. I would like to know what others experiences have been like.
@A MyBCTeam Member, I recently noticed swelling on my left side. The side where the lymph nodes where removed. The physical therapist then worked with my doctor to get a prescription for my sleeve. The sleeve is a compression sleeve, so you only wear it during the day. It really doesn't interfere with your clothes and it really has help alleviate my swelling and the pain that I was having with my left arm. I also do exercises for the arm that is to also get the fluid moving in the lymph nodes. They actually sound kind of silly but they have helped me. Do these from a sitting position. (Three of each) 1. Deep breaths.. 2. Look over each shoulder. 3. Roll your shoulders. 4. Raise arm over head. 5. Bend side to side 6. March in place 7. Deep breaths 8. Bend and straighten elbow 9. Turn palm up and down. 10. Bend wrist up and down 11. Make fist, spread fingers apart. 12. Deep breathes. 13. Row your boat. 14. Stir a witches brew - both directions. 15. Pick apples and put in basket. 16. Change a light bulb. 17. Deep breaths.
I am very happy with it its Comfy Sleeve by Lympha press. I had to get a a prescription from Doc and insurance did pay a portion. Still wear sleeves as recomended by Doc. My PT helped me with the insurance company. I use it twice a day for 60 min each treatment.
I want to thank all you sisters for sharing with me your personal experiences with lymphedema. Each one has that has contributed has helped me a great deal. I am beginning to see the swelling go down and have 4 more visits with the therapist. I do have to go get a sleeve at the end of this week and wear it when I swell up or if I take a flight somewhere. The therapist is using the manual massage and gave me some kind of kit to help with excercises. I will see her in a couple of weeks. With only slight enlargement I should be good in a few weeks. Thanks again. Blessings and Hugs. Dr. Lavenial
I do have some lymphedema in my arm..One arm is slightly bigger than the other and it only started about 10 months ago. I went through physical therapy and it did not seem to make a difference. I try to keep moving the arm and when laying down raise my arm up to let the fluid move around.
@A MyBCTeam Member Did you have to wear the sleeve night and day? And did it interfere with anything you had to do? I guess I am a bit self conscience about wearing the sleeve. Blessings and hugs, Dr Lavenial