Can I lift weights if I don't have lymphadema

Options
Sunflower64
Sunflower64 Member Posts: 166
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

hi girls,

i had a lumpectomy in may and wanted to now start lifting weights to tone my arms.  i'm scared of getting lymphadema. do i need to see a lymphadema specialist first to know how to prevent it or should i just start lifting on my own?  any info would be great.

thanks,

diane

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 1,092
    edited November 2009

    Did you have any lymph nodes removed?  If you did not, then I would think you are OK to do whatever you want with your arms.  If you did, then I would check with a doctor first, although a quick check to ask a question of the doc is always safer...JUDY

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jazziD
    jazziD Member Posts: 44
    edited November 2009

    Hi, I had an axillary dissection and I have been lifting weights for awhile with not problem... I went to the lymphedema clinic at the hospital and got fitted for a preventive sleeve and gauntlet and I use it each and every time I lift weights... so far the highest weight of dumb-bell I have lifted with that arm is 12 pounds and I have had no problems... 

    I am careful to stop if I feel that it is hurting... different than feeling that you are working the arm out to failure, if you know what I mean... not hurting , but you feel that you have made an effort...  I am sore after the workouts the next day or so, but not painful like I have injured myself... 

    I was told that I could work up to lifting up to 20lbs... that is plenty of growth for me...  I also do pilates on the reformer using my own body weight and I use bands, cords, and bars...

     If you haven't gotten fitten for a compression sleeve, I would do that as a preventive measure...

     I hope this helps and good luck... it really will make you feel good to be able to workout ... I love to exercise and my doctors knew that I was going to do it anyway... albeit safely... my suppoprt person from Y-ME, also a breast cancer survivor said that she lifted weights without a compression sleeve up to 20lbs or more and so far has never had a problem, it has been over 10 years for her... 

     ~ Dee ~

     PS:  I also wanted to mention that you want to make sure that you are totally healed before you start and start out with very light weights like 1lb and work your weight steadily, but slowly... there is no hurry...  I workout to exercise videos... if you want some suggestions let me know...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories