Update on lymphedema ?
 

I had posted I was dx with lymphedema a short time ago and the juzo sleeve caused a lump to form on my upper arm so I went to another specialists and he says he doesn't think it's lymphedema? It's definitely swollen but he thinks it's an infection under my skin? Pain when I apply pressure to my under arm between wrist and elbow? So he gave me an antibiotic to take for 3 weeks and will measure again in 6 weeks. Anyone else experience anything like this. I don't trust this diagnoses either. Not terribly worried just odd🌻

Re: Update on lymphedema ?
 

Hi Pray, I have never had lymphadema tho I wear a sleeve for lifting and flying. I have had infections in the skin at my nails that seems to cause a backup in lymph. I can actually see what looks like beads running up my lower arm that are tender. Once I had a cellulitis but not swelling per se. I am careful and watch, to catch things early and knock wood have been able to take care of them w oral antibiotics. I have called my family practice in off hours right away. We have 24 pharmacy near by. So I'll start the meds and go see her when they are open again. We have a trustworthy relationship so that may help.
Good luck with yours. Cathy
PS, if I lifted my arm the "beads" got smaller because it helped drainage. Can't hurt to elevate and keep it moving up and down

Re: Update on lymphedema ?
 

Hoping the meds work for you Pray and this is not Lymphedema and something easily treated.

Re: Update on lymphedema ?
 

Dear Pray, If you are not comfortable with the diagnosis, perhaps you should look into another cause for the swelling and discomfort.

Did any of the doctors or nurses mentioned the possibility of cellulitis? Is it red, do you have pain? is it warm to the touch?

Some of us in this organization have developed cellulitis due to poor circulation in the lymphatic system. Did you have your lymph nodes removed? At least you are on antibiotics and that should take care of the problem. Finish them all even if you do start feeling better, as it tends to recur.

Take care,

Adriana

Re: Update on lymphedema ?
 

I was wondering about cellulitis also. Although maybe all tied together. I have very mild Lymphedema but got cellulitis when arm got irritated by sun exposure. Immediately given Cipro and it worked
Keep the faith

Re: Update on lymphedema ?
 

Thank you ladies for your responses! My arm is not warm, or red. The dr. said he thought it felt hard? Pain only when my arm rest on a hard surface. Time tells all. Also, I had my dermatologists appt. today who said he knows nothing about lymph-edema though if he had to guess he would say it was lymph-edema. (too many guessers lol) I'm allergic to two of the antibiotic groups so I'm actually waiting until Sunday to start the antibiotic. ( I have a big shin dig this Saturday and don't want any surprise reactions) I will let you know how it goes. Thanks again Amazing Women!

Re: Update on lymphedema ?
 

Gosh don't wait too long to start treating it. Is there an antibiotic which you could begin right away? Seems not good to even be starting one you might be allergic to, ever

Re: Update on lymphedema ?
 

I dropped the script off at a brand new pharmacy. (a woman I know opened her own) I can't get it till tomorrow to tell you the name. I only remember its one I haven't had yet. The dr. is ok with me waiting till Sunday. Thanks for caring Bonnie!

Re: Update on lymphedema ?
 

Okay then!!! You have my permission!
Keep the faith

Re: Update on lymphedema ?
 

LOL! Your the best Bonnie!

Re: Update on lymphedema ?
 

Hi Pray,
I have lymphedema and have a hard area from back of elbow midway up my arm. Am told it is where more lymph fluid pools. I' ve always had it. Of course my whole arm is swollen but that one area is a swollen hard lump. I hope your problem resolves with antibiotics.

Re: Update on lymphedema ?
 

Hi, the antibiotic did not work. We don't beleive there is an infection. In three weeks we will try rapping to see if we can move the fluid out. Bummer still not the worse thing though. Also I still don't trust this dx either.?

Re: Update on lymphedema ?
 

I have a Juzo sleeve that causes distortion in my forearm and a lump on the back of my upper arm. I've never heard anyone else complain of this, but my arm definitely looks different when I wear that sleeve for a day. I also have a Solidea with double sleeves that doesn't do that weird thing. I ordered the Solidea online, but I bought the Juzo at a local shop that supposedly knew how to measure. I also ordered a gauntlet from them, also Juzo, that is so tight around the thumb that it cuts off circulation. Neither of these items is returnable, which makes me furious since they are so expensive.

I'd advise anyone shopping for sleeves to do so with care. Try on more than one, and by all means ask if you can return them.

Best to all,
Lynne

Re: Update on lymphedema ?
 

Lynn, that's awful. Since they are not returnable ( but should be!) can you contact the manufacturer directly? Perhaps they could send replacements or a refund
Keep the faith

Re: Update on lymphedema ?
 

I heard you should be able to get one measured and made specially for you?

Re: Update on lymphedema ?
 

Thank you Lynn, sounds like we share the same shopping history. I had bought the sleeves then told I didn't have lymph-edema and yes I do twice each now. Its a very expensive to have the wrong dx?

Re: Update on lymphedema ?
 

Suggest that you obtain a referral to a lymphedema-trained and certified therapist to assess your situation. I cannot diagnose your condition, but I would suggest that a course of complex decongestive therapy (CDT) by a certified lymphedema therapist (CLT or CLT-LANA), and then measurement for a custom (flat knit/seamed) compression sleeve might solve your problem. Custom sleeves are returnable within a month's time if they do not fit. An ill-fitted elastic sleeve can cause more problems than they solve.

Re: Update on lymphedema ?
 

I could not agree more. It's finding a therapist that's the problem. Some "schools" issue a certificate for a two-week online course or something similar. I went to two certified therapists, one of whom was associated with a hospital, and neither one really knew much. I have learned a lot on my own researching the 'net, and I agree that a bad sleeve can do more harm than good. I've also learned that there is an art to wrapping and that it's not just winding the stuff around the arm. I can actually manipulate the fluid pools by adjusting the pressure of the bandages.

I think I'm pretty much on my own at this point, but I'm not giving up. I've got a lead on a therapist in this area and will check her out. Until then, I'm doing the best I can with the three different styled sleeves that I have and my night-time bandaging. I can't believe there is so little research being done in this area - but I guess there's not enough money in it. Sigh.

Thanks for your post. It's good to talk to anyone who knows the problem. :-)