weight gain-can it be the lympedema

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BetNY22
BetNY22 Member Posts: 80
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema
weight gain-can it be the lympedema
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  • BetNY22
    BetNY22 Member Posts: 80
    edited July 2013

    Hi Ladies,

    I am 4 months post chemo,2 months was last radiation. I have been on tamoxifen for 3 months and really haven't had much side effects other than having some trouble staying asleep at night. I have been confirmed that I do indeed have stage1 lymphedema, both in the arm and in my trunk. I do go to a lymphedema massage therapist that helps with the arm, not so much the trunk. For the last few weeks I have noticed that it is feeling heavier and heavier in my trunk right under my armpit in both the front and back parts of my breast. At the same time as feeling this heaviness I have gained weight. I have been eating very healthy and really don't have a big appetite. Two weeks ago I was 142 lbs and I am now 147lbs. I am short so those 5 pounds mean alot. I was wondering if it could be the lymphedema but I do see my face is fuller and my pants don't fit- so the weight is going everyplace. I am so frustrated...after everything else I've been through in the last year and now this weight gain! I know they say you shouldn't take a water pill but I am thinking of everything and gonna try just one today and see what happens since I feel I am not going to the bathroom as often as I used to. Any advice would be appreciated.

    Bet

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  • proudtospin
    proudtospin Member Posts: 5,972
    edited July 2013

    no idea but I understand that some treatmente (rads is what I found out) rev up your metabolism, when mine ended, I gained at first till I got myself under control and understood that I had been eating more during rads

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited July 2013

    Hi, Bet,

    With lymphedema a flare can definitely add a few pounds, sometimes overnight. Not sure it would be all over, though, so you'll want to check that out. At any rate, for lymphedema a "water pill" would be counterproductive. It might temporarily reduce the swelling, but it only gets rid of the water, not the large protein molecules that are part of the lymph fluid. That protein then acts like a sponge, drawing fluid back into your tissues. For lymphedema, it's better to increase your water intake, which helps dilute the lymph fluid and keep it moving (the opposite of a water pill, which just gums everything up).

    But all that really depends on the proper diagnosis. Hopefully with the end of the weekend you can get some answers! Do keep us posted.

    Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • BetNY22
    BetNY22 Member Posts: 80
    edited July 2013

    Thank you for your responses. I ate very little today and drank alot of water. I did try the water pill, we shall see what the scale says tomorrow. I don't know if it is a coincedence or not but that feeling under my arm does not feel as heavy. I will definitely keep that in mind with the water pills and not be quick to do that again, I definitely don't want to gum anything up. I am really gonna try to keep up with the water, I have such a hard time cause Im not a big drinker of liquids besides coffee, which is probably the worst for me.

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  • ahdjdbcjdjdbkf
    ahdjdbcjdjdbkf Member Posts: 645
    edited July 2013

    Just keep in mind that water pills are considered to be bad for the cycle of lymphedema. It's the hydration that helps it. This is on all the lymphedema sites. You could be doing more harm than good in the long run for a few vanity lbs.

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  • BetNY22
    BetNY22 Member Posts: 80
    edited July 2013

    I doubt I will ever take a water pill again. I don't want this lymphedema to get worse and the water pill made a difference for a day. Sitting waiting at my RO for my first follow up appointment. Curious to see what she says about my truncal lymphedema.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited July 2013

    Bet, I should add that there are some OTHER conditions that do require water pills to manage them. If you have a condition like that, the use of the pills should be managed carefully by your doctor, hopefully with reference to your LE therapist. It's possible to treat both LE and the other condition successfully, but it takes some coordination of your care.

    Let us know what the RO has to say. Be well!
    Binney

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2013

    Bet it could be the Tamox. A lot of ladies have said they have gained weight on the drug. When I took it, I did too. I cant remember now but you might want to check the side effects as Im sure weight gain is in there listed.

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