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I have had chest wall lymphedema for 4 years now. I don't have it in my arm but I do see a specialist at least every 6 months for follow up. I go into treatment if necessary. I have managed it very well but it is lots of work and one needs to be deligent in keep it stable. As for diet avoid salt and drink lots and lots of water. Never lift more then 5 pounds with the affected arm (a gallon of milk is 5 pounds) Exercise is very good although my lymphedema specialist says she does not recommend weight lifting. I have been to several specialist and they are all in agreement. One can damage the skin and tissues if too much pressure is used trying to move the fluid. It needs to be very gentle. Any cuts or scratches on arm and hand need to be watched so that one does not get cellulitis which is very serious and can happen immediately after an injury. I wear a jobst sleeve daily and take it off at night for maintenance. Massaging works well in the shower with the water running down the arm. Make sure the nodes are stimulated. Keep arm raised when riding or even just sitting down. Avoid hot showers, sauna, hot tub. No repetitive use of arm such as stirring, knitting, crotching etc. for long periods. Yes, it really sucks to have lymphedema but can be managed. One should wear an ID bracelet on the affected arm letting EMT's nurses, doctors know that there should not be any BP, blood taken from the arm. They call it a dead arm!! Good luck, hugs, Sandy
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