self massage, ice or heat

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melmcbee
melmcbee Member Posts: 1,119
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Does anybody have some good links to videos that will show me what to do for manual lymph massage? I had bmx 7-9-12, right alnd and left port 8-9-12. Im so scared of the lymphedema and I think I have freaked myself out. I took a nap and woke up on my right arm with indentions in it from the bedspread. Scared to sleep on left side cause the port is more tender and feels like its movable. When I woke up my right arm neck and face was swollen. I just laughed at myself that only I could cause myself harm by sleeping. lol. Anyway. my neck has hurt since the alnd surgery. not my throat my actual neck and jaw. kinda feels like its all locked up. Can I put ice on my arm or should I put heat on it. How do I manually drain the lymph out of my arm and back into my body? Does anyone know of any videos that I can watch to do it myself.  Thanks for letting me vent and for any help. Im sorry I am acting like a crazy person.

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

    Mel, welcome, and I'm so sorry for all you've been dealing with!Frown

    I do understand your fear of lymphedema, but want to reassure you that because you're so aware and onto it, should it develop you'll be in a good position to get it under control quickly and keep it that way with as little fuss as possible.

    Any temperature extreme is hard on an area where the lymph system has been compromised. Both heat and cold draw extra lymph to the area, and you want to avoid that where possible. So if you use heat, make it warm rather than hot. And if you use an ice pack, use a towel between your skin and the pack and limit the time to around 15 minutes.

    Rather than trying to do your own manual lymph drainage (the pattern needs to be individualized based on your previous surgeries, scar placement, and areas of swelling; after bilateral surgeries the pattern is quite different than those shown on videos), best plan is to ask any doctor on your team for a referral to a well-trained lymphedema therapist. They're the professionals who evaluate and treat lymphedema. Here's how to find one near you:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

    S/he will take lots of measurements for future reference, give you personalized risk reduction tips, teach you a gentle self-massage, and fit you for compression sleeves and hand protection to use for exercise, travel or any unusual activities. If needed, s/he will begin treatment to get everything back in control before you move on with treatment. S/he will also then be available to answer any questions that come up with further bc treatment. All good!Smile

    Please stay in touch and let us know how you're doing. We're sure here for you!

    Be well!
    Binney

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  • melmcbee
    melmcbee Member Posts: 1,119
    edited August 2012

    Thanks Binney for the advice. I have a therapist that I have worked with for about 15 yrs. Her sister is a bc survivor. I told her I couldnt afford to go to her as often as she wants but I guess I need to sttart back for just a couple of weeks. She already did my pre measurements before my last surgery.

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