Lymphedema from taking blood pressure?

Options
ciaogina
ciaogina Member Posts: 43
edited January 2019 in Lymphedema

i am so mad!!! Went for a podiatrist appointment today & while tech was talking and taking my blood pressure, I simply handed over my right arm (which is my affected arm!!!) Now, since I had my BMx that is all I worry about— getting lymphedema. I have a bracelet that I wear faithfully &always use my left arm for bloodwork & BP. And I’ve gradually added weights to my exercise routine. I just had an appointment w/ my onc & everything was fine, aside from joint pain.( I’m on exemestane). My question is this: can a person get lymphedema from taking bp just once?
I ripped the cuff off after realizing what had happened. Of course my arm feels like it’s tingling
But I was massaging my arm all day, so not sure if the discomfort is from the bp or me rubbing my arm! 😩
Should i call my dr or just wait & see? I’m not only mad at myself for forgetting but the tech should have asked!!!
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited January 2019

    Just wait and see. Almost always you will be fine, especially since you are far out from surgeries (although, of course, it is better to always use the other arm, but everyone messes up sometimes).

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LeesaD
    LeesaD Member Posts: 383
    edited January 2019

    My right arm is off limits as well. A few weeks ago I had an infection in my right ring finger under the nail bed. The doctor had to lance it with a scalpel and I was freaking out thinking it would set off lymphedema and all was good. Also during one of my surgeries as I was being put under I realized they put the blood pressure cuff on my right arm. I was fading and last thing I remember saying to doctor was remove the cuff. I even had a bracelet on too that the hospital put on me. All was fine again and no issues. Not saying it can't happen but I wouldn't worry.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pupmom
    pupmom Member Posts: 5,068
    edited January 2019

    I made the same mistake once, and have no sign of lymphedema. I was wearing an alert bracelet, but in my experience, they never check those things. It's on us to alert them.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited January 2019

    You're right about the tech asking first. Pausing to answer would have caused you to state your restriction.

    Perhaps you should contact the doctor's office and suggest they retrain their staff. I hate those automatic BP machines - they almost always overinflate resulting in discomfort which then elevates the reading. I usually request a manual process meaning they have to run around looking for the proper equipment, stethoscope, etc. That wait also gives me time to remember which arm to offer!

    Did you have baseline arm measurements recorded prior to surgery?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories