Swollen painful arm - what do to for exercise to help? (or not!)

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ce3
ce3 Member Posts: 18
edited June 2014 in Working on Your Fitness
Swollen painful arm - what do to for exercise to help? (or not!)
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  • ce3
    ce3 Member Posts: 18
    edited April 2014

    Hello everyone,

    I am new to the community.  I had breast cancer (stage II) and 4 nodes removed from my right arm (operation was in September 2013). All went well and I've finished my treatment and am on Tamoxifen.  I have read about the importance of exercise during and after treatment. I continued to exercise during my treatment (elliptic machine, Nordic walking and cycling).  However I recently went on the rowing machine (something I could do with ease before the operation) and have strained my right arm and it has swollen up a bit.  I have a couple of appointments with a physiotherapist to do some lymph drainage on my arm and have been told I need to rest it.

    However, I am feeling a bit lost with what I can and cannot/shouldn't do to recover the strength and muscle tone in my arm.  My surgeon has told me I can lead a "normal life" when I asked him about doing the sports I love (sailing, skiing, yoga) but if my arm caused problems to stop and get some physio.  The swelling is slight and I don't have to wear a compression bandage or gloves like I've read some of you do.  I have no idea how long this condition will last and if I can ever go sailing again for example.  Can anyone offer some advice?  I've seen that there are tri-athletes on this site, how have you done it?

    Thank you! 

    (p.s. I live in Paris)

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  • LilacBlue
    LilacBlue Member Posts: 1,636
    edited April 2014

    Hi ce3, click and jump to: Guidelines on Exercise For Those With/At Risk for Lymphedema that is where you will find answers for your swollen arm.  I lived in Paris for 9 years - terrific physios and I have faith you will get relief.  Come join is at: Let's Post our Daily Exercise where many of us post daily; it's friendly and fun!  Take good care and I have a feeling Mary will be along soon!

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited April 2014

    And you may find this article helpful as well Lymphedema and exercise. 

    Thinking of you, 

    The Mods

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  • ce3
    ce3 Member Posts: 18
    edited April 2014

    Hello LilacBlue, thank you SO much for your reply.  I've just been reading through the links you sent, 'Step Up, Speak Out' and the exercise pdf.  They are brilliant, exactly what I needed. I was feeling so demoralized about now having to face this after everything else. I think I need to find a specialist physio.  I still have to rest my arm but now at least I have some good reading material. CJ

    And thank you 'The Mods' for your link too!

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  • LilacBlue
    LilacBlue Member Posts: 1,636
    edited April 2014

    Oh good ce3 and I too think the Step Up, Speak Out site is excellent!  Do rest your arm and a specialist physio can help with getting your flare-up back within normal limits. LB

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  • cinnamonsmiles
    cinnamonsmiles Member Posts: 779
    edited April 2014

    I would suggest you see a certified lymphedema therapist who has experience treating lymphedema. If you have LE, you need to be taking care of it via manual lymphedema drainage at home, possible LE garments, drinking water, do deep breathing exercises (belly breathing).

    You may have to alter your exercise routine if you have LE and continually get flare ups from exercising.

    Your therapist should be recommending what exercises you can do. I have had to learn by doing to know what is too much for myself.

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  • ce3
    ce3 Member Posts: 18
    edited April 2014

    Hello Cinnamonsmiles, yes, this makes sense - I am trying to find a specialist at the moment.  Will also make a more determined effort to drink plenty of water.  Thank you.

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  • LilacBlue
    LilacBlue Member Posts: 1,636
    edited April 2014

    ce3, in the meantime, are you able to be exercise active, such as walking?

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  • ce3
    ce3 Member Posts: 18
    edited April 2014

    Yes, I am still going to the gym where I do speed walking on a gradient (although at the moment without the vigorous arm movements), the elliptic machine and cross-country ski machine (again, no arm movements).  I usually do 40-45 minutes.  Helps cheer me up knowing I can at least still do this.

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  • LilacBlue
    LilacBlue Member Posts: 1,636
    edited April 2014

    That is terrific ce3 and ditto on feeling cheered up via raised endorphins!   

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