Breast Cancer Now Forum

I worked as a clinical specialist physiotherapist in the neonatal unit and acute wards when I was diagnosed in April 2011. When I returned after surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy I came up against major issues in relation to infection control as I required compression garments (full sleeve and glove) for lymphoedema. This did not comply with bare below elbow policy. The oncologist and surgeon stressed the need for total management by wearing compression as advised but I was not supported at work. I ended up applying for ill health retirement and finished work at the end of February 2013. I got tier 1 which means I can't do my job but can work. Hence, I'm still looking for part time employment but no success to date. Perhaps your Trust will be more supportive ... View more

I have found myself in the same situation - I developed lymphoedema in Oct 2011 after surgery in May same year.I am a clinical specialist physiotherapist (paeds) working in an acute hospital and have just received word I can be retired on ill-health.Due to infection control policy I cannot wear a glove and sleeve in the clinical setting and the Trust was unable to offer me anything else,including job share!!!!! So,I have to take off the garments to do clincial and then put on again.I also manage a service and the computer and sitting make my arm worse.There has been NO reasonable adjustment made and I had no choice but take this way out (I am 49 and can retire at 55).I have leave to use and will be away by end Feb. I have been fully supported by the oncologist and surgeon who say I must wear compression garments to control the arm swelling (I know that being a physio!) and both wrote reports for the pension process.I have been seeking advice from my union and I will be taking this further. At this stage I am looking forward to getting away asap due to the lack of support in the Trust. To come through a cancer diagnosis and treatment and have this problem of lymphoedema is the worst part for me. Good luck ladies ... View more

I have just returned to work last week on a phased return (3 full days/week for 5 weeks) as per Occ Health instruction.I am not to do any hands on clincial work for this 5 weeks - lymphoedema and the limitations have not been mentioned again since last review.I have already found that sitting at a computer makes my hand more swollen so am not happy to go down that line if it is suggested.I have a review at Occ Health next Tuesday so it will be interesting to see what their take on clincal duties is.I am still reviwed by the physiotherapist who has recommended I do a "challenge" every day-this involves removing the glove and sleeve and try to replicate some of my clincial duties (need to use some imagination here!)and see what happens to the hand.So far there has been no increased swelling during this time,but I do rush to get the sleeve and glove on again after an hour (just to give me piece of mind). Saw my oncologist last Friday-he doesn't think the lymphoedema will get worse now (1st noted start of Oct)unless there is trauma etc to the arm.The fluctuation inn swelling is definitely less. As a clinical physiotherapist (who also manages a Trust-wide paeds service)I could not see myself doing full management-I think my arm would not do as well with sitting and computer work. Will let you all know after next visit to Occ Health re infection control..... Katy b ... View more

Had review at Occ Health on Monday and am glad to report I met with someone who knew the facts and was not rude! I will return to work at start of April on phased return and have been told not to concern myself with the lymphoedema just yet.It is recognised there will be an issue in relation to hand washing/bare below the elbow if I need to wear a sleeve and glove.Ill-health retirement was not mentioned;neither was re-deployment out of physiotherapy.It was highlighted that there is a risk of infection to myself working on wards(eg TB)and this must be minimised.I was also told that the Trust must make all reasonable adjustments as I am now a disabled person-that bit came as a shock! Plan to enjoy the next few weeks as much as possible and will comply with my physiotherapist's very good advice on management of lymphoedema! Manny-I tried kinesiotaping and it worked really well for the hand but my fingers became the biggest problem.It seemed to be the sleeve was causing a "bottleneck" at the wrist and my hand swelled up.I now wear combisleeve with a made-to-measure glove on the top!Lots of pressure but it is controlling it.Not sure what will happen when I leave one part off. ... View more

I have a review appt with Occ Health on Monday 6th and have requested a more senior practitioner to discuss my options.My lymphoedema is worse in the hand and the arm is quite good but am currently wearing combi sleeve/glove and a glove to keep all under control.I don't want to compromise my health by having to take the sleeve etc on/off to be able to do clinical practice but I am lucky that I also have a management role.At my first Occ Health visit I was told about ill-health retirement but that a Dr would have to ok that and it would take at least 3 months! I had just started chemo and was totally gutted by this approach.Now when I think there needs to be discussion around this I was told I may be re-deployed!!! Not exactly helping the individual to a successful return to work!!!!!! Hopefully Monday will be more satisfactory for me. ... View more

I was interested to read these posts on pressure garments and infection control.I had a mastectomy in May 2011,6 months chemo,5 weeks radiotherapy and have just started herceptin.I developed lymphoedema at the start of October and the surgeon and oncologist were hopeful it was chemo related (taxotere)as I had a lot of fluid retention.I wear a sleeve and glove (the hand is worse than the arm)but it has been very difficult to get under control.My problem is I am a clinical physiotherapist working in an acute hospital (paediatrics)and am due to go back to work soon but there is an issue with being "naked below the elbow".I don't want to give up work,or do full time management (which may involve being redeployed)and by all accounts,being at a desk all the time isn't the answer. Any thoughts? ... View more