The need for proactive approach to lymphedema

My knowledge, like Deanne's come from first hand experience with lymphedema. I wasn't as fortunate as Deanne and the first occupational therapist I saw put me in a sleeve without a gauntlet or glove. What resulted was a very swollen hand that took many weeks of bandaging and persistence to fix. I now wear a short glove/sleeve (to the elbow) some of the time. I no longer need to wear it to work which is great as I am a nurse. I like Deanne do the deep breathing and daily massage, and it makes a huge difference. I now see a wonderful occupational therapist at my local hospital who is fully lymphedema trained. That's the key, seeing someone who knows their stuff. It is definitely worth the appointment as heaviness and aching can mean the very early start of lymphedema. It's better just to check. Good luck Paula :)