swelling hand

Please get checked out by an approved physio or OT listed on the NLpR found on BCNA site or ala site (they register and train therapists.) being on the executive I prefer thelymphoedema support group LSG NSW site www.lymphoedemasupport.com where you will find link to. ALA survive and thrive video featuring about 10 of us inc me. Watch all our stories. And also massage video. Link to. Booklet lsg and northern sydney CANCER ACTION NETWORK. Are launching on. 12th sept2013 please. Contact re further info Carol Sorry ipadis playing up again

It sounds very similar to when I was diagnosed with lymphedema.  I am looked after by an occupational therapist at the local publc hospital who is trained in lymphedema.  I think most hospitals have them. Like Mich I started in a standard sleeve but ended up in custom measured ones.  Whoever you go to should give you instructions on self massage which really helps.

Good luck.

Paula.

 

PS there is a small group on here called Lymphoedema that you could join.

Hi Julia

Yes i would like some names please, if you can recommended a good therapist that would be great .

Pip xx

Hi Mitch

Thanks for your feedback.

Yes it is in the arm that i had surgery on , i did have a few little scratches on the wrist that healed easily so i am suprised that this has happened .My breastcare nurse did recommend some one and i went to see them, but i didnt really get anything out of it , the therapist didnt seem certain it was lymphodema , she used some tape on my arm .it didnt do much and cost me $80. Now i have asked to see the pysio at the hospital who apparently has just been trained in lypmphatic drainage , this seems to be a gray area with no one really qualifed around the area i live in.

pip xxx

Hi Pip,  I have some good contact places for you if you are in Sydney, let me know..

Julia

 

Hey Pip

What you describe sounds like lymphodeama in your hand/arm.  Is it in the arm you had your surgery?  Have you had any scratches etc on that hand or arm.  Have you had anything tight on your wrist such as bracelet, watch, elastic band and so on.  Have you been on a plane or driven long distances?

Do you still have contact with your surgeon/breast nurse. Alternatively there are practictioners such as physiotherapists and bowen therapist that deal with lymphodeama. 

I had my arm measured following my lumpectomy and total axillary clearance  back in December 2011 and given a precautionary generic sleeve and glove sized to fit me as I was going to be flying to and from a holiday and driving long distances.  When I was remeasured when i thought I had lymphodeama my arm had swollen so I was measured correctly for a sleeve and glove from somewhere like Germany.

Hoping that helps.  You will need to see a practitioner to get a correct diagnosis and then if it is lymphodeama you will need regular lymphatic drainage done to settle it back down again.

Lots of love, Mich xooxoxxo