Lymphoedema booklet

My lymphedema was diagnosed quite quickly. I actually had a recurrence after having a lumpectomy/chemo radiation 18 mths prior. When I had the recurrence I had a mastectomy and was in the middle of having chemo when I felt the ache in my arm. I think because I didn't get lymphedema the first time, it was not even on my radar... Think I was a bit cocky and thought it wouldn't happen to me!! Looking back just before my mastectomy I had an infection under my fingernail on my BC side. In hindsight I should of got that seen too. Not sure if that triggered it or not. Anyway I started seeing a private OT who was probably not pro active enough. She put me in a sleeve only and no gauntlet or glove!!! I know I freaked out about the glove but wish she had insisted. Anyway the fluid shunted straight into my hand. Long strory short it was costing me a fortune seeing her, and she did not give me advise re self massage, only used the laser on me. In Qld there is no rebates for garments etc. luckily I had my radiation in the public system and manged to get an appointment at the public hospital. They started bandaging immediately. It took 7 weeks to get all the fluid out of my hand!!! So glad I was now public as privately it would have cost a fortune. I now only wear a glove to my elbow, except when I am at work, as I am a nurse and need to be able to wash my hands. On work days I wear a two piece garment and have the glove part off quite a lot due to hand washing etc. it has been challenging. I am fanatical about self massage and do at least 15- 20 mins daily. I can now go every other night without sleeping in my garment. I live in the tropics and have a custom made glove. My poor hand is sensitive to the seams. I wear a soft seamless garment but it rubs terribly on the web space between my thumb and first finger. I have fantastic OT's and have even seen the rep from the company in Germany who make the gloves but they all still rub on my web space. I am lucky my lymphedema is really under control, and it is 2 years since I was diagnosed. My hope is I can one day go to work and not wear a glove. I only work part time and usually not on consecutive days. I have had a few occasions that I have gone out without the garment and its all good so far. I have to say it is certainly a struggle, but I just make my massage etc a part of my life. I am learning to live with it. Lovely to make contact with someone who has been through all I have. I chuckled at you photo. Know that look very well ! Cheers Paula