Exercise

[Health1919]

Does anyone have any experience exercising which does not make swelling worse.

I am very frustrated not being able to exercise the way I used to. I have secondary lympheodema in one leg and one arm. Walking causes my leg to swell and harden, as well as my foot swelling painfully so that I have to remove my toe compression garment. I am not a swimmer and swimming would mean up to 1 1/2 hours of time (driving, putting on and taking off garments etc.)

Thank you

[Ldd1412]

I have bought a mini exercise bike. It's just the pedals so you can sit in your chair and pedal. You can also use it with your arms. I don't do it for very long as the pain becomes too much, but every little helps.

[Jennymary]

Is your lymphodema due to cancer, if it is, here in Bristol we have an exercise rehab scheme for cancer patients, either going through or completed treatment if there's anything like that in your area that may be suitable, otherwise we also run a GP referral scheme for exercise so that may be an option for you, good luck

[CCT67]

Hi, My lymphie legs have the same reaction yours do to excersice. You are not alone!

I do walk briskly everyday for 20-30 minutes but straight afterwards I have to do self MLD for 30 minutes on each leg to alleviate the swelling and pain (in this summer's heat it's worse). I plan my walks for the evening so that I do my MLD and then stay elevated for the rest of the evening.

I hear what you're saying about swimming. It's takes me 20 minutes on a good day to put my toe caps and garment on each foot and legs. Last week it took me 45 minutes one morning to get my garments on. Trying to put garments on in a small cubicle at the leisure centre after swimming would be a nightmare! I'd love to swim but it's not practical with my garment situation xx

[rosequartzdreamer]

Have you tried t'ai chi? It is a very gentle exercise which works every part of the body. I have practiced it for many years even before I was diagnosed with primary lymphedema in both legs. I used to suffer swollen and sore legs but always felt easier after a session. Hope this helps

[nttsue]

Last July, I fell & broke my back & my lymphoedema got worse for a while .. I eventually was allowed physio & after 6 weeks of hydro & gentle 'dry' exercises, I was advised to buy an exercise bike .. As well as lymphoedema in both legs (left worse than right), I also have peripheral neuropathy, so walking more than around the house, is out of the question .. Anyway, I duly bought the 'bike' and love it .. As advised, I started off with just 3 mins a day, working up to 5 mins - all at zero 'resistance' .. This was just a few weeks ago & I'm now up to 10 mins at #7 resistance .. .. The PN is no better, but my feet & legs don't get as puffy as they once did .. It's not easy & I can't always use the bike every day, but I take note that 'little & often' is much better than 'none' ..

[HazieC]

I have found the treadmill to be great at 4.2 rate for 30 mins each week day with a rest at weekends