[Debbie L.]

Hi Michele,

Sorry to hear you're dealing with this. I hope that the PT that you refer to is a certified lymphedema therapist. Lymphedema is one of those conditions that really requires someone who knows what they're doing, or more harm than good can happen. Water exercise is fine but it's not enough.

I'm suspicious that you are not seeing a certified therapist, because if you were, you would not have to be asking us about garments - the therapist would be treating your lymphedema with massage, skin care, exercise, and compression and would be talking about ordering custom garments if those are needed (when the swelling is under control).

Your regular doc, your oncologist, or your surgeon should be able to refer you to a certified lymphedema therapist (they are often also PT's, in this country). Sometimes you'll have to travel a ways, if you live in a remote area, alas. But it will be worth it to get off to the right start in managing this condition.

You'll learn how to manage it yourself eventually (self-care) and you'll also learn what particular things set off your particular arm and also what particular things work best to make it behave. It's a pain in the neck, but a very-manageable one, once you get the right provider.

Keep us posted, okay?

Debbie Laxague