I have a painful ganglion on the inside wrist of my lymphedema hand. (I have lymphedema on both arms following a double mastectomy)

[clown]

Should I still be doing massage? How is a ganglion treated? Should I be wearing my sleeves?

My GP is extremely unhelpful - said I am making a fuss of nothing. My lymphedema therapist does not know how to advise me.

[Lynora]

Have you had a chat with your breast cancer nurse (not sure why your l/e therapist can't advise). If your sleeve starts at the wrist, then you may find that the ganglion might ache under the pressure of the garment cuff. Has it occurred since the mastectomy? Ganglions can disappear - and then come back again at a later date or never! Anyone suggested an 'integral' sleeve? One that has a hand-piece, like a mitten? Ganglions don't usually need surgical removal, unless they become large and painful and cause problems when moving the wrist joint. My gran used to recommend whacking them with the family bible!!!

[naominorthenellis]

I think I read somewhere that they can be aspirated... . Not too sure about the bible bashing approach; that sounds a little painful to me!!! Can you switch to a more sympathetic GP who would be prepared to take the condition more seriously?

NNE

[lovesradio]

Like others I would try other health professionals to see if you can get some definite answers re sleeve wearing, massage etc. Am I right in thinking that ganglions develop on the joints of the body?

[Hidden]

Maybe see if you can interest anyone in your G P Practice to undertake the Learning module about Lymphoedema ?

[deniseelliott30]

My current GP is useless generally. I only stay because my normal GP is off on maternity leave until March. These people are paid a huge amount. You should complain to the GMC or whatever it is called nowadays. If my normal GP does not come back, I will do so. My Lymphoedema nurses are pretty useless and are at a hospice but paid by the NHS. Am I dying? It is a factory process.

[clown]

I really appreciate all your replies. I am so concerned about complaining as the GPs around the area have got full lists. I am scared I may be struck off for complaining....Will I be without a doctor? I am not wearing my sleeve as it is just too painful.

[AnneBury in reply to clown]

Have you spoken to the Lymphoedema Support Network? They have a very good telephone help line?

[LymphSuppNetwork Partner LSN]

Hi Clown

I have asked our nursing advisor for her thoughts and will get back to you asap

[clown]

Thank You.

[LymphSuppNetwork Partner LSN]

Dear Clown

Our nurse advisor suggests that you try regular simple pain relief such as paracetamol so you can still wear the sleeve. If the garment is adding to the pressure, then it would be good to get a bigger one - or a made to measure one so that the area can be avoided if possible. Failing that a circaid or the like so that pressure is adjusted over the area....if compression is left off the arm can potentially get bigger. Kinesio tape may help - and massage is fine to be continued - won't harm at all. She also suggests that you ask your GP to investigate the ganglion with xray so issue can be resolved.

Hope this helps

[clown]

Thanks for the info. My biggest problem is my GP feels I am making a fuss of nothing. I am having the ganglion aspirated next week (privately much to my dismay but just don't know what to do anymore)I am also allergic to Kinesio tape. I am hoping next week will bring me some relief and then will have to rethink what to do.

[Camperlady in reply to clown]

Did that go well? I had an aspiration on ganglion on my hand on arm with lymphedema today and am worried about the needle puncture and doctor pressing the hand tissue to get more fluid out.