Swollen feeling

[GabbiD44]

This is a lymph edema group so the topic of my question is kind of funny. Aren't we all swollen feeling? 😕

I had a bad fall last March. I ended up breaking three small bones around the knee and did 9 months of PT and 2 m of seeing a lymph therapist.

My lymphedema has been so much harder to control since the fall. I now have a pump that I try to use every night but realistically its more like 3-4 days per week. I do manual drainage M-F but am not as compliant on the weekend.

Since my fall I am VERY complaint with compression. I have made to order flat knit compression socks I wear daily.

My question is some mornings i wake up and the knee feels numb, and the thigh feels puffy and full. It didnt feel like that when I went to bed. Why on earth does it feel.like that after a full night's sleep? We sleep with our legs slightly elevated.

Thanks in advance!

[Perido]

Hi GabbiD44

A couple of suggestions.

Maybe you'd do better in thigh length compression stockings (or tights) during the day?

Maybe adding in night time compression would help?

[GabbiD44 in reply to Perido]

I think I have noticed that on nights that I pump before bed, I don't have the swelling. I will keep an eye out and see if that is the case. Otherwise compression at night is an option. I don't mind wrapping at all, at least now. I may feel differently in the summer. Thank you.

[CCT67]

It sounds like lymph is collecting around your knee thus additional swelling. Periodo gave good advice ie try thigh length compression in the day and or thigh length night compression eg Haddenham Comfiwave which is available on prescription. Have you spoken to your lymph nurse about your knee swelling? If not, the sooner the better so that you get compression sorted. Also focus on emptying the popliteal lymph nodes (back of the knee) throughout the day and when in bed before you go to sleep, as well as emptying your inguinal nodes in your groin. If you have a lymph ball (available from lymph clinic) to use for draining lymph nodes then ask your clinic. Lastly, do a series of lymphatic diaphragmatic breaths (5-10) a few times a day, including before going to sleep and first thing upon waking. Lymphatic breathing is extremely important!

[GabbiD44 in reply to CCT67]

This is great advice, and I will share with my lymph therapist. The only thing that you listed, that I am doing is the deep breathing. So you have given me lots of extra tools in my tool box. Thank you!