Great News and lymphedema question

[fauxgypsy]

My pet scan last week came back clear again. And an MRI I had because of pain in my hip showed nothing. Which is good even though I continue to hurt.

About six weeks ago I was getting out of the back seat of a pickup and felt like I pulled a muscle or something in my right arm. I didn't think anything about it but later that afternoon my index finger and my middle finger were swollen as was the area around those knuckles. The swelling gets worse occasionally but it has not gone away nor has it spread. At first my oncologist and my family doctor both said that it was not lymphedema and now they say it is. I didn't think that sudden swelling was a chracteristic of lymphedema but I am afraid that it will develop into it if I don't discover what is causing it. Any suggestions?

Leslie

[StephN]

- as a symptom of lymphedema. I had an infusion nurse once who told me that after 10 years she was on a day hike with a little backpack that brought hers on! I have also heard of things like insect bites starting it.

So, keep your arm raised as much as possible. Keep it OUT of the sun. There is a proper massage technique called Manual Lymph Drainage to learn for each area we are trying to clear. We need a GOOD and knowledgable physical therapist for this. Otherwise we can DAMAGE the lymph channels we are trying to help.

Getting early control is KEY to not having to do the nightly wraps and all that. Lymphedema can be a HUGE interruption in your life.

So you are right to mention it now and get it on your doc's radar screens.

[jones7676]

I would suggest massage of lymph node system to ensure they assist in alleviating the pressure. I have had sudden problems from time to time because of "events" and my physical therapist at the time said to work hard to alleviate it so that it does not become "woody". Even a brisk walk lifting your legs high can get your leg lymph nodes to help out. Good luck!

[PinkGirl]

Hi Faux

I have mild lymphedema and something called cording.
It can definitely come on quickly from over-use of the
affected arm.

If I forget and carry my groceries with my right hand,
within hours, my hand starts to swell.

Like everyone else said, it is best to get on this right
away before it gets worse. When it starts I do a very
gentle massage of the skin on my hand to help the fluid
move up my arm and towards my arm pit.
Hope this helps.

Congrats on the clear scans!!!