Medical IDs
After being in hospital for my mastectomy, the nurses were forever trying to use the arm that I had lymph nodes removed. I kept telling them that they are not suppose to use that arm for anything b...
Forum Discussion
Hi ladies, thought I would add some recent information that I got.
After having 15 lymph nodes removed in 2003, I had not developed lymphodema until just before Christmas last year - yep 13 years later. There is evidence of women up to 15 years post surgery developing lymphodema.
Not ever had I allowed a bp cuff or needle for bloods to go any where near my right arm until I was hospitalised In March last year with severe anemia and a lung infection.
The IV blood transfusion was set up for my left arm because I told them not to use the right arm. However, when it came time to give me IV fluids and antibiotics, they attempted to use my feet which was incredibly painful. I persisted for a while but this was causing swelling in that limb. Apparently the same arm cannot be used for transfusion and fluids/antibiotics due to risk of cross contamination. I absolutely refuted the idea of using my right arm but until the port-a-cath was inserted on the 3rd day, I did not have much choice. As @Karenhappyquilter said, if it was to save my life - well I was pretty sick. So, the left arm was used.
I have been concerned about that since then however I am under the care of 2 physio's who are members of the Australian Lymphodema Association and both said that there is no clinical data that links the incidence of lympodema and the use of bp cuffs/needles on the same arm. It is the risk of infection and both physio's said that it could have been something as simple as an insect bite (mossie's being the heat of summer) or a small cut or scratch and not even aware of it. Even though I am super careful with hygiene and carry antiseptic gel in my handbag. As it was also the lead up to Christmas, there was also the suggestion of carrying slightly heavy bags on that arm for longer than usual !
Thanks for the info on the link too @Brenda5 - super helpful.
I agree though, more studies into lymphodema would be great but hey - money does not grow on trees. I guess if I am otherwise managing my secondary bc and am otherwise "healthy" then I am ok with it (although the bugger of a compression sleeve is so hot at the moment !! :s )
After having 15 lymph nodes removed in 2003, I had not developed lymphodema until just before Christmas last year - yep 13 years later. There is evidence of women up to 15 years post surgery developing lymphodema.
Not ever had I allowed a bp cuff or needle for bloods to go any where near my right arm until I was hospitalised In March last year with severe anemia and a lung infection.
The IV blood transfusion was set up for my left arm because I told them not to use the right arm. However, when it came time to give me IV fluids and antibiotics, they attempted to use my feet which was incredibly painful. I persisted for a while but this was causing swelling in that limb. Apparently the same arm cannot be used for transfusion and fluids/antibiotics due to risk of cross contamination. I absolutely refuted the idea of using my right arm but until the port-a-cath was inserted on the 3rd day, I did not have much choice. As @Karenhappyquilter said, if it was to save my life - well I was pretty sick. So, the left arm was used.
I have been concerned about that since then however I am under the care of 2 physio's who are members of the Australian Lymphodema Association and both said that there is no clinical data that links the incidence of lympodema and the use of bp cuffs/needles on the same arm. It is the risk of infection and both physio's said that it could have been something as simple as an insect bite (mossie's being the heat of summer) or a small cut or scratch and not even aware of it. Even though I am super careful with hygiene and carry antiseptic gel in my handbag. As it was also the lead up to Christmas, there was also the suggestion of carrying slightly heavy bags on that arm for longer than usual !
Thanks for the info on the link too @Brenda5 - super helpful.
I agree though, more studies into lymphodema would be great but hey - money does not grow on trees. I guess if I am otherwise managing my secondary bc and am otherwise "healthy" then I am ok with it (although the bugger of a compression sleeve is so hot at the moment !! :s )