Andij
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Re: Lymphoedema and recurrence fears
My goodness after not getting notifications about recent posts for well over a year I think they started popping up yesterday So now 2 years down the track almost - It does get easier. Unfortunately I tried out a cheaper garment this year and have had nothing but hassles getting it right so will pay more money next year and get my original brand of garment - Jobst. Has anyone else had problems with different brands?17Views0likes0CommentsRe: Lymphoedema and recurrence fears
Vix said: I hear you Andij! I too have been living with left arm lymphoedema which came on a few months after mastectomy & full node clearance in March 2010. Have to admit I have moments where it drives me nuts and stopped me playing high level sport (tennis & netball) & serious gym workouts. But most days I just see it as part of me, can't change it, I manage it well with compression sleeve and have an amazing Physio who specializes in lymphoedema (they are hard to find). I also do my self maintenance and basic lymphoedema exercises. I follow lymphoedema pages on FB which give great tips and advise, and am a member of Lymphoedema Qld to keep in the loop with any new info. Living in Brissy during summer doesn't help one bit. Also I am diligent if I garden to wear a long sleeve top and gloves as cannot afford to risk a scratch or insect bite due to the risk of cellulitis. I did get a cellulitis infection Feb 2016 which saw me in hospital for 4 nights and missing a cruise and the irony I did not have a bite, scratch or mark anywhere on me - infectious disease Dr said it can just often be caused by our own skin bacteria, regardless of the high level of personal hygiene. Thankfully I recognized the signs early, went to the ER & admitted, they pumped high dose antibiotics into me. I am so used to going out wearing my sleeve I don't give it another thought unless a random stranger asks why I wear it, I just usually say I have an injury and the pressure garment is part of recovery - I am not one to discuss my private health hurdles with a stranger as I just want to be treated as normal. If we are going out somewhere special ( and I know there will be good air con) I won't wear my sleeve if I can get away with it but always take it in my handbag. So thankful off the shoulder loose tops and dresses are in, as they hide the swelling, sleeve and mastectomy nicely! Stay strong, it's a roller coaster of a journey this ride we are on but we do it and do it with a positive mindset. We never give up! Big hugs x Thank yu Vix:) It is indeed a roller coaster ride hey. One I often wish I could get off, as do we all of course. Yes, it took me a little while to accept when I got Lymphedema but have accepted it now. It is just the way it is. It has been rough through this hot Brissy Summer. We have never used our air conditioner so much. Do you wear yours at night too?1View0likes0CommentsRe: Arimadex Withdrawal
Deanne said: It might be a good idea to check with your doctor @Andij. I am on a similar drug, another aromotase inhibitor, Femara (Letrozole). Last year I had a break from it while on an overseas holiday at the suggestion of my oncologist. I had no withdrawal symptoms, just an instant relief from the joint pain. Are you stopping it under consultation with your oncologist? If you are having trouble with side effects then your doctor would be the best person to discuss this with. There are things that can help or alternative drugs too. I had a lot of trouble with Femara in the first 12 months or so but have found solutions to most things now. Thanks Deanne. Yes doing this under the care of my Oncologist. It is only 5 days off it. But was just wondering about side effects.1View0likes0CommentsRe: Compression sleeves
Karenhappyquilter said: I don't use a special gadget to put on the sleeve, but I use a green gardening glove to move it up my arm. I have a friend who uses the ESY-AS. Her sleeve is very tight or inflexible and she swears by it. The slippy gadgets also look good. I might try the talc too. Here is a web site with quite a few gadgets for helping don the sleeves: http://www.lymphedemaproducts.com/products/plastic-nylon-donning-doffing-aids.html good luck and keep us posted. Karen Great link. Thank yu Karen:)2Views0likes0CommentsRe: Compression sleeves
Soldier Crab said: HI all I see my lymphodema therapist tomorrow will be asking. I normally get it on with help from my son but with the really hot weather it was a struggle as my arm seemed to be swelling more than usual... overnight ... I went with my gut instinct and showered and left it on about hour before going to bed and left it on overnight. The cold change came thru and we are now at reasonable summer temps and I took it off last night like usual no irritation but I will be checking with the therapist tomorrow. Oh no, don't battle on. The slippy sleeve thingies (lol) make it soooooo very much easier:)1View0likes0CommentsRe: Compression sleeves
Karenhappyquilter said: I haven't tried showering with mine on. I know what you mean about how it's difficult to get on when your skin is wet and clammy. I tried googling it but didn't get a definitive answer. There was a suggestion that you can wear a wet one but also that it could irritate your skin. Can you ask your physio? Please post when you get an answer. Good luck. Karen Do you use a special application sleeve to get your compression sleeve on? ( Can't think what it is called lol)1View0likes0Comments
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