How do you know whether you have actual lymhpodema after a mastectomy do you have it diagnosed, and when?

[peggoty]

[chrisnic69]

You will need to be assessed by a lymphoedema specialist, ask your GP to refer you to your local service, if you're experiencing symptoms. These may be tightness of the skin, heaviness, aching or if you feel that your affected arm is larger than the other.

[peggoty in reply to chrisnic69]

Thanks loves radio.Logical thank you very much, should have thought of that myself

Also thanks chrisnic 69 amazing what you can find out just by asking. Hospital hasnt mentioned any of this.

Thanks again both.

Reply to this

[lovesradio]

Hi peggoty and chrisnic69, I had cording in left arm days after mastectomy and lymph node remioval in 2007, and was treated by a physio at the hospital with specialism. It cleared up OK but she referred me to the phsyio service in my own Health Board area, which meant I could contact them directly when my lower left arm began to feel a bit achy - a cross between a strain and a bruise - and the back of my hand became a bit puffy. I was diagnosed with mild/moderate lymphoedema and have been under the care of the same specialist physio since.

If it is not long since your mastectomy another route would be to contact either your breast care nurse and/or the hospital where you had the surgery.

[peggoty in reply to lovesradio]

Thanks loves radio.Logical thank you very much, should have thought of that myself

Also thanks chrisnic 69 amazing what you can find out just by asking. Hospital hasnt mentioned any of this.

Thanks again both.

Reply to this

[happyshopper]

Hi Peggoty,

I had a right MX, removal of axillary nodes and radiotheraphy to axilla and chest wall in 2004 for BC.

At first all seemed to be OK , but I had disasterous recon (and prophylactic MX) in 2006 which resulted in post-op cellulitis to the BC side of my chest.

Within a few weeks I noticed a feeling of "fullness" on the inside part of my upper right arm, when i was resting my arm against my body. It almost felt like i had a small ball tucked under my arm. I saw my BCN because i was so frightened of LD and she said she couldn't see anything so all was fine and it would settle. However, I wasn't happy and insisted she referred me to the local LD service for assessment.

the LD nurse examined me properly and diagnosed truncal LD. Unfortunately i now have arm and hand LD. All very mild, but for me it's a feeling of fullness, discomfort and the area not feeling quite right ,rather than very visible swelling. i also noticed sleeves felt tighter on the right side, as well as gloves feeling tighter too. Sometimes I can see very sight puffiness to my hand which seems to settle, and my forarm looks slightly fuller , but other than that it is more the feeling than visual.

I would take the excellent advice offered by chrisnic and radio and get it properly assesssed my an appropriate health professional as proper management is vital. My advice, in addition to this is listen to your body and don't be fobbed off. The LSN helpline are brilliant too for advice.

XXX