acupuncture and lymphedema

[freyja]

Anyone know if one little acupuncture needle to the arm I had lymph nodes removed from is a bad thing?
Celeste

[hutchibk]

I learned to never allow a needle stick of any kind on my "lymphedema risk" arm... and this page seems to back that up: http://www.lymphnotes.com/article.php/id/23/

[sarah]

I don't think sticking a needle in your arm would be a good idea. I also was told to never have blood or blood pressure taken from that arm because of the potential for lymphdema. Even massage unless it is lymphatic massage would not be advisable. Whenever I accidentally prick myself in the garden, I quickly put an antiseptic on it.
Are you doing exercises (pumping motion) for the arm? or getting lymphatic massages? I take it you are having pain in that arm. These things may help.
Health and happiness
sarah