Just been to see lymph oedema nurse , which I thought was a precaution only as I was higher risk, and been dealt YET another blow that I have the start of this rotten condition. I was totally shocked as I am showing no real signs, she has given me 6 weeks of exercise and massage to try and improve , but was talking about a sleeve etc. do you have to wear this all the time? This is just one more blow I didn’t need. I can’t imagine having to deal with yet more stuff , as still doing chemo i feel I have enough to deal with! Hitting rock bottom yet again .
Hi Bali, I am sorry to read that you are feeling so low, do feel free to call our helpliners for further support on 0808 800 6000, lines are open 9-5 during the week and 10-2 on Saturdays
Take care
Lucy BCC
Hi,
I developed mild lymphodema about 2 years after my surgery, I don’t think I did anything specific to trigger it.
I have been given exercises to do, and shown how to massage. The exercises help, and I find swimming is really good for it.
I also wear a sleeve, every day especially when I am driving, gardening, working on computer etc. I usually take it off around 7 in the evening when I am just sitting down. To be honest I have got used to it now, it was strange at first. I don’t wear it if I am going out somewhere special. My arm had reduced in size, it was never very big because I spotted it early, but now to look at you wouldn’t see the difference.
As well as the NHS sleeves I treated myself to a pretty flowery one from a company called Pebbles UK, the sleeve is by lymphodeva. Not cheap, but I like to wear it if I am out and about. I decided as I couldn’t hide the fact I was wearing one I might as well chose a pretty one! If you do get anything like that check the sizing as they are American and different sizes and compression from the UK ones.
Lynda
Hi bali2001
Sorry to hear about your problem. Am sure I have the beginnings of lympho having problems getting to see someone about it. What sort of exercises were you given? Were they the same as the post-op ones?