Hi
I know this is a bit late in the year but I couldn’t stand the state of my kitchen any longer. I have spent the last few days gradually reducing the layer of accumulated grease and grime and am now wondering if this level of physical activity is going to cause me an ongoing problem with my LD.
I have increased the amount of SLD as a precaution and any discomfort that builds up during the day seems to have reduced by the next morning, but would appreciate advice from any one of you that have learnt to live with LD. How much is enough - is this what my LD nurse meant by wear your sleeve when necessary. Unfortunately I don’t have a cleaning fairy in my house.
Thanks
Andie
ooh wish I had a house cleaning fairy ! My lymphoedema is usually fairly well behaved and I get away with just wearing my sleeve when I know I’m going to be moving my arm a lot and doing stuff like grocery shopping, it doesn’t like lifting things in and out of the trolley. The other thing that does set me off is cleaning,it just doesn’t like the whole wiping ,scrubbing thing so I have got to wear my sleeve for that and if it does start swelling I just up my sleeve usage and do a bit more SLD, that’s what works for me.Am just very careful to try and not do too much on consecutive days as don’t want it getting worse. Think it is just a case of trial and error. Good luck and don’t stress too much about cleaning,too clean a house isn’t good for you !
Hi Andie
When I was first diagnosed I got very anxious about everything I did. I’m careful now but I try not to worry too much. If you overdo things you’re doing the right thing with some extra SLD.
I always wear my sleeve if I’m doing anything like housework or gardening. my nurse said it was best not to have a big housework blitz in one go.
I love gardening and sometimes that worsens my lymphodema temporarily. I try to minimise the activity the following day etc. I’m lucky that my lymphodema is very mild and the nurse has said that whatever I’m doing is right because it has reduced right down in size and is now smaller than my other arm.
The day before yesterday I got bitten by insects all over my arm and other parts of my body too. I keep a very close eye on any bites or scratches but I no longer go into a frenzy of paranoia about it all now.
My nurse’s motto is that lymphodema should not run your life. So care and kindness to our arms, avoid as many hazards as we can but not let it dominate every waking moment. Elinda x
Specially as it’s only going to get grimy again 
OK. I confess I have been called mad before! What is even sadder is the fact that I am actually enjoying the cleaning sessions!
Truth is this is the first time since DX nearly 3 years ago that I have had enough sustained energy to embark on a ‘normal’ job that before I would have undertaken without giving it a second thought. The fact that the LD gang have given me the green light to continue albeit with precautions has just added to my enjoyment.
Yes Totally Mad.
Andie
Lol at “mad” Andie, hmm if it makes you happy that’s what counts ! Someone will be saying they love ironing next !
I have a kitchen that needs cleaning… In fact the whole flat is a tip. Come round any time and I will grab a cake for us!
Glad you are feeling so much better at last.
Oh Dear
Sandra I do love ironing! In fact at one time I used to do all the ironing for two of my married daughters and their families. My LD is in my left arm and I am right handed so with my sleeve on as a precaution with the lifting of the garments I happily iron away with the radio on for company. I told you I was MAD!!
Andie
I haven’t got lymphoedema, but can I join in the conversation please? It’s just I’m gonna make your day Sandra, cos I like ironing - sad or what! However, as a trade-off, I HATE dusting! xx
Hi Andie, we’re “the ironing sisters”! xx
LOL, this made me chuckle.
Personally, I like a very clean and organised home.
A lot of frustration I feel is not being able to blitz and having to do things bit by bit, it’s really annoying!
I haven’t lymphodema but chemo has kicked my a*se and I get tired very easily, so have to do bit at a time.
i just had to join in even tho i haveen’t got l/dema-3 weeks post wle surgery-just had to mop and scrub my kitchen floor today-it was a bloody disgrace-can hold my head up now if anyone comes-but had to have a lie down after lol x
ha ha-am a saddo-when i posted about my floor-i just went to the kitchen door and had a look-beautiful x just need to sort the bathroom now x
too tired to do the bathroom til next month lol
LOL! I’m sure next month will be fine and the dust will still be there… wait, isn’t it someone else’s turn this month, I’m sure you did it last month, no??
Yes, I’d like a clean organised home too - the day I see mine like that, I’ll be checking for a pulse in case I died in the night and woke up in heaven…