Done in by a laptop!

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NancyD
NancyD Member Posts: 3,562
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

This could also be titled "Be careful what you wish for".

I was reassigned to my company's NJ office which is five miles/ten minutes from my home. I've wanted this for years to get rid of my 1.75 hr one-way commute into Manhattan. But because I still have to go into my old location one day a week (I manage two people there), I had to switch from a desktop computer to a high-end laptop.

I recently noticed my cancer-side was more sore than usual. I realized I'd been lugging this darn computer for three weeks and that was probably the cause. But Wednesday, after my weekly visit to Manhattan where I have to walk several blocks from the subway to my office, I noticed my hand was puffy.

After four years of subclinical lymphadema (light aches only), it has become measurable! I can't believe the darn laptop was the cause. I've moved my son, moved my home, cleared out my Dad's home and my Aunt's home, and kept a garden every year in the past four years. None of that set my lymphadema off. But now...

I've been doing manual massage, sleeping with my arm elevated, and wearing my sleeve and gauntlet. That seems to have helped, but I want to know from more expereienced ladies, is there something more I should be doing? I believe it's still very low-stage and can be brought back to subclinical.

Oh, and I intend to find another way to transport my laptop. Suggestions for that?

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  • Galsal
    Galsal Member Posts: 1,886
    edited March 2012

    Not experienced with LE but have you thought of a rolling bag?  Put nothing else than the laptop in it though or it might get too heavy. 

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  • cowgal
    cowgal Member Posts: 833
    edited March 2012

    I think the rolling bag idea is a good one. Also, have you tried carrying your laptop on the opposite side and if at all possible, not putting it over your shoulder where it can limit the lymph flow regardless of which side it is on?  I carry my laptop with me quite a bit and I try to do this.  Also, since getting lymphedema, I am very careful about the size and design of my purse (imagine how much weight some of us are hauling around with a laptop and a big purse) so that I am can limit the weight and not have small straps going across the lymph drainage areas (wider I understand is better than narrow).  Sometimes I carry what I need in my pockets so that I don't have to carry a purse at all and yes, I do admit to buying a fanny pack, which I found one that is western design so it fits my style tastes.

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  • lvtwoqlt
    lvtwoqlt Member Posts: 6,162
    edited March 2012

    (((Nancy))), Sorry to hear you have joined the 'sisters of swell' Laughing past the subclinical level. I second the rolling laptop bag to relieve the pressure of carrying the bag. I did a quick search and found this pretty bag on overstock.com  http://www.overstock.com/Luggage-Bags/World-Traveler-Womens-Damask-Print-Rolling-Laptop-Tote/6548452/product.html

    You are doing the massage, wearing garments, elevating arm that should help reduce the swelling. Also drink more water, that will help dilute the fluid and make it easier to move, I know that sounds counter-productive but if you are dehydrated the fluid is thicker and makes it harder to move. Cut back on your salt intake as well.

    Sheila 

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  • olearca
    olearca Member Posts: 215
    edited March 2012

    Nancy, Im sorry to hear this and it just stinks. I would second the idea about a rolling computer bag. I have one that is not too big and it allows me to get all my files, papers, computer, whatever in it and just roll it along. The only thing is you might end up lifting it....such as out of the trunk of car or up stairs or into overhead on plane, so you have to be very careful about that. Depending on the weight of the laptop (I got the smallest lightest one I could find), you can also use a messenger style bag wearing across the chest so distribute the weight instead of on the arms and shoulder.



    The ladies here, especially Binney and kira and lindalou are amazingly knowledgable and compassionate. Exercise (slow and steady), compression, MLD and hydration are our best tools.

    I'm sorry you got what you wished for but happy you got what you wished for.



    Catherine

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  • carol57
    carol57 Member Posts: 3,567
    edited March 2012

    I vote rolling bag, too!  I travel a lot for work (teach seminars), so I'm well acquainted with the problem.  Here are some thoughts, if you look for a rolling laptop bag: 

    Spinner-type bags are very easy to move, and they don't drag on your arm in the least, so they are very tempting. However, they don't move very easily over uneven surfaces, so while terrific for airport interiors, your commute with its inevitable curbs, uneven sidewalks, etc. might pose some difficulties with the spinner type. 

