Lymphoedema and weight

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Hi ladies,
Do anyone happen to know whether lymphoedema and weight are linked?
I have always been at the top limit of the bmi scale but since diagnosis, I am now officially overweight. I wonder whether the extra weight is linked to my lymphoedema and whether I really should lose more weight.

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Hi vecors

Whilst you wait for the other forum users to reply with their experiences you may find it useful to have a look at the BCC
booklet, ‘living with lymphoedema.’ It has information on how it can be treated, ways that the symptoms can be managed and a section on maitining a healthy weight. If you would like a copy or to read it on line just follow the link below:-

breastcancercare.org.uk/upload/pdf/bcc5_lymphoedema_booklet_largeprint.pdf

I hope you find this helpful.

Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator

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Hi Vecors
I don’t think ther’s a causal link in that slim women get lymphoedema too, however, my understanding is that if you are overweight losing weight may help to reduce/control the swelling. This means I should probably starve myself for about a year to get near my ideal weight and help my poor old arm!! However …
Love Julie x

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Thanks Julie,
If it has benefits, it may help me get the motivation to lose weight. Take care.

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Am afraid there is a link between lymphoedema and weight,you are at a much greater risk of getting it if you are carrying extra pounds,although yes it does affect slim people too. Reason being once your lymphatic system has been compromised through having some or all of your nodes out,the lymph fluid just doesn’t drain in the same way. If you are over weight you are putting extra pressure on your remaining nodes which are in various parts of the body,in effect squeezing them and they do not work as effectively, had this very conversation with my lymphoedema nurse this week !

There isn’t enough info or research about lymphoedema and just not enough is known about it and some health professionals just don’t seem to take it too seriously at all but as someone who had a fight getting seen I can tell you it is a bit of a pain to say the least. However,it can be managed and I’m lucky to have an excellent nurse that I see and it has been the kick up the backside I needed to lose some of the extra weight that I have been carrying around,certainly works as an incentive for me,I don’t want it getting any worse!

Good luck with the weight loss.

Sandra x