Lymphedema you are not my friend.

I have battled with lymphedema since my second diagnosis over 5 years ago.  I was very diligent as I had a very swollen hand and it took 7 weeks of daily bandaging to get rid of the fluid.  Since then I have daily massaged and now until this week  only wear a short garment  most of the time.  I was at the stage where I could go to work (I am a nurse and not wear the garment. I  had been stable like this for a very long time.   However in the last few weeks since I had an arthroscopy on my knee I noticed a swelling in a small area of my forearm.  I started to wear a long garment some of the time, one I had not worn much but it seemed to make it worse.  Anyway on Friday my worst fears were confirmed and my aldex measure has gone from zero 6 months ago to 14.  My arm measruements are stable except for that area around my forearm that has increased by around 1cm. 

It is so frustrating, the lymphedema occupational therapist and me are a bit stumped.  Did I get a bite...not that I remember.  Maybe I just got too complacent and my massages were not as long as they used to be and I probably didn't put my garment on as soon as I should after work...who knows....

I really hope I don't end up in the  long garment again as the short one to my elbow is so much easier to wear.  She has measured and ordered me a new short one and we are going to try some kineisio tape on my arm at work.  I will be religiously massaging and wearing my garment again. It is so frustrating after all this time. 

I feel a bit down about it, but it is what it is.

I sometimes feel that the "gift" of lymphedema is almost like the forgotten side effect of all our treatment.  Nobldy even talks about it much on here.  However if you live with it, it is a constant reminder of the cancer and all the treatment.

Anyway now I have that off my chest I will try and be positive about it and get on with things,, I know there are many in a much worse place than I am.

Hugs to you all.

Paula xxx