Exercise and Lymphedema Risk

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Gina9195
Gina9195 Member Posts: 34
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

I've gotten back into exercising which includes running on a treadmill or using an elliptical machine. I've noticed that once my blood is pumping, my upper arm feels numb and heavy. It's still numb to the touch normally due to node dissection performed a week after mastectomy. I only had 6 nodes removed, and my surgeon didn't seemed concerned with lymphedema risk. My node removal surgery was appx. 6 weeks ago. I need to exercise, but want to be aware of my limits. Any thoughts?

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  • cooka
    cooka Member Posts: 278
    edited April 2012

    Hi Gina,

    I have lymphedema w/4 nodes out...felt like numbness/weird sensation in my upper arm during yoga. However, in your case, could very well be just surgery aftermath. I recommend getting a referral to a PT with LE certification who has a good rep with BC patients in your area just to check it out...

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  • Gina9195
    Gina9195 Member Posts: 34
    edited April 2012

    Thank you Cooka! And then did you swell afterwards? Because its definitely a weird feeling, and only during exercise. I see my onc next week and will ask him for a referral. My range of motion is back to normal, but still tight as I'm sure I'm still healing. I had a seroma and cording, but those issues were taken care of.

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  • cooka
    cooka Member Posts: 278
    edited April 2012

    The swelling wasn't something I could really see...I felt it (and arm measurements confirmed it). It was probably hard to see because it was my upper arm, not my hand or wrists. I did yoga and hiking throughout chemo, so my scar tissue was in great shape and my ROM was good, but the LE showed up just after my last tx. If it is LE for you, there is lots of good advice on here and I have not really curtailed my sports at all (under the guidance of my LE PT), alhough it is a bummer to get it. Actually when I think about it, I am probably more active now than I would have been because I KNOW I have it; I don't have to tip toe around trying NOT to get it...the horse is already out of the barn:) Hope you get good news!

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  • Gina9195
    Gina9195 Member Posts: 34
    edited April 2012

    Great news that it doesn't slow you down! Thanks for your input.

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

    Gina, get yourself to a PT. Chording increases your risk for lymphedema, and surgeons are fond of downplaying the risk. I managed to get chording and swelling on the side with only one lymph node removed, and the surgeon had sworn that side would NEVER have any problems. 

    The solution may be as simple as wearing some light compression when you exercise. 

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  • Gina9195
    Gina9195 Member Posts: 34
    edited April 2012

    Thank you! I will definitely get a referral to a PT.

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  • hugz4u
    hugz4u Member Posts: 2,781
    edited April 2012

    Before you rule out LE (surgeons usually say you won't get it as they are ill informed) go to the website stepup-speakout where many of us girls get our education on Lyphmedema.

    Your best bet is to visit a Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapist (MLD) who can look at you and see what is going on. Many PT really don't know much about LE unless they are specifically trained. Usually Massage therapist's take on this role but PT's sometimes take the certified course to treat LE.  

    You can get LE from having only one node out, I hope you don't have Le but it is wise that you are watching yourself. You may just have post surgery swelling.  

    Many times preclinical LE presents itself with a funny feeling, tightness, heaviness, and tiredness when you work your arm.  While waiting for a appointment try elevating your arm above heart level and rest it.   Don't tire out arm with activities, Drink tons of water to flush the fluids out

    Do visit the site I listed  and wait for our experts to answer you here.

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  • Gina9195
    Gina9195 Member Posts: 34
    edited April 2012

    Sorry for the slow response, but thank you for the info and the name of the website. The cancer center I go to has an LE clinic, so I'm going to guess they have certified PT's. I'll check that out too.

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