I had my lymph nodes removed in January. Things have been ok apart from a slight bit of cording. Today I’ve noticed the back of my hand is a bit puffy looking and my wrist is swollen. Is this lymphoedema? If so, what do I do about it?
Hiya
Not necessarily, but it could be. Mine started with a puffy hand. To begin with it went up and down, then one day it stopped going down again and I noticed that my clothes on that arm were slightly tighter. I told my BCN, who got me an app at the lymphoedema clinic. The nurse there measured my arm and said it was mild. They fitted me for a sleeve and told me to moisturise the arm and all the precautions to avoid infection. They also gave me a DVD on exercises and massage. Catching it before it gets bad is v important, so make an app as soon as you can.
Debx
Hi Buzzy
You may find the BCC publications about lymphoedema useful to read, here’s the links:
Best wishes
Lucy
Hi Buzzy,Mine started with cording and then swelling in hand and lower part of my arm.Contact your medical team or BCN, if you have one.I agree with madge,don’t leave it, the sooner it’s under control the better,plus you may have to wait a while for an appointment at the clinic.
My lymphoedeama was diagnosed while I was having radiotherapy 3 years ago,I had to wear a gauntlet and sleeve to start with but now only have the sleeve and my arm has improved too 
Wishing you all the best Melxx
Hi Buzzy
does sound like it could be and you need to get it checked. Ask your BCN to refer you to the lymphodema nurse/clinic. The nurse will do full measurements of your arm and be able to tell if it is or not. I had to wait about 4 weeks for an appointment so as the others have said best to get that whole process started asap.
If as well as puffiness you had any heat and redness then that would need urgent treatment as it could be an infection.
In the meantime do all the usual things such as no hot showers/baths, good skin care, treating any scratches with something like savlon and covering etc.
take care, Elinda x
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