Soreness along basilic vein

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vlnrph
vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Went back to community orchestra rehearsal last week for the first time since axillary node dissection. Was doing OK (I'm a violinist) until we got to the final movement of Beethoven's 5th. Lots of vigorous bowing - no rest for the string sections.

Next morning, had a little discomfort: thought it was a minor strain from the previous night's activity. Wasn't really concerned about lymphedema at that point. Tried some gentle stretching and massage for a few days and seemed to be getting better.

Checking some anatomy pictures, realized there is probably no muscle that extends along the inner arm all the way to the wrist but didn't seem to be a cord as described by others. Then, after working in the yard, decided to measure and found up to 1" discrepancy between extremities!

Put on the compression sleeve/glove that had been obtained in anticipation of air travel and when removed several hours later, the original achiness had resolved although swelling was still present. Now trying to elevate and stay hydrated. Will be heading in for PT but would like to hear other opinions on this problem. Did NOT want LE added to my diagnosis list...

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited September 2011

    You're really wise to be concerned, and a 1 inch discrepancy is considered significant--the latest position papers and research in lymphedema are all about early diagnosis and treatment, which will be the best way to minimize the progression of lymphedema.

    I'd strongly advise getting in to see the PT, making sure that the PT is well trained in LE and until then, elevate the arm, rest it, drink a lot of water and do deep breathing.

    LIkely the ability of the lymphatics that drain your arm were overwhelmed by the combination of the violin playing and then the yard work. 

    Before we have visible swelling, we can have excess fluid in the tissues, and then the balance is tipped toward swelling.

    I'll put in the link from stepupspeakout about treatment:

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

    None of us want LE added to our list, but dealing with it proactively is the best bet toward minimizing the impact on your life.

    The "sorority of swell" is a group no one wants to join. But so many women pass through these boards, and after initial learning curve, they move on with their lives, with some modifications, if needed.

    Kira

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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited September 2011

    Thanks for your response Kira: it's officially LE and I'm wrapping every night for the next couple weeks as well as doing the complete massage routine.

    Before I could get in to see the PT, I had the sleeve on for a couple hours without the glove while I did some light housework (washing dishes, etc). Surprised to see the back of my hand puff up, it felt like it was bruised but of course it wasn't. Got the compression going again with the fashionable beige half-finger Isotoner: things were back to normal by bedtime which was a relief.

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited September 2011

    VInrph, there's a great article by Andrea Cheville of Mayo Clinic about the importance of wearing hand protection with a sleeve.

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

    It's the hand you use to bow, right? So if you need a glove, it shouldn't interfere too much with your playing.

    I'm really sorry you joined this club, but you are well on your way to getting it under control and figuring out how to keep doing the things you love.

    Kira

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