Breast Lymphodeama, Who has heard of it?

English spelling = lymphoedema.

American spelling = lymphedema.

I had some issues with swelling/ discomfort after surgery in 1998. I find if I do too much at once in certain weathers, I can " feel " and see some swelling, so I pace myself etc. As a friend of mine who has lymphoedema says.. She is " up and down. " She has learnt techniques to help etc. Learning techniques, adjusting to new ways of doing things, looking after skin care  and not rushing about too much, can all help.

 Information  on how to do manual lymphatic drainage was  not adequate in 1998, for me personally, and I think helping clients to understand how the Anatomy and Physiology works is very helpful. The skin is the largest organ in the body and lymph drainage is 70% just under the skin and 30% in deeper channels, as in abdomen.( I think I remember reading this recently. )

The  right arm, some parts of the chest and maybe some (R) back shoulder blade area..drains into the RIGHT clavicular duct area.

The left side of the body, left arm, both legs and abdomen drain in  the LEFT clavicle duct area.. in the neck. ..... VERY INTERESTING, and worth knowing if you have any surgery or radiation on the breast area. ( PLEASE CHECK for accurate anatomy and physiology )

 Things have improved since 1998, but perhaps not uniformally in all areas of Australia. Just this weekend, ( March 16th and 17th, 2013 ) I attended the  BC Conference in Launceston and listened to Professor Neil Piller from Adelaide.

 I now do daily massage and more so if exercising, plus " cool down" exercises to help keep lymph channels open and draining, so lymph does not " pool " in one spot.

I have had some scanning laser, which I feel helped lymph drainage to settle down. I listen to my body and do not overdo things, carry anything heavy over a distance, nor do too much repetitive movements. This took some time to adjust to " slowing down" and not trying to do everything in one day." Do it Tomorrow " is one mantra I have now.. LOL.

 I do slow, full, abdominal breathing and lie down, ( vertically  10/ 15 minutes etc ) mostly daily, plus I know how to drain the nodes in the neck and groin and abdomen etc. It all  helps drainage and to " rebalance, " both  before and after, doing activities and exercises. I also try and keep skin well moisturized and avoid cuts. Drinking plenty of water to keep hydrated, eating  a varied seasonal diet, weight management, and water therapy, also help me. I do walking a few days a week, and  perhaps could do a bit more.. LOL.

I think there are varying " degrees " of lymph drainage issues,  but  even a " small " problem with lymph, can turn into a bigger problem, if left unattended.

 If you feel you have a problem, keep persuing it and  find someone professional to help you understand how the lymph drainage works and how to manage any issues you have.

  Good luck with finding help with your concerns, Kathy.