LE and jogging

Michele, goodness! Sure does sound like it could be LE, but if so, it's LE that's not under control and will continue to give you grief until it is.

Has your therapist taught you how to do self-MLD? Do you have a glove or gauntlet to wear with your sleeve? Have you tried any other compression garments for your breast/trunk?

I agree with Leah that a search for another LE therapist you could be helpful. Here's information on finding well-trained LE therapists near you:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

And here's information about truncal lymphedema:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/breast_chest_trunckal_lymphedema.htm

At the bottom of that page are links to several kinds of breast compression options you might try, but check it out with your therapist too, as she should have suggestions specific to your particular needs.

Exercise is good. Jogging is good. But only if you've already got all the tools you need to manage the LE, and it sounds like you might be missing some that would help. Let us know what you discover!
Binney

Michele, LE is a bit different for each of us, and activities that aggravate it for one of us may not bother others. So, yeah, it's entirely possible that jogging could make things worse. BUT!!! There are ways around that, and you'll need to find out what they are FOR YOU. I like to jog too -- if I did it without proper protection and strategies, though, both my hands and my chest would swell. So I only do it with a well-fitted compression cami and my sleeves and gloves on. I also raise my arms every couple of minutes and open and close my fists slowly as I run. I jog fast enough to make deep breathing an integral part of it, but not so fast that I'm out of breath. And I make a point of staying really well hydrated.

Good idea to touch down with the therapist, make sure your compression garments are appropriate, review how you're doing MLD (it's easy to go too fast or apply too much pressure, or even to forget steps, so having her check your technique will help), and give you some personalized suggestions for keeping everything under control while you're active.

Let us know what you discover, please!
Gentle hugs,
Binney

Jogging definitely helps my truncal LE.  Ellipticalling and other vigorous aerobic exercises have the same beneficial effect. I can definitely tell the difference when I slack off the aerobic stuff for a few days.  

My LE is early stage and controlled enough that I'm able to jog and do other aerobic exercise without having to wear truncal or arm compression, but obviously I monitor that situation.  I do wear well-fitted high-back sports bras - it's the one area where I don't go bargain shopping.   And of course I always wear my sleeve and gauntlet when doing other exercise like weight training and yoga (absolutely with modified poses).

Sounds like a visit with a good LE therapist is warranted to make sure you have all the tools you need to manage your LE under control.   

I'm running my first 10K this Sunday - wish me luck!!! 

The forecast for race time is about 50 degrees with maybe a scattered shower.  Between the LE and the AI hot flashes, 50 degrees with a chance of rain is PERFECT running weather for me!  I'll definitely report back - once I recover!! 

@Binney4: luckely i am able to swim year-round, the swimming pool is next door! and i bought a year ticket it is 130 euro, but you can swim from 7:30-22:30 every day! 

so one thing positive about the LE is that now whith this swimming i am getting at good health..

it is true that the skin itchs, i have it too, after the swimming i put creme on for extreme dry skin  and then i go to bed with this fatty creme on for the night it helps!

the only thing is that some days, when my LE is bad, i am a bit embarrased with this leg to go swimming... but i can't stop swimming because of this..;

Greetings!