Just diagnosed with mild lymphoedema, waiting to be assessed. Should I stop doing ironing

[Sophiedog]

[norberte]

of course! everyone should stop doing ironing, it's evil!

seriously, though, it's up to you - if your arm starts feeling heavy or achey, definitely stop for a rest till those feelings have gone

some people say they find it easier to sit down & adjust the ironing board to quite low, & to have a steam iron with separate water reservoir so you're just holding the iron & gliding it along clothes without having to use too much pressure (i don't know - there aren't that many benefits to lymphoedema but, as far as i'm concerned, never ironing again is one of them)

or play it safe & wait till your assessment so you can ask them, but don't do any ironing till then

& if there are other people in the house (partner, kids etc) who usually expect you to do their ironing, explain that you can't then forget to tell them if the lymphoedema service says you're ok

hope the assessment goes ok & you don't have to wait too long

[Sophiedog]

Thank you. Over to the ironing faires then. Your answer was very helpful. The lymphoedema team aren't even giving out appointments at the moment which is very frustrating as looking like I won't be able to continue my job as a nurse. Waiting to see occupational health too.

[norberte]

oh gosh, that's a whole other minefield & must be quite worrying

talk to your rcn rep too, & pm me if you want (i worked in the nhs as a psychologist but my secondary (post-cancer) lymphoedema, together with my pre-existing impairments they'd already made reasonable adjustments for, left us all with no options but ill-health retirement but there are a lot of things to try first)

& meanwhile, no ironing!

[Lruk]

You don't say in your post but I am guessing your lymphoedema is in your arm. I would take the ironing thing slowly and just do little bits if you feel you must, or nothing at all until you have had your assessment.

Ironing is certainly evil. I have recently been diagnosed with primary lymphoedema in both legs and had volunteered to do my daughter's ironing as she wears a wrist brace. Having been absent from work for several weeks due to cellulitis with complications, I was keen to see how I would go as I was due back at work which involves a lot of standing. Her ironing took 2 hours during which I had regular sit down breaks and I ended up barely able to walk for the pain in my ankle for the next 4 days. Please be careful and try not to push yourself too hard, even after your assessment, as you know what is and isn't right for your body.

As for your job, good luck. I am sure I am going to be facing a similar scenario at some point in the future, so I am interested to know how you get on. I hope that the required adjustments can be made for you, if that is what you want.

[Sophiedog in reply to Lruk]

Thank you. Will let you know what happens.

[Hidden]

One day at a time. Take ironing slowly only ever do as much as you feel you can, take regular breaks. If it doesn't get done, tough. One of the best pieces of advice I was given was to carry with me at all times and also have in the house a tube of savalon. So if you scrach, cut, burn yourself you have something to put on to try and prevent infection if your skin breaks. I now always sit for ironing. Somedays I can't lift the iron as they all tend to be quite heavy and also have the same trouble with filling the kettle so only put in the amount of water I need. Don't feel guilty, be kind to yourself and look after yourself. By using this sight together we can get the message across so that Lympoedema can be taken seriously.