Exchange sugery/lymphedema

Jeanne, so glad your exchange surgery is behind you -- congrats! I'll bet you ARE sore just one day after your surgery. Hope you're able to sleep comfortably and can get some good rest.

If your hand swelled, please don't wear the sleeve again until you have it checked for fit and get a well-fitting glove or gauntlet to wear with it. Wearing a sleeve without hand protection can trap fluid in your hand, and you don't want to do that.

What might help is to keep your arm elevated as much as possible, in bed or while sitting reading or watching TV. Stay very well hydrated, and pause from time to time to do some deep abdominal breathing (it stimulates the largest lymph vessel in our bodies). 

Get well soon, and let us know how you're doing,
Binney

Letlet, I'm just finding your post today -- sorry! Compression garments should not be worn when you're asleep, as they can twist and bind, which is not good for your lymph circulation. If you've learned how to wrap your arm, and if your surgeon okays it, you can wrap for the surgery and recovery period. (If you haven't, you'll want to learn how to do it later, since it's a great skill to have for on-going self-care) I'm assuming if you have some swelling you've seen a lymphedema therapist, yes? And learned some self-MLD massage? Do use that as you're able both before and after surgery.

Be sure the swelling is down as much as it can be before the surgery. We all hope to hear from you before long that all went well and you're moving on!

Hugs,
Binney