hello .have had lymphodemia for 3 yrs now and wear a sleeve and glove . at my last appointment the nurse was very concerned that my arm was very swollen ,i broke my wrist in nov last year and its swelling around the joint etc .i also get it up my arm and into my dog ear! now she wants to bandage me and says the bandages are very tight ,has anyone had this and was it effective in getting the swelling down at all , my arm is so painful and aches all the time .
thanks .lynn x
Hi Lynn
Interesting, because last week l was talking to my bcn about bandaging for lymphodemia, it was just a light hearted chat, l said years ago they used to bandage women who wanted to stop breast feeding, to stop the breast milk coming in, l asked if this would work the same way? she said no, and wouldn’t recommend it. sorry but at the time it was just chit chat, so l never asked her why. If you don’t get too many replies, perhaps the helpline here could help!
Sandra x
Hi,
I’v had lymphoedema in my right arm for about 8 years now. I find the sleeve unbearable so don’t wear it. I see a MLD (manual lymph drainage) specialist sometimes and she gives me a massage which makes me more comfortable and she has taught me simple lymph drainage.
I have been bandaged several times, normally over a few days, ie bandaged one day, bandages removed and replaced following day …The bandages are tight and not particularly comfy but it does generally get the swelling down a bit.
Do either of you belong to the lymphoedema society network (LSN)? it has useful info and newsletters etc
Hope all goes well for you and your lymphoedema improves a bit
Julie x
Hi Lynn,
I’ve had bandaging twice and I hated it because it was uncomfortable and itchy and I couldn’t use my arm so very frustrating. But, it did help a bit and it is definitely an accepted mainstream treatment. It should only be done by a specialist in lymphoedema.
Rowena