Higher Risk of lymphedema?

Jadedjo

Hi all,

Short story after diagnosis I decided I had a better chance of surviving surgery no matter what kind of i get so I started to get back into shape.im obese so fitness for me is limited especially at the beginning.

I have been doing, 4-5 times a week 30-45 min depending how how much activity I'm going to be that day,  a mix of Ellen Barrett's barefoot cardio series which is a fusion of cardio, ballet,Pilates and occasional yoga moves. I am slowly introducing stress relief yoga at night for just that,stress relief though i am unable to do some poses due to acid reflux issues.more then I'm happy with actually out of a hour long DVD I'm lucky if I can do 35 min of poses.

Since it's likely I'm going to be getting a mastectomy I realize I am higher risk of lymphedema due to my obesity.

My question is after surgery recovery and the surgeons go ahead  I would like to get back to doing these workouts but I have noticed others saying repeated movements are a no-no.

The cardio DVDs have a lot of arm lifts over the head,held at shoulder height ballerina poses. The yoga ones have a lot of side stretches.many with arms over the head.

Is there a way to reduce the risk or do I have to give up doing them? 

I really hope not because th barefoot cardio is the only exercise I enjoy and can do without collapsing in a big fat pile while gasping air on the floor.

Thank you and blessed be.

SummerAngel

I think it would be a great idea for you to get some sessions with a LANA-certified PT before and shortly after your surgery. (My hospital automatically scheduled these for me, but you could get a referral from your doctor if you need to.) With his/her guidance you can do safe exercises while you're healing and know when it will be safe to move to the more strenuous exercise. You're definitely doing the right thing thinking about this before your surgery, good luck to you!

Jadedjo

Ok thank you