Cycling a long way....

[skeeple]

Hello,

A couple of years ago I posted asking for advice about doing a charity bike ride with mild lower limb lymphoedema. Sadly, I had to drop out then because I needed to have surgery for something else. However, I am now planning to do it in May. I have really enjoyed the cycling training and happily cycled 20 miles last Saturday. I wore my compression tights and felt pretty good afterwards. I've cycled a few shorter distances since then and used an exercise bike today. I am now noticing more swelling in my pubic area and feel a bit bulky around the groin. That's not unusual for me but I do think it may be worse after cycling. I'm worried because I have to build up to 65 miles. I really want to be able to do this and people have sponsored me but don't want to damage myself. Has anyone got any advice?

Sx

[Lynora]

Do you see a Lymphoedema Therapist/MLD practitioner? They are some self massage techniques to alleviate pudendal oedema which you could use - and also some compression garments which can help.

[skeeple in reply to Lynora]

Hi Lynora,

Thank you for that. I do see a lymphoedema nurse and have an appointment a few days before the big ride so it will be good to discuss it then. Hopefully, if it does swell more, the massage will help it. I just have moments where I worry I'll swell up and never be able to get it back down again. I'll just keep an eye on it and try to build up slowly.

[Kallenubble]

Good for you!! I'm glad the training has been working out pretty well, and you haven't given up on your dream! I've only been diagnosed a few months ago and am certainly no expert, but I've not heard or been told that you could do permanent damage to your swelling levels with one higher than average athletic effort, if wearing your compression garments. You said that two years ago you had mild lower limb lymphedema, but now you mention the groin area too. Does that mean it is now affecting the entire leg? Do your tights cover everything that is affected? In case you don't already have this, you could get compression pantyhose or one-sided pantyhose ( don't remember if there is a more correct name for it), which would help with the groin area swelling during your ride. I have the same experience after exercise ( except swimming, of course): everything feels more hot and swollen, despite wearing compression stockings. But the feeling is stronger than the reality, and it goes back to "normal" after a couple hours, especially if I elevate and / or do some yoga focused on legs in the air exercises! ( my exercise is usually an hour of strenuous gym cardio machines, followed by some weight lifting). Good luck!