    Next--make sure it comes with a shoulder strap and short handles as well, so you can grab the thing in any way that you need to.  If there's any kind of turnstile to go through for your subway journey, pulling it with the extended handle may not be workable, so you want to be able to put it on your non-LE shoulder or grab it with your non-LE hand. 

    Finally, shop by weight, too.  Luggage.com and other online sites give the weight in the product description, and wow, are there ever some huge differences.  Leather and some damask-type fabrics weigh a ton.   Beautiful may not be part of your solution--go for function, and good luck!!!

    Carol

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited March 2012

    Nancy, are you going to get a re-assessment by your lymphedema therapist? It would make sense and be helpful as clinically, things have changes.

    Very often, there's been a slow, gradual loss of lymphatic function--and something relatively minor will trigger the swelling. Andrea Cheville discussed it in her LBBC podcast, and put most of the blame on radiation, and scarring.

    Since you've kept it in check, early treatment should hopefully get you back to latency.

    I'm going to agree with the roller bag, as my LE therapist had a patient, with no surgery, get LE from an accident involving a backback.

    Unfortunately--and it really, really stinks--things have changed--so it's time for a recheck with your LE therapist. 

    You ideally should learn how to wrap to get the most volume reduction, and then hopefully you'll never or rarely need it.

    We need all the tools in our toolbox, and then we can pick and choose which ones we need.

    If you need info about another LE therapist:

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

    In the end, your commute will be livable and you'll get control over this, I'm sure.

    Kira

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  • carol57
    carol57 Member Posts: 3,567
    edited March 2012

    Nancy, let's not forget to cheer about the four days a week you can work from home and avoid all the LE potholes in the road!  That's really, really great!

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  • NancyD
    NancyD Member Posts: 3,562
    edited March 2012

    Thanks, ladies. I do think the rolling case will be the way I go, but it has to be as light as possible, since I have to climb subway stairs several times a day with it, and lift it over turnstiles. Thank goodness my dominant side is my non-cancer side. I did try using the cross-body strap on the case my company gave me, but that ended up being just as uncomfortable as the single shoulder position.

    Catharine, I wish I had a choice as I definitely would have picked a smaller, lighter model, but the company I work for has determined that this 15" Apple Pro Book is the minimum required for my job. It's about equivalent to the desktop tower I gave up.

    Sheila, I found this case at Overstock (http://www.overstock.com/Luggage-Bags/G-Pacific-Techno-17-inch-Rolling-Computer-Briefcase/3034134/product.html?rcmndsrc=2). I prefer the stylishness of the one you suggested, but this one is a couple of pounds lighter. I'm going to do some local shopping today to see if I can find something like it.

    My daughter  suggested a back-pack, but then she's 20 and shifting one onto her back is easy.  I've never quite gotten the hang of getting it all the way up or getting both arms in at the same time Tongue out.

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  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited March 2012

    Oh how annoying, I am sorry. In addition to all you are already doing, I find that it helps to do the basic stretches and other exercises you are given to do after the mastectomy, make sure you get enough fluids and aim to eat anti-inflammatory foods as much as possible. My arm had swelled a fair bit during treatment, but with daily care it is now much reduced.

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  • NancyD
    NancyD Member Posts: 3,562
    edited April 2012

    Another question. Could a deodorant be complicating the lymphedema, too? About the same time I started lugging the laptop, I switched to a new deodorant. I had been using a crystal type, and before that, Tom's, but my daughter picked up a multipack of Dove deodorant and I decided to try one. It' s a more waxy style than I've been using since my dx...so do you think that could have contributed to the occurrence?

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  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited April 2012

    There are lots of wheeled laptop bags that could help you out. They range from very casual to Manhatten chic for some real money.

    http://www.overstock.com/Luggage-Bags/Rolling-Laptop-Cases/19344/subcat.html

    Just a few options that are out there.

