First Cold/Flu since surgery and Lymphadema - Connection?

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BlueCowgirl
BlueCowgirl Member Posts: 667
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Like the subject says, I have the first cold/sore throat/maybe mild flu I have had since surgery. This is my second day of the cold, and while I have had a few mild Lymphadema flare-ups, I am suddenly having a much more severe one, and for the first time, not just my elbow/upper arm, but my lower arm and hand are swollen. Elbow hurts like hell. No cuts or burns or overuse of arm to explain it.

I am traveling (funeral today) and not thrilled about the prospect of trying to find an unfamiliar doctor to address this rather than spending time with my family. Is this something I should be really concerned about, or can it wait? Thanks for any and all advice.

Also - due to unrelated medical condition, not allowed to take NSAIDs. Elevating and icing elbow and have taken tylenol (Well, truth be told, Hydrocodone which includes 500 mg of Acetominophen). Anything else that might help?

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited April 2012

    Cowgirl, I'm so sorry!Frown Been there, done that, and it's no fun having this happen when you're nowhere near your own healthcare team.

    So, a few quick suggestions, starting with: don't ice it. Temperature extremes cause the body to send extra lymph fluid to the area, and you don't want that.

    Elevating is good, every chance you get. Tonight on a pillow while you sleep. Also drink LOTS--sounds counterintuitive, but it dilutes the lymph fluid and helps it flow. Deep abdominal breathing whenever you think of it--helps stimulate the largest lymph vessel in your body. Try not to use that arm/hand for much, especially nothing heavy.

    You don't say how you traveled, but both air travel and long car trips can aggravate lymphedema. Any chance you could get a long-sleeve sports shirt (like UnderArmour) before your trip home? Get it in a size smaller than you'd normally wear, and wear it inside-out so the seams don't irritate your skin. Try it on and be sure it's not digging into your arm pit. For your hand, an isotoner therapeutic glove can help, or even those "craft gloves" they sell at craft stores for women with arthritis. Anything that adds some compression to your hand without irritating anything.

    NSAIDs aren't good for lymphedema, as they encourage swelling, so no loss there.

    Since there's pain involved be sure to watch for any signs of infection and GET HELP AT ONCE. Obviously you don't want to make an ER trip at this point, but if you suspect infection DO IT ANYWAY. Here's information about infection with lymphedema:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Emergencies_and_Medical_Care_lymphedema.htm

    Oh, and in answer to your question, yes, many of us have had trouble with flares when we're sick. Get well soon!

    Please let us know how you're doing, and tell us how we can help.

    Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 16,882
    edited April 2012

    Oh cowgirl I'm sorry, but Binney seems to know what to do. I don't really travel so I don't et flare-ups if that's what caused all this. But I will say before all this started I used to get a cold for 3 days-no fever, not much, now my colds always go into infections needing antibiotics and it takes a while for them to leave and I have fevers.  I don't know if this is all connected, but I thought I'd mention it cuz if u do get things worse maybe all of this is why????  I don't know

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  • olearca
    olearca Member Posts: 215
    edited April 2012

    Cowgirl, also adding my condolences for the funeral and the flareup. Binney, has given you all the expert advice. I can only add that I always notice more pain or swelling when I'm sick, even just a cold. Take good care.

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  • Outfield
    Outfield Member Posts: 1,109
    edited April 2012

    Bluecowgirl,

    Binney is so knowledgeable.  I just wanted to chime in that while my lymphedema is generally extremely well-controlled, I do notice it flares some when I'm sick.  I posted about this a few months ago on the Grrrr thread, and a number of other folks had recognized that pattern too.  

    I hope yours goes back to its former state. 

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  • BlueCowgirl
    BlueCowgirl Member Posts: 667
    edited April 2012

    I had totally forgotten about this thread, and wanted to give my thanks to all who posted. Fine now...and thanks again.

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