When?

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Hi Ladies

This is one of those stupid questions and you will all know the answer.
I was assessed this week for Lymphoedema in my arm and as I suspected it is there but at this stage mild. I have been prescribed a sleeve which my GP is arranging and been told wear it when necessary.
My question is ‘When is necessary’. I am right handed and the problem is in my left arm which must be an advantage, but how do I deal with this. I also have lymphoedema in my non breast area but other than massage (I have been invited to a workshop to find out how to do it properly)that is being ignored.

Thanks for your help

Andie

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Hi Andie

Sorry to hear you’ve been diagnosed with this. It doesn’t sound like you’ve seen a lymphodema nurse specialist (?)

I have it in my non-dominant hand very mildly. The nurse told me to wear it as much as possible during the day until it was well under control. Then I could trial without.
I would think at the very least you’d want to wear it when you’re doing anything active like housework or gardening.

Have you been advised regarding exercises and self lymph drainage at all?

I’m sure others can advise you on breast lymphodema.

Elinda x

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Andie

I was only thinking the same today. I have it very mild in my left arm. I only got my sleeve on Sunday. So far I am using trial and error. I have found walking and driving anything more than about an hour make my arm feel very tight. However today in work I was very busy, and very stressed and I could feel my arm getting tighter so I put it on then, which seemed to help. I have not been given any further guidance. I am hoping that I will get to know sooner when to put it on.

Caroline99

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Hi Elinda

I was seen by the Lymphoedema nurse from our local Hospice. A lovely lady but very busy.She did all the measurements up my arm and then did her calculations, and came out with the answer very mild. She advised me to contact the Lymphoedema Support Network to get their DVD which I have seen recommended before on here.I am so naive - how do you know it is under control, I have a small pocket of fluid just above my wrist which we are trying Kinseio taping on, and the only other reason I suspected a small amount of LD was that when you lean on something and get an indentation on your arm the affected arm takes twice as long to sort itself out as the normal one. There is no obvious swelling although there is what she called orange peel skin.

I have been given a leaflet about self massage and have also been invited to a workshop at the beginning of July to actually be shown/taught how to do it.

Looks like I have the perfect reason for letting the dust settle and the weeds grow

Thank you

Andie

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Hi Andie

Sorry you too have to go through this. I too have it very mild mainly hand/wrist. I wear my sleeve as much as possible. Usually when i am active. It is so unattractive and i live in a hot country where i am in sleeveless clothes so much. It is in your best interest to wear it lots. I also have kinesio taping and find it is prob the best thing for taking the lymph out of my hand and doesnt look naff as athletes wear taping.
good luck ans as my nurse says do what suits you best xx