to follow along, about 15 minutes, in case there is no one locally where you live. It helps move the lymph away from the troubled area -- and into the 'basin' of the 'watershed' for the body to remove it easier [kind of helps bypass a traffic jam on a highway]. I went to her pre-symptoms and then had a little tiny bit of swelling half way thru rads [rings very tight but I managed to squeeze them off, bicep sore and tingly in a weird way]. My arm is back to normal now, but I am always on the lookout Another thing beside rest and elevation is gentle regular movement. Don't stay still for too long as muscle movement pumps the lymph back -- kind of like veins, the lymph system needs help to work. Try this 10 times whenever you think of it: Arms in air make a fist and flex fingers, then imaginary bicep curls with no weights. This all helps move the lymph along. I did end up getting a sleeve. I have it for just in case, travel by air, or extensive arm use like raking. Best wishes. My physio says it can be managed and minimized.

BayouBabe

I agree with the arm raised above your head and opening and closing your fist multiple times. This simple action helps the most easily and quickest when I have swelling beginning in my LE arm. Definitely seek medical advice with someone who knows about lymphedema and is trained

Kicks

Contact your Dr for a referral to a LymphEdema Therapist. Be sure that you don't just see a PT or OT who claims to 'know all about LE' but someone who actually has education about LE. The sooner you see an LET the better for learning how to manage it.