I'm New!

Hi, Janet:

That is the pits that a little bitty ant caused LE.  That stinks but so glad you found us!  This is a great forum with tons of great women here.  And I totally understand the feeling sorry for yourself bit...I developed LE in April and spent the next 5-6 months in a blue funk but finally shook it off. 

Welcome, and while I'm so sorry you have LE, I'm so glad you found us!!!!!

StJanet,

  So sorry you joined the swell sorority after so many years--it's a learning curve, and a big adjustment--but it does get easier and managable.

  There's this phase where you get "released" and are supposed to manage it yourself, and that's HARD. This is a chronic condition, and in an ideal world, the PT would keep you coming back for maintenance checks. You can ask for those if you need them.

  A group of us who post here started a web site to gather the information that is shared on these boards:

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

Hopefully it will add to your information base, and let us know if you think we need to fix anything on the site--it's an on-going project.

My trigger was bug bites also. Just amazing how something so small can tip the balance.

Hang in there, and let us know how we can help.

Kira

StJanet, welcome!

So sorry about the late LE diagnosis. Feeling only "a little" sorry for yourself is quite an accomplishment -- when my LE flares I feel a whole lot sorry for myself! 

Did your PT teach you self-MLD and wrapping? If so, jump right in there and tackle that stupid swelling! Stay really well hydrated, do some deep abdominal breathing, try to get enough sleep, and elevate your arm whenever you can. And let us know how we can help!

Gentle hugs,
Binney

Welcome,

I've recently had my case of celulitus, still not fully recovered. Going back to dr on thursday. 

This is a great place for info & support.  NJ

StJanet--Lymphedema wrapping is for the extremities, and it's a vital part of reducing swelling, and it needs to be taught--you can't wrap a trunk or breast.

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/wrapping_bandaging_for_lymphedema.htm

So much to learn.But with your arm swelling, wrapping is the best way to reduce the swelling--a sleeve just maintains the swelling, and MLD without wrapping and compression isn't that effective. I'd recommend asking your LE therapist to teach you to wrap so you have that tool in your toolbox.

Kira

NJ, we're anxious to hear the doctor's report tomorrow, so please keep us posted.

KittyDog, good for you on the refresher course! Take someone along to learn along with you se they can remind you of the steps when you forget (or just get frustrated). Let us know how it goes.

StJanet, wrapping (layered bandaging with special short-stretch bandages) is yet another learning adventure, but worth the effort to know how to deal with flares, travel, or any extra stresses on your arm.  Happily, it's non-invasive and drug-free, unlike anything else having to do with bc.

Watching the national weather reports and thinking about all of you who are needing to shovel snow. Last winter several gals here reported it was hard to remember to STAY WELL-HYDRATED while working outside, so here's a gentle reminder to take some water out with you in an insulated container and keep drinking. Also, go slow and easy, with frequent breaks to run inside and warm up and elevate the hard-working arm.

Be well!
Binney