Lymphedema in left arm getting worse

[Sunnydrinking]

Hi Ladies

I’ve recently noticed that me lymphedema in my left arm has got worse.

I wear a compression sleeve most days and keep the arm moisturised and out of the sun.

I also do very gentle exercises.

I’ve got a beautiful silk jacket and it fits really well except for the left shoulder and arm !!

Any suggestions on how I can try and reduce the arm swelling would be appreciated. (yes I know weight loss would also help and I’m trying .... But don’t like to deprive myself too much).

Jo xx

[Hidden]

Hi Jo,

sorry to hear you have another problem to deal with.I don’t have this problem but pretty sure it’s a nuisance. My right arm swells occasionally from the breast cancer op I had in 2013. I wear an elastic bandage for support. It comes and goes. I know when I put my Marigolds on for cleaning I can’t always get the glove on the right hand. A minor thing compared to yours.

I hope you get some good advice on this from someone.

Best wishes

Cheryl

[8576]

Hi Jo: Just seeing your post now. Sorry, I do not have lymphdema but I would immediately seek some professional advice because it is getting worse. (maybe you already have). And do a search here for help. I hope you get some relief soon.

Cheers, June S.

[Arisgram]

Hey Jo, Do you have a night glove? When mine flares, I use my night glove, and it helps. Also, I've had several women tell me they used a Flexitouch pump a few times and their swelling completely resolved. I had one but it was too much trouble. You could also have a series of drainage massages. Dry brushing and "clean eating" are also said to help, but I haven't tried them.Do you think the Taxol is causing your lymphedema to worsen? I hate lymphedema and my big fat old lady arm! I hope you find some relief!

Much love, Andi

[AnnieAppleseed]

A Lymphatic massage (MLD) by a trained practitioner may be helpful. It is also usually temporary but may make enough of a difference. Also self massage can be taught by the LM person. I do it each morning. Examine what you are doing that may be moving the lymph into your shoulder. Good wishes,

[13plus]

Oh my goodness, I’m sorry you have to deal with this. I’m not a specialist but a trainer and I used to teach a program for cancer survivors. You need to seek professional help the sooner the better. Do not attempt to self massage without advice as you could make it worse. Also lymphedema has stages, kind of like cancer, so you need to get it attended to before it gets to another worse stage. It doesn’t reverse stages.

Not sure where you’re located but here is one resource for finding someone - and they have other useful information .

You need a certified lymphedema specialist - usually a PT with extra credentials or a massage therapist (but ask and make sure it’s not like a 3 day training- unless that’s all you can find in your area) . In the meantime elevate your arm as much as possible and avoid carrying things with that arm but do move it. Start the movement at your fingers, wrist, then elbow, then shoulder to pump the fluid from the end of your limb and up to the heart. Hope this helps.

lymphnet.org

[JEY1]

I have been having the same problem. I was referred to a physical therapist who specializes in lymphedema doing massages. It really helps!

[Mcangel11]

Kinesio tape works well...ask physical therapist to sho you how to tape you so it pulls all the fluid out to a place where you have more lymph nodes..it was a miracle for me!!

[Beryl71 in reply to Mcangel11]

That's what I had last year, now no sleeve!

[Arisgram in reply to Mcangel11]

Yes! It worked great for my hand!

[Beryl71]

Have you sought help from a lymphoedema specialist. I go to a therapist, registered with the British lymphoedema society. He massages my arm, and for some months taped it to retrain the lymph vessels. I haven't worn a sleeve since last August and my arm has reduced and now remains fairly stable. His concern is that the sleeve can restrict the lymph system so can be counterproductive.I have been doing resistance bands classes and weights classes, which seems to help. I used to swim a lot but not since lockdown last year.

I've had lymphoedema 26 years.

[AnnaP668]

I began getting a slight increase in my L-dex score. I went immediately to a PT who specialized in lymphadema. She used very gentle massage and taught the technique to my husband. It retains the lymph nodes to drain properly. I don't need ianymore. See if you can find a specially trained PT in your area. Ask your oncologist or nurse. Best wishes!