What are some tips to help with my lymphedema?

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JKJones (Pharmacist (Verified) ) - 11 / 08 / 2010

Here are some tips to ease the swelling:

- Some exercises to perform several times per day include:
- Hold the swollen arm higher than your heart for specific periods of time (15, 30, 45 minutes). You may do this while you're lying down.
- Open and close your hand 15 to 25 times while your arm is higher than your heart.
- Keep the limb with lymphedema raised higher than the heart when possible.
- Do not swing the limb quickly in circles or let the limb hang down.
- Use your arm normally as much as possible.
- Avoid tight clothes
- Do not carry things using the arm with lymphedema.
- Do not use a blood pressure cuff on the arm with lymphedema.
- Do not apply heat to the limb.
- Massage
- Practice good skin care - lotion to keep skin moist, ointment to treat cuts or breaks in skin, avoid needle sticks,
- Wear compression bandages or garments.
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Shared Experiences

Tanya (Family member) - 04 / 07 / 2011

Compression sleeves can be one of the most effective ways to reduce the swelling associated with lymphedema. There are many options available, but most look like a big bandage and can also be rough or heavy. Rachel Troxell and Robin Miller, two breast cancer patients who developed lymphedema started a company to design comfortable and fashionable compression bandages. The different patterns help to make the compression sleeve feel like an accessory to your outfit rather then looking like you have a bandage on your arm. They have a website too. http://lymphedivas.com/

Elynjacobs (Survivor (2 - 5 years)) - 05 / 16 / 2011

Consult a Lymphedma specialist if you are at risk or already suffer from this condition. In many cases they can avert, reverse or help you manage Lymphedema.
http://elynjacobs.blogspot.com/2011/04/road-to-recovery.html
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