Hospital Alert Systems for Lymphodema Arms

I had mine done on my leg the whole time I was in hospital post mastectomy (14 days), due to left side out - mastectomy, right side - cannula and due to nerve condition I have. I use my right side sometimes and leg other times, depending. For my port surgery, in theatre it was leg, once out of recovery it was Right arm

The lympoedema physio did say that it doesn't hurt to have the occasional blood pressure taken on the bad arm but if it is a blood pressure testing that is on continually then definitely not to use that arm.

Calf is a good idea because what do you do if double mastecomy and nodes removed on both sides??  I am very thankful that isn't me but there are lot of pink ladies out there who are probably in that situatioin, so calf is a way to go I guess.

Mich x

The lympoedema physio did say that it doesn't hurt to have the occasional blood pressure taken on the bad arm but if it is a blood pressure testing that is on continually then definitely not to use that arm.

Calf is a good idea because what do you do if double mastecomy and nodes removed on both sides??  I am very thankful that isn't me but there are lot of pink ladies out there who are probably in that situatioin, so calf is a way to go I guess.

Mich x

I had the appt with the breast surgeon and the physio yesterday.  Breast surgeon prefers no action on the surgery side as does physio.  Although I have only had 8 nodes removed so it is not considered a large removal area the repair of tissue will take up to 12 months possibly longer depending on chemo routine.

I am not to carry my handbag on my surgery side for at least 12 months, nor am I to pick up large weight (more than 10kg) with that side.  My stretching exercises have been increased and I can use weight up to 2kg to keep tone and strengh.

Apparently skipping and bouncing or dancing are really good movements.

Interestingly the physio mentioned that Canada is leading research and development on the lymphodema front.  She also mentioned that up to one third of breast surgery patients don't do their lymphodema exercises - why wouldn't you?

Anyway, was very helpful discussion and physio session.

I went in for a reconstruction recently, so was in hosp(public) for a week,

and I dont think any of the nurses/other attending docs read the chart regarding non-use of my of left arm with lymphodema.

I basically told everyone, every day, as they walked around the bed to my "free" arm, it could not be used - my other arm had 2 cancula's so could not be used for blood pressure either.

I did have white sticky tape with texta writing - of "Do Not use this arm" high tech LOL

 But I feel lucky i was alert or woke up each time, to stop them using it.

I had blood pressure done on my leg (calf) - weird but better than my arms.  your BP is higher, but they are just looking for daily consistancy.  Alot of staff had never done blood pressure on a leg, so they were all learning something new.

and glad  that I can let bcna ladies know they have this option too.

I went in for a reconstruction recently, so was in hosp(public) for a week,

and I dont think any of the nurses/other attending docs read the chart regarding non-use of my of left arm with lymphodema.

I basically told everyone, every day, as they walked around the bed to my "free" arm, it could not be used - my other arm had 2 cancula's so could not be used for blood pressure either.

I did have white sticky tape with texta writing - of "Do Not use this arm" high tech LOL

 But I feel lucky i was alert or woke up each time, to stop them using it.

I had blood pressure done on my leg (calf) - weird but better than my arms.  your BP is higher, but they are just looking for daily consistancy.  Alot of staff had never done blood pressure on a leg, so they were all learning something new.

and glad  that I can let bcna ladies know they have this option too.

Hi , I had a right sided lumpectomy..12 nodes removed.. one had cancer..so chemo and radiation in 1998.

 I had a left lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy in 2003,  and am  wary of overusing my right arm. ( it does swell a bit when I overuse it ). I have had laser also and it helped a lot to help settle things down as quick as possible. I do manual lymphatic drainage daily and " pace" myself, not doing too much in one day etc.  I think it is better to go " gently, carefully, slowly ".. initially, err on the side of caution. Let the body heal after treatments and surgery, for 6 to 12 months etc.

It is an awful shock to have a diagnosis of BC. It can take time to adjust, especially with all the treatments etc.

When I travel on a plane, I take time to get to the airport, and try not to rush, plus use a bag with wheels, so I do not have to lift for extended periods of time.

After chemo and early menopause,( with flushing and vasodilation several times a day,) my veins are a bit more distended in my arms. I am extra careful now.. but I did have a period of  DENIAL and not knowing HOW much was too much..when using my arms. Listen to your body, and rest when you have to.

I prefer to  have MANUAL BP taken on my left arm, and not on my right side at all. 

I did have an armband and on my right arm when I had surgey post BC, but I  forget what colour it was. I think I also had written on my right arm: NO BP. Kathy.