Lymphedema symptoms today - Help!

No idea about the long-term.  I am kinda new to this whole thing myself.  No signsof lymphedema but I did develop a cord after surgery so I have been seeing a Lymphedema PT specialist.  You might also want to try deep breathing exercises.  She said that helps to trigger the rest of the lymphatic system.  expand your stomach while you breathe in through your nose, hold it for a few seconds an release.  Hope this helps. 

Windlass, here's a page about how to find a well-trained lymphedema therapist, just so you know what to look for and/or what questions to ask:

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

Elevation of your arm (on the back of the couch during the day, at night on pillows) and deep breathing are great suggestions. Also, strange as it may seem, staying really well hydrated helps.

Keep us posted! Be well,
Binney 

Windless,

Bug bites are what triggered my LE, and it hasn't gone away--it's been 3 years, and I just had 3 nodes out.

Everyone is different, but the fact that you're swollen shows that you have at least Stage 0 lymphedema, and deserve the full evaluation and education about LE.

Many of us have found that even well trained PT"s vary in their clinical abilities. 

Bug bites triggered my LE: but I managed--klutz that I am--to fracture my bad hand in the fall--and with the help of good therapists, things are under control. Talk about aggravating the situation.

We have a page on the site: what to do while waiting for your first LE therapist appointment:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/How_You_Can_Cope_with_Lymphedema.htm#while%20waiting

What to do While Waiting for Your First Appointment with a Qualified Lymphedema Therapist

DO NOT try and treat this yourself!!! Proper professional treatment is essential to getting control of lymphedema and preventing its progression. Treatment can be expensive and inconvenient, but this condition is life long, potentially disfiguring, disabling and possibly life-threatening (if you get an infection known as cellulitis) so professional evaluation and treatment as soon as possible is essential.

1) Get evaluated promptly by your doctor to rule out other causes for the swelling in your hand/arm, and get a referral to see a well-trained lymphedema therapist;
2) Drink plenty of fluids -- staying well hydrated helps dilute lymph fluid and keep it moving freely;

3) Elevate the swollen arm or hand as much as possible during the day and on pillows at night; support the arm well so that it doesn't tire;
4) Several times a day pause and do some deep breathing -- this helps stimulate the largest lymph vessels in your body;

5) Raise hands over head as high as is comfortable for you, three times a day, and pump fists 20 times;
6) Call for medical help immediately if you have severe pain, redness, fever or feel ill;

7) You can try mild compression gloves by either Sammons Preston or Isotoner® Fingerless Therapeutic Gloves if your hands and/or fingers are swollen until your appointment with your lymphedema therapist. Be sure to bring them along to your appointment;
8) Do NOT use ACE wraps or any other wraps without the advice of your lymphedema therapist after your evaluation and your treatment plan is scheduled.

Kira