After having had a mastectomy due to breast cancer, i have developed lymphoedma?

Question

dont know to much about it am to my local harris hospice to hav a sleeve fitted on my arm,which i'm not to sure about i assume asleeve is some sort of support? has anyone had this?

Answer 1

Its like a compression bandage

Here is quite a good description
http://www.cancerresources.mednet.ucla.edu/4_reflections/4d_lymphedema.htm

Answer 2

Ive had lymphoedma for 10yrs and it can be kept under control by wearing a sleeve. The nurse can also show you how to gently massage and manually drain the fluid from your arm towards your chest area where other glands drain it away.
The sleeve is stretchy elastic, and quite firm and tight. The movement of your arm compresses the sleeve and the lymph fluid is forced up to the top of your arm where it can then drain.
It is important to wear the sleeve otherwise the lymph fluid can set like a gel, and it can be a lot more difficult to get rid of.
It can take some getting used to having to wear one, but you do get used to it.
Lymphoedma doesnt stop me doing anything. I work in a supermarket lifting heavy boxes. I do gardening.( very important to wear gloves to prevent infection).
The only time I wont wear one, is if im out in the sun. Or I'd have one arm brown and the other arm white.
Good luck

Answer 3

You already have some good answers about the sleeve. It's like a support stocking, but for the arm. Once you get used to it, you'll find it very comfortable, but you might need assistance to put it on.

As well as protecting your hands from injury with gloves when gardening, etc., don't let anyone take blood from that arm, or apply a blood pressure cuff.

Answer 4

You need to see a trained lymphodema specialist.

If the lymphodema is bad, you will need to have massage done by a trained professional, who will hopefully teach you how to do self massage to help manage your lymphodema in future. This is VERY different to a muscle massage so make sure the person knows how to do lymphodema massage!

The sleeve will also assist.

Avoid over exertion, but make sure you get moderate exercise, avoid overheating or lifting heavy weights.

Also avoid restrictive clothing, tight cuffs etc as these will increase symptomes.