Stupid me

DogMomRunner

I am taking a nurse aide class and last night I let a classmate (actually a coworker) take my blood pressure on my bad arm. Twice. I can't believe that my "No BP or blood draws" bracelet on THAT arm didn't remind me. My coworker actually said after we had done it, "oh no, that was your bad arm wasn't it?".

I massaged it and tried to do my exercises that my lymphadema therapist showed me, but I was panicked last night. So far today, it seems to be ok. But it's like my brain wasn't functioning last night. I haven't to,d my husband because I know he'll get mad that I was so stupid.

SoulShine1969

Dog Mom

I would think that if your arm isn’t aching and swollen today that it is probably alright. I’d continue to do lymphatic drainagemassage when you can today and wear compression sleeve and gauntlet. I’ve made some Lymphedema mistakes over the years too, I just increase massage until the arm feels better and the swelling goes down.

All my best,

Rebecca

Yogatyme

Dogmom, I agree it’s probably fine if it feels okay today. A friend told me she forgot and let a nurse give her flu shot in her “bad” arm and it swelled before bedtime that same day. It’s so easy to forget....that’s the good news and the bad news. Nice that it’s not in the forefront of our minds all the time but risky if we forget. Glad you’re not having problems thus far. Fingers crossed!

Binney4

DogMom, for goodness sake don't beat yourself up! Life happens, and we all mess up once in awhile. That's why we have a plan in place for days like this when our arms need extra care.

To SoulShine's suggestions, add elevating your arm whenever you have a chance (on the back of the couch, say, when you're watching TV, or on pillows when you're lying down). And stop from time to time throughout the day and take a few deep, abdominal breaths (because that stimulates the largest lymph vessel in our bodies and helps pump the lymph fluid).

And brava for taking a nurse aid class--we need medical professionals at every level who are well acquainted with lymphedema! Go tell 'em!

Gentle hugs,
Binney

DogMomRunner

Thanks for the replies everyone. So far so good with the arm. I told my husband and he was sympathetic and told me not to beat myself up

Binney- I'm a social worker in a skilled nursing facility. My coworker (the other SW) and I decided to take the class so we can help out if needed. I'm also toying with the idea of going onto nursing school afterward. Have to past the state test for certification first though.

yellowdoglady

We can try really hard to protect that arm, but things do happen. My lymphedema was well controlled for ten years. Then I tripped over my dog in the night and landed hard on my shoulder. After surgery to rebuild that, I had to get back to a lymphedema therapist. It's okay. We know when to do that. What it takes so it doesn't get out of control. Knowedge is power. Good sense usually works, but not always.