sleeve needed for cording?

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mags20487
mags20487 Member Posts: 1,591
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

I wear a sleeve and glove daily on my left side (18 nodes out) but lately I have been getting cording in my right arm (only 1 node removed) and was wondering if wearing a sleeve would possible help to keep LE away from this side too.  I am really bad about remembering to do MLD--always in a hurry to get out the door on time.  Just hoping to get some perspective as I cannot afford anymore PT right now.

Maggie

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  • LtotheK
    LtotheK Member Posts: 2,095
    edited August 2012

    Let's wait for Kira and Binney, but my take is no.  First of all, there are mixed reports about whether cording predisposes patients to LE. Some reports suggest compression may precipitate LE. Second, the jury is really out on whether gloves and sleeves are helpful to prevent LE.  It's such a mixed bag, this crazy stuff.

    I prefer to keep myself is really good shape, drink a lot of water, and practice meditation.  I think these are equally helpful. 

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  • KangaMama
    KangaMama Member Posts: 31
    edited August 2012

    I had cording following both mastectomy with SNB and completion ALND (13 nodes removed in total). I am working with a PT who specializes in breast related issues and she didn't recommend a sleeve for cording. Instead she had me stretch my bent arm in the direction that put some tension on the cord and then gently increase the tension by straightening and bending my arm. (Hard to describe - hope thay makes some sense.) Amazingly, the cord softened in a few days. Two months later, I either have a new cord developing or the old one is reforming (I can't remember the exact location) so I'm starting the stretches again.



    I do not have LE and do not wear any compression garments. Also, my PT said that their practice (rehab doc, breast surgeons, breast PTs at regional cancer center) doesn't believe cording is a risk factor for LE, but I've read that others hold a different opinion.



    Good luck, and I hope you find some relief.

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  • mags20487
    mags20487 Member Posts: 1,591
    edited August 2012

    thanks for your input....I already have LE in the left side and what a battle that is.  Do not want it in the other "good" arm for sure.

    Mags

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