How soon to start MLD

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Quasi
Quasi Member Posts: 44
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

I am 4 weeks post op, I had a RX and I had 12 nodes removed (3 were affected), with immediate LD flap reconstruction. I am still having hypersensitivity in my upper arm and it is really painful to touch. My upper arm is heavy and painful at times. My BS said I should start MLD but I cannot STAND to touch my upper arm, especially the bottom part so how soon did you start your MLD? Should I just do it despite the pain? I would like to add that I experience burning pain in my armpit where my nodes were removed.

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  • mnmbeck
    mnmbeck Member Posts: 313
    edited January 2014

    Your BS told you to start massage....are you seeing a Certified Lymphadema therapist?  That is the person who can teach you how to do massage, and I know mine does some stuff in the office that is different than I am doing at home that helps.  I don't know how you could do massage with such pain and I am guessing some limited mobility?  But....you definitely need to see a professional who can teach you how to do things properly, tell you what things to look for, and maybe even get you going with compression garments?  Don't try to figure it out all on your own....I hope you are feeling better soon!

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited January 2014

    See a Certified LymphEdema Therapist!  You need to be seen by someone with education to teach you.  "Massage" done wrong can cause problems.

    I first saw my CLET approx 9 weeks post UMX - no recon.

    Having a CLET do the MLD will not only teach you the way to do it but also the pressure to use/how it should feel when you do it yourself

    You didn't mention anything about your ROM or if you are seeing a pt.  Some PTs are also CLET but many aren't even thogh they claim to 'know all about LE'.

    MLD needs to be taught AND felt - not looking at some video on line. 

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