Lymphedema after amputation?

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Journey
Journey Member Posts: 905
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

I am friends with a guy who had an accident and had to have three fingers amputated below the knuckle.  It's been a few months and he is having issues that sound a lot like lymphedema to me.  Is this possible?  He was given some little stocking like things to wear but they have stretched out and don't stay on at this point.  He is very active and has a physically demanding job.  I would like to point him in the right direction for help.  Every time he sees me with a sleeve on he asks me if it helps, etc. 

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

    Journey, hello!

    Were only his fingers involved in this accident, or was there crush trauma to his arm as well? Crush trauma (like the damage done to so many in the Haitian earthquake when buildings fell on them) is very hard on the lymphatics, and can cause lymphedema. But if only his fingers were involved it would be difficult to visualize physiologically how that would result in arm lymphedema. Not that I'd put it past our ornery lymph systems...Yell Hopefully Kira will be along with some thoughts on that.

    If he wants an evaluation, he could get a referral from any member of his medical team to a well-trained lymphedema therapist. Here's how he can find one near him:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

    Let us know what he discovers, please. Be well!
    Binney

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  • Journey
    Journey Member Posts: 905
    edited July 2012

    Hi Binney!  No crushing...he lost them pretty cleanly in a riding lawn mower accident Surprised

    I have been looking for a map of nodes in the hands but can't find anything.  What he describes sure sounds like it's lymp build up... but who knows.  Thank you for the therapist locator as I had forgotten all about that resource!  I will check back in later tonight I hope to see if Kira or anyone has anything more to add.  Thank you Binney!

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