New year, new lymph nodes - swimming?

@Flaneuse

@Afraser Emphasis on ‘daily’! I beat myself up every day because I don’t take the daily walks I used to be doing a few months ago, I’m finding it too difficult with the heat of summer and asthma. Hoping that swimming can take the place of walks. Although that won’t do much for my bone density, it has to be good for aerobic health and lymph health. God I wish I had studied biology when I was younger! But I know for a fact that my hourly walks when regular do change my LDEX reading for the better. So the evidence is clear. It’s got to be done. Mood also plays a part; I’m sure depression makes my arm worse? 

Go for it @"Summer Prevails" I also find some yoga poses--down dog and child's pose in particular--help ease that heavy feeling. My lymphoedema is intermittent and really only presented after I had a bout of cellulitis and I rarely wear my sleeve (which is a shitty fit anyway) mxx

@"Summer Prevails" . I have not had lymphoedema but I have been doing aquarobics for 14 years. I have much upper body strength. I sometimes get very frustrated when I am in the pool because the other ladies don't push themselves hard enough.

I lift weights, not heavy ones but frequently and I think it does my arm good. Swimming is also excellent. Daily exercise is the trick. Doesn't take long but it needs to be regular. Don't let go of the expectation of improvement! I may still need my sleeve but can improve the flabby tops of my arms!! Best wishes.  

@Zoffiel Yes I like swimming, I instinctively make kind of circles in the air with my arms like I’m doing backstroke whenever my bad arm feels heavy. So I think I’m compelled to swim for good reason.

I like to think I will be the worlds first woman to completely cure her own lymphoedema and burn her garments triumphantly never needing them again, via a heroic dedication to dogwalking and swimming regime...there’ll be legends about me in the medical literature...but realistically - I’m stuck with no lymph nodes and I’ve just got to make the bloody effort and get on with it and let go of all expectations. 

Swimming is perfect exercise for lymphoedema, particularly if you are not out in the sun. Years ago we were told to not lift or do anything vigorous with at risk limbs. That philosophy has been turned pretty much on its head; once your wounds have healed, get those lymphatic pumps working.
Unfortunately we don't always get the best advice about preventative measures, never mind,I think you are firmly on the right track. It will feel fabulous once your body gets used to the activity. Mxx

Ta @iserbrown - looks like Encore isn't running in my area, but I won't give up the search for a swimming regime. I feel a bit like I've slipped through the cracks at my lymphoedema physio, like I just show up and get measured and sent on my way again, without any proactive support and rehabilitation options anymore. Kind of frustrating. It's only occurring to me now sharply how important it was/is to exercise this arm of mine, and I don't think the physios impressed that on me well enough back then...so I'm going to have to rouse on them and ask them for specific names/classes/help this year. 

I've got myself a long sleeved rashie to wear to said swimming activities. I think I'll start swimming with that on, but no compression sleeve, and be cautiously watching to see if I have any problems. I'm just so anxious about doing myself some kind of permanent damage that it stops me from even trying ! Silly huh. But that's my mindset these days, after everything I've been through. 

http://www.ywcaencore.org.au/

Not available everywhere but check the website to see if it is near you

and this is another one for you to try perhaps
http://www.pincandsteel.org.au/

It's not very likely to happen. I've had lymphoedema now for nearly six years and even when I once got cellulitis (beware of manicures!) and could not wear my sleeve for a week, my arm didn't do anything alarming. It's wise to wear your sleeve as instructed, but not wearing it occasionally, particularly when the weather or environment is fairly cool, is unlikely to undo your good work. The exercise in the pool is beneficial all by itself. Happy swimming.