    *susan* 

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  • BeckySharp
    BeckySharp Member Posts: 935
    edited April 2012

    Nancy--I use Tom's deodorant but I never heard of deodorant aggravating LE. 

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  • NancyD
    NancyD Member Posts: 3,562
    edited April 2012

    Thanks, Susan. I did buy a wheeled carrier. It's been a lifesaver, even if it is a bit awkward sometimes.



    I've been given the name of a local massage therapist that my onc's office recommends for lymphedema. I'm going to see what she charges and make an appointment. I will also check to see if it's covered under my health insurance policy which changed in January. I know it was under the old one, but who knows. Companies drop outlying coverage to save money these days.



    I've also been doing the MLD massage twice a day. That seems to have kept it from getting worse, and has made small strides in reducing it. At least my knuckles look normal again and the back of my hand has more definition, as well as my forearm. It didn't really seem to noticeably swell my upper arm so that's been one good thing, I think.



    Thanks, ladies. I'll be reading these threads more frequently, now. I only wish I could tell my BS he was wrong. He said I'd never get LE. But he died of heart attack in January. He was a good man and a very good surgeon, but obviously he had bad prognostic skills.

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  • crystalphm
    crystalphm Member Posts: 1,138
    edited April 2012

    I too have to travel with alot of "stuff"...and I shop for my rolling cases by how much they weigh! Some of the travel websites like Magellans or Travel Smith list the weight and size of all their luggage, so it becomes easier to select a tote.

    Since I travel with significant "stuff" (I am an artist who travels to sell my work) I also know every elevator and "handicapped" ramp so I can just keep pulling my totes. It takes a little longer, but I get there with my arm safe.

    It has neem a learning curve, big time.

    I am sorry about your husband, my doctor also told me I would never get it. And I did.

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  • dassi52
    dassi52 Member Posts: 206
    edited October 2012

    It's a little late but I can recommend the SOLO rolling bag, Ihave been using for the past 2 years. I am a teacher and tend to have lots of papers and school stuff that needs to go back and forth from home to work. It's not light but  I bump it up and down stairs, have a ramp at work, and I can even fit in my 17inch laptop. Got it long before LE just so I shouldn't have to carry (bad back etc and risk of LE in the background) The SOLO isn't cheap, around 80$. I got it on Amazon.

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  • NancyD
    NancyD Member Posts: 3,562
    edited October 2012

    dassi, thanks for your suggestion. I did get a rolling bag, used it for a few months, and then got laid off in June and had to turn the laptop in. So the point is moot now. But this info should be helpful to others who have to lug around heavy equipment.



    As my posts said, this all happened years after my surgery, and in the interim I moved my son, cleared out my Dad's house, cleared out my Aunt's house, and moved myself. I thought those workouts would have brought on the LE. Maybe the laptop shoulder bag was the straw that broke the camel's back.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited October 2012
    Nancy, hello! Haven't "seen" you in a while. How's it going?
    Hugs,
    Binney
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  • NancyD
    NancyD Member Posts: 3,562
    edited October 2012

    Hi Binney! Things are under control...at least no increased swelling. Thank heavens for my sleeve. But it's getting so much use, I will have to order a new one or two. MLD seems to relieve the "ache" that comes with LE. So between the two, I'm feeling like it will be OK. I'm still a "small" in sleeve size.



    Also, the loss of my job has put the laptop back in the hands of my former employer, so I don't have to lug it around anymore.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited October 2012
    Nancy, all good!Smile (Well, except losing the jobFrown--hope you found something even better, minus the laptop).
    Hugs,
    Binney
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  • NancyD
    NancyD Member Posts: 3,562
    edited October 2012

    No new job, and probably won't be one any time soon, if at all. I'm over 60 and no matter what people say, age discrimination exists and is the invisible barrier that keeps the unemployment statistics high. Add the spectre of breast cancer hanging over my head and I wonder if I want to go back fulltime. A few more years under my belt and I probably would have been retiring to take advantage of good health while I still have it.

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