Lymphoedema and recurrence fears
Hello everyone. It has been ages since I have posted. Since this site was re done I no longer got notifications, then 2 major surgeries in 2016 and life kind of took over. I was diagnosed with Lymph...
Forum Discussion
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
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