Decrease in lymphedema after tissue expanders removed?

Hi Runnergirl26,

I can't say whether the removal of expanders led to the improvement in my lymphedema, but I have had gradual improvement since the removal of the expanders and my recovery following the reconstruction surgery.  I had the surgery in September 2014 and since then I've progressed to the point where I very rarely wear compression.   I still have some swelling in my hand, but it has gotten better.  I wear a glove at night while sleeping to control it.  I haven't found a glove that really worked for me during the day while I am working, which involves a lot of writing and typing.  I do manual massage twice a day - morning and before bed.  And I have the massage machine that I do two to three times a week for an hour before bedtime.   I also wear a compression sleeve and glove whenever I exercise or fly.  I think that exercising is a big help.  I walk / jog on the treadmill or use an elliptical machine, and I lift weights, usually up to 10 lbs for my  arms. I'm trying to progress to heavier weights on the machines. 

My therapist did say that lymphedema usually does better during cooler weather.  I'm hoping this summer won't lead to it worsening.  I try to avoid being out for long periods in the hot, humid weather we have here. 

I hope you see improvements soon!

Rebecca

Its only been 1 week since my tissue expander was replaced with an implant and I feel such a reliel inarm pain and swelling!! I just googled it tobsee if anyone else had similar experience, wiow!!

I had my tissue expander removed one week ago and have had immediate relief from the weird sensations and swelling in my upper arm. I hope it helps you to