Is it Lymphedma or is it not?

I think it could be quite possible that just one finger could swell.  I am not an expert but think it's in the realm of possibilities.  I' sure some of the experts or those more knowledgable will  be along soon.

Can you get a referral to a LE clinic or therapist?  Catching is early is a key.  I don't have a lot of arm welling but it can be in my hand if I'm not careful what I'm doing.

Hope you can get the answers you need. NJ 

My lymphedema started in the dorsum of my hand, three weeks post op, after bug bites. It did move down and involve my finger--notably my index finger.

As a PTA you do need your hands, but you also need to be assessed for lymphedema and treated if needed.

Lymphedema can be focal. As Andrea Cheville MD of Mayo Clinic says--it can be "patchy"

Do you have access to a well trained lymphedema therapist? You'll need an MD referral (as you know.)

Let us know how you're doing

Kira 

Fitz, I was hoping Binney would answer you, but I think she missed your post--I have to say, in my opinion, this "lymph pooling" is lymphedema---just by definition. And yes, it can be isolated and patchy.

I sure hope the PT gave you some self management tips to deal with this, and prevent it from occuring in the future.

Unfortunately your doctor is mistaken in her belief that with lymphedema the entire arm has to swell: for me, it's just my hand, and occasionally my forearm. Other women just have it on the lower forearm, or the upper arm.

At least she sent you to the PT, but I think the PT dropped the ball. 

Here is a link for professionals on LE information:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/essential%20informat%20for%20healthcare%20providers.htm

And on treatment of LE:

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

And, when Andrea Cheville MD from Mayo Clinic wrote an article for lymphadivas, she wrote about this patchy issue:

http://lymphedivas.com/lymphedema/gauntletandsleeve/

For women with established lymphedema the decision to use a gauntlet or glove is based on slightly different considerations. Lymphedema of the upper limb may be distributed in a surprisingly patchy manner. For example, lymphedema may be restricted to the underside of the upper arm or the back of the hand. It goes unsaid that lymphedema is a very individual phenomenon. Many women with lymphedema never note hand involvement despite use of an arm compression sleeve for many years. However, even these women should remain watchful for hand swelling since lymphedema is a dynamic process with the potential to change over time. A quick check for hand edema after engaging in the activities listed above is always warranted. Differences in skin texture or the visibility of bones, veins and tendons may indicate lymphedema. These changes suggest a need to consider some form of hand compression. 

Kira

Kira and Binney4, thank you so much for your kind advice.  I've been reading through some of the material you suggested and have found a wealth of information.  I did get lymphedema exercises to do and also self massage instructions (wow, are they weird!) so maybe I should be doing those daily.  Since I don't seem to have any pain and the swelling has gone down I've not done anything.  Do you think I should be each day?