Can steroids make lymphedema worse?

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terrij152
terrij152 Member Posts: 530
edited September 2015 in Lymphedema

My ENT put me on a medrol dose pack for fluid in my ears. I'm on my second day when I noticed tonight at dinner that my right arm was warm and more swollen. I did have a manicure yesterday too so I'm not sure if it could be from the steroids or the manicure? What do you think?

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited September 2015

    Manicure! Unfortunately most Nail Salons do not follow good sanitatity/sterilization practices!

    I had to do dexamethazon for 4 weeks for an aggravated nerve in my brain - no issues at all with my LE.

    Be sure to take your own implements IF you have a manicure to be sure they are not contaminated.

    "Warm and swollen" - see your DR ASAP.

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  • glennie19
    glennie19 Member Posts: 6,398
    edited September 2015

    Terri, steroids, like Medrol, can cause fluid retention (due to electrolyte imbalance) and edema,,, but that is swelling due to fluid retention as opposed to lymphedema. It could mimic LE, I suppose, but it's not known to flare LE. That being said,, anything is possible. It seems like when I had to take a course of Medrol a few months back, mine actually felt better.

    I am concerned that your arm feels warm. Do you have antibiotics for emergency use? I know it is a holiday weekend, so getting in touch with your MD might be an issue,,,, may want to consider the ER or walk-in clinic tomorrow. Check for fever. Elevate your arm and drinks lots of water in the meantime.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited September 2015

    Or don't wait for tomorrow and go to critical care now--better safe than sorry, since infection with lymphedema is a serious emergency, and it can become systemic quickly. Here's more information:

    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Emergencies_and_Med...

    Please don't hesitate on this one. Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • terrij152
    terrij152 Member Posts: 530
    edited September 2015

    No fever. Just put a call out to my oncologist.

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  • terrij152
    terrij152 Member Posts: 530
    edited September 2015

    On my way to the ER after talking to my oncologist. Yippee!!

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  • glennie19
    glennie19 Member Posts: 6,398
    edited September 2015

    oh, darn,,,,, but better safe than sorry. Let us know how you make out.

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  • terrij152
    terrij152 Member Posts: 530
    edited September 2015

    No blood clot and my white count is normal. Starting oral antibiotics just to be safe and getting discharged!

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  • glennie19
    glennie19 Member Posts: 6,398
    edited September 2015

    Good news!!

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited September 2015

    Terri, so glad you've had this seen to, and a big thanks for keeping us posted--we worry!

    Hoping all's back to "new normal" soon,
    Binney

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  • terrij152
    terrij152 Member Posts: 530
    edited September 2015

    The redness and warmth have gone done already after 2 doses of antibiotics. How long should I wait before putting my sleeve back on

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited September 2015

    Terri, current practice says you can use garments again when the infection is resolving (which it sounds like it is--yes!) But maybe for tonight just plan to elevate your arm on pillows through the night, and as much as possible tomorrow too. Stay REALLY WELL hydrated. And do some slow, gentle arm-pumping exercises when you think of it. Also, deep abdominal breaths help by stimulating the largest lymph vessel in our bodies, so pausing from time to time to take a few deep breaths will help too.

    Hope you'll soon be well past this rotten episode! Have a good night,
    Binney

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  • terrij152
    terrij152 Member Posts: 530
    edited September 2015

    Binney, thank you for your advice and support! My arm looks great today, barely pink and not warm at all! Glad I went to the ER when I did, my oncologist said if I let it go overnight it would have been much worse and I would have needed IV antibiotics. That would have put a damper in my vacation that I'm leaving for tomorrow!

    Thanks again!!

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited September 2015

    We love good news!

    Safe travels!
    Binney

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