I haven't had MLD myself and all I've heard is to make sure the therapist knows what they are doing as it's easy to cause more damage. I'm lucky to be a Marsden patient and see a lymphodema consultant there. I'm seeing a consultant as my case has been complicated by my other arm swelling for no obvious reason. I now have sleeves and gloves both sides! The consultant has said maintaining a normal weight is important and to try using Nordic walking poles so you pump the arms while walking and exercising in the water. Probably best advice is to try and rest arm so it's level with your shoulder not raised in the air while you are waiting for your appointment. Be very strict with yourself about not straining it through lifting more than 1kg, anything repetitive like hoovering, ironing carrying heavy bags. Lots of jobs to pass onto someone else! I use a bag that hangs on my shoulder or a back pack and try not to over load it. If you are working ask for occupational health to do a risk assessment and they should recommend reasonable adjustments such as help with lifting things, a lighter laptop or whatever is relevant to you. I found Access to Work very helpful. They send in an assessor who makes recommendations and I had an assistant for 10 hours a week paid for by the Government to help with lifting and carrying things. My biggest adjustment was coming to terms with having a CHRONIC condition that I have to manage for the rest of my life. It does get easier and for me is now a way of life so a I don't really think about it very often.